ID my chameleon please

[DRaath]

hi. please help me ID my chameleon and sex it. i think its a female

http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag135/dawidraath1/IMG-20121117-00139.jpg

http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag135/dawidraath1/IMG-20121119-00149.jpg

 

[Trace]

It is a young female Flapneck Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis). Judging by those black marks on her face and body she is most likely wild caught although they could have been obtained from living too close with other chameleons at the dealer or both. Those will disappear with subsequent sheds. Apart from that she looks pretty good.

 

[DRaath]

1. Thanx!

2. Oh no yes she was wild. Is that a concern? I've read up they can get pregnant by themselves? And need ground to dig in, and if not die? I was really hoping its not a female for that reason. I didn't know as much about them as I've read now, I wouldve known better.

3. What's the black spots? Does she look healthy?

 

[camimom]

1. Thanx!

2. Oh no yes she was wild. Is that a concern? I've read up they can get pregnant by themselves? And need ground to dig in, and if not die? I was really hoping its not a female for that reason. I didn't know as much about them as I've read now, I wouldve known better.

3. What's the black spots? Does she look healthy?

Wild caught chameleons oftentimes come in with parasites, so it is recommended to get a fecal test done to determine if she has any, and what to treat her with.

they cannot get pregnant by themselves, they still need a male. that being said, if she bred before she came in, she could very well lay eggs, and i believe, also lay a retained clutch several months after that. (females can hold sperm in their bodies, and can lay one clutch, then lay another a while later)
They do need dirt/sand to lay their eggs in. a recommended method is to get a 5 gallon bucket, and fill it with at least 12 inches of washed playsand or dirt, that is damp enough to hold a tunnel, and place it in her cage. she will lay eggs if/when shes ready.
females are not hard, just different, do some reserach on this forum, or ask any questions you have, and someone will respond.

as for the black marks, they are scratches/bruises, probably from being climbed on or picked on by other chameleons. in time, as trace said, they will go away with shedding and a good habitat.

 

[DRaath]

thanx alot.

i just take her into the vet for the fecal test right? she seems to be adapting very well and enjoying her habitat. she climbs onto my hand easily now, when holding it infront of her. she didnt before and got very upset. only to move her not for petting.

for now i only have her in a large tank. unable to place a bucket inside. trying to find means of building a large upright habitat.

thanx for all the advice. been reading up alot. looking for some personal tips on how best to look after her.

 

[camimom]

You actually may not have to take her to the vet for the test. Some vets allow you to just bring in the freshest poop you can find and give to them for testing,
if she tests clean, then you are good, if Not, then they require you to bring her in so she can get examined and prescribed the correct medication needed to treat her,

 

[DRaath]

Thanx a mil

After long research its seems these guys are illegal where I live. Since they are endangered. You need a permit for them. Shocking. Most of them get run over by cars when crossing the street. Rest are poached.

 

[camimom]

Where do you live?