Is she egg bound?

[Gertrudethechameleon]

I started teaching high school life science this year and was "gifted" a chameleon for my classroom (more or less it was abandoned in my room). I know little to nothing about reptiles. Within the last couple of weeks her demeanor has really started to change, and not in a good way. She has always preferred her privacy, but she's been extra sensitive lately. She's also started digging a hole in the bottom of her cage. My husband and I are in the middle of building her a new enclosure because the one that came with her has rocks, mud, ect (a great breeding ground for bacteria). My theories are that she's dehydrated, egg bound, or has a bacterial issue.


Overall, here is a summer of my observations:

1. extra irritable
2. not eating (maybe 1 cricket a day... maybe)
3. digging a hole at the bottom of her cage
4. bloated stomach
5. closes left eye for extended periods of time
6. more frequently brown instead of her normal bright green/blue

 

[Ghostbirb]

I started teaching high school life science this year and was "gifted" a chameleon for my classroom (more or less it was abandoned in my room). I know little to nothing about reptiles. Within the last couple of weeks her demeanor has really started to change, and not in a good way. She has always preferred her privacy, but she's been extra sensitive lately. She's also started digging a hole in the bottom of her cage. My husband and I are in the middle of building her a new enclosure because the one that came with her has rocks, mud, ect (a great breeding ground for bacteria). My theories are that she's dehydrated, egg bound, or has a bacterial issue.


Overall, here is a summer of my observations:

1. extra irritable
2. not eating (maybe 1 cricket a day... maybe)
3. digging a hole at the bottom of her cage
4. bloated stomach
5. closes left eye for extended periods of time
6. more frequently brown instead of her normal bright green/blue

Hello and welcome, I’m sorry this is happening to your girl! It definitely sounds like she is gravid and wanting to lay eggs! Do you have a lay bin?

If you see her continuing to dig, leave her be, we want her to lay them as smoothly as possible.
Do you have a good reptile vet in your area? I can get @elizaann2 to share the vet list if needed.


Would you also be able to fill out this husbandry form?


Chameleon Info:

• Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
• Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
• Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
• Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with, and what is the schedule?
• Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long do you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
• Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
• History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Cage Info:

• Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
• Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
• Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
• Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
• Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
• Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high-traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
• Location - Where are you geographically located?

Current Problem -

Photos are very helpful so if you could share some that would be awesome.

 

[SteveH]

Hi, it definitely sounds like she is gravid and looking to lay her eggs. She will need a lay bin similar to this. Reduced eating at this time is normal but the closed eyes is a concern.

 

[MissSkittles]

Can you post some pics of her and her enclosure, including the lights? It would be ideal if you could answer all of the questions above so we could get a more complete idea of her condition and a better idea of if she will even be able to lay eggs without veterinary care. However, if you could at the least let us know the following, that would be a huge help.
- What type of chameleon is she?
- What type of uvb does she have?
- What is her basking temperature?
- How much is she fed and how often?
- What supplements are you using and how often for each one?
- What is her approximate age?
- Have you provided her a lay bin?
- How long has she been digging?
- What is your general location? *we can help find a good vet usually.

 

[kinyonga]

Welcome to the forum and the world of chameleons!
Photos of her and the cage please.

 

[elizaann2]

Hello and welcome! Attached you will find our vet list