Just got my female (I believe) panther chameleon

[MK’s munchkin]

I just got a female panther chameleon. She was abandoned by her owner. She has been eating extremely well. I am wondering if there is any health issues I should watch for. I don’t know a lot about her life before me. Can anyone tell me if she looks good or if I need to consider doing anything different to help her out.

 

[AmandaS]

Here is some recommended information to include when asking for help in the health clinic forum. By providing this information you will receive more accurate and beneficial responses. It might not be necessary to answer all these questions, but the more you provide the better. Please remember that even the most knowledgeable person can only guess at what your problem may be. Only an experienced reptile veterinarian who can directly examine your animal can give a true diagnosis of your chameleon's health.


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 to 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 - The current problem you are concerned about.

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Please Note:

1. The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
2. Photos can be very helpful.

 

[Hashtag ChamLife]

I just got a female panther chameleon. She was abandoned by her owner. She has been eating extremely well. I am wondering if there is any health issues I should watch for. I don’t know a lot about her life before me. Can anyone tell me if she looks good or if I need to consider doing anything different to help her out.

As linked above, filling out the husbandry form will allows us (the collective community] to better help you "adjust anything" that you may not even know you're doing wrong. The fact you came here for help means you're on the right path, so welcome!

First, yes it does look like a female... which is a gift a curse. The females don't have the flashy colors... but have lots of subtle colors and plenty of beauty. I love all 5 of my ladies, and my MBD girl the most. They will pretty much gorge at every feeding so you the keeper have to be mindful of that. For example, worms carry more fluid which can cause excess water in the stool leading to dehydration... but worms are also great if your having trouble getting her to drink.

Females are going to need a lay bin as they will lay regardless of mating. Your girl looks nice and "healthy" (weight wise), or a bit on the skinny side. You want to look at the face/head/casque(all the same general area)... if she looks like a kid with a "chubby face", she's getting too much food. Also the legs and feet, same thing.

This is the bare bones basic info... once you fill out that husbandry form you'll have more feedback then you can imagine... just remember that everyone here is VERY passionate about chams! If you take nothing else away from this... get her a lay bin in there OR a large potted plant [that you've properly cleaned and repotted].

One of my girls attached for reference. Shes also new to me.

I hope the best for you and your girl!!