Is my cham coughing?

[joneill]

I have an 11mth old male veiled who has started to make an odd sound. It does not sound like a cough, more like a pffff noise and he makes two of these in a row. I am at work all day so don't know how often he does it but I have heard it a few times lately. He usually makes the noises when I am near his enclosure or opening up to spray or clean. I have listened for a cracking or popping sound when he is chilling on a branch or basking but can't hear anything. He is eating, drinking, shedding and looking around as normal so don't know if its anything to be worried about but just want to make sure. I doubt that he has a respiratory infection as he lives in a flexarium which is covered in material mesh so its open on all sides with excellent ventilation.

 

[camimom]

I have an 11mth old male veiled who has started to make an odd sound. It does not sound like a cough, more like a pffff noise and he makes two of these in a row. I am at work all day so don't know how often he does it but I have heard it a few times lately. He usually makes the noises when I am near his enclosure or opening up to spray or clean. I have listened for a cracking or popping sound when he is chilling on a branch or basking but can't hear anything. He is eating, drinking, shedding and looking around as normal so don't know if its anything to be worried about but just want to make sure. I doubt that he has a respiratory infection as he lives in a flexarium which is covered in material mesh so its open on all sides with excellent ventilation.

Even under the best circumstances, they can get RI's. Now are you sure it isn't him hissing at you? Is he lunging at you, or does he see you and make this noise?

 

[Elizadolots]

The fact that you are hearing this when he's aware you are there makes me think he's trying to warn you off (he's a big scary lizard!). They don't typically advertise that they are sick. From my limited experience--and what I've read here--a "sick" cough is usually first heard when the chameleon doesn't think you are around. Right after turning the lights off, for example.

You should still keep an eye on him though.

 

[kongchi]

That Coughing sound let's you know he doesn't want to be bothered.

 

[carol5208]

they will make the "pfff" sound! My Romeo is so sweet now though, he never does it. It did it though when I was first beginning to handle him.

 

[Silkyslim]

Don't discount it though, my Samson has a "cough" of sorts since around 8 months I would hear during times of the day. It never sounded like much but did get more frequent and heavier if you will, now he is 19months and I took him to the vet a while back who diagnosed him with an RI and we been treating it since.

Not saying that is your case but this is my personal experience. So be attentive to your cham and watch for any changes.

 

[joneill]

Thanks everyone. I also got the impression that he is telling me off, so to speak. Its definitely not hissing cos I know exactly how that sounds (heard it enough times along with the gaping mouth)! They can be so cantankerous at times but somehow they are still adorable. Will keep a close eye on him tho to watch for any changes.

 

[camimom]

Thanks everyone. I also got the impression that he is telling me off, so to speak. Its definitely not hissing cos I know exactly how that sounds (heard it enough times along with the gaping mouth)! They can be so cantankerous at times but somehow they are still adorable. Will keep a close eye on him tho to watch for any changes.

Good luck! my guy kinda does it too, its like a warning noise.