CNorton
Avid Member
I recently lost a WC Kinyongia Matschiei that appeared to have died by either parasites or some other unknown reason. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions from experience keepers that are familiar with Multituberculata Fischeri, Matschiei, Tavetanum, Tenue, Uthmoelleri, or even those that see something out of sorts with my keeping techniques.
Cage Info:
Cage Type - 24 x 24 x 48" Aluminum screen cage
Lighting - Reptisun 5.0 and 20w basking bulb
Temperature - 74 degrees ambient during day with low 80s basking and temp drop to high 60s at night
Humidity - Humidity was up and down due to the mister but I never used a humidifier. I was told if I misted enough, Kinyongias shouldn't need extra.
Plants - Pothos
Placement - Spare room where there was little to no traffic and a dedicated A/C to keep him cool
Location - Los Angeles area...generally pretty dry
Chameleon Info:
Your Chameleon - Kinyongia Matschiei- male, WC, appreared to be 1.5yrs old. Was in imported and in my care for one month before passing.
Handling - First 3 weeks only once. And then everyday to give him Reptaid. I cradled him while I gave him the suggested dosing for 5 days straight. He never gaped or hissed and I had to pull his chin skin down to give Reptaid.
Feeding - Gutloaded with Cricket Crack- dubias, crickets, and flies. He never ate more than 3 crickets per week or equivalent.
Supplements - Calcium without D3 and only once did I dust with vitamins and D3.
Watering - 5 minute shower, 20 min, and 5min. (MistKing) 4 hour dripper everyday. He was well hydrated and I observed drinking severeal times.
Fecal Description - I never once found a stool but found several urates. His intestines felt very soft and not at all impacted.
Before I left for the weekend, at the end of a 5 day Reptaid treatment, he looked very well hydrated and healthy. I was always worried about his diet as he barely ate anything compared to my 9 mo old Panther. I did not set up his dripper for 2 days as I was gone for the weekend. The lights and mister are on automatic. When I found him dead after this weekend, he was laying on his side at the bottom of the cage. It was already stinking so I'm guessing when I got home Monday morning, he had already been dead a day or two. When I removed his body, there was a worm that must have left his mouth. Pic attached.
Any ideas why he might have died? Parasites (worm)? Dehydration? Eating? Any help is really appreciated.
Cage Info:
Cage Type - 24 x 24 x 48" Aluminum screen cage
Lighting - Reptisun 5.0 and 20w basking bulb
Temperature - 74 degrees ambient during day with low 80s basking and temp drop to high 60s at night
Humidity - Humidity was up and down due to the mister but I never used a humidifier. I was told if I misted enough, Kinyongias shouldn't need extra.
Plants - Pothos
Placement - Spare room where there was little to no traffic and a dedicated A/C to keep him cool
Location - Los Angeles area...generally pretty dry
Chameleon Info:
Your Chameleon - Kinyongia Matschiei- male, WC, appreared to be 1.5yrs old. Was in imported and in my care for one month before passing.
Handling - First 3 weeks only once. And then everyday to give him Reptaid. I cradled him while I gave him the suggested dosing for 5 days straight. He never gaped or hissed and I had to pull his chin skin down to give Reptaid.
Feeding - Gutloaded with Cricket Crack- dubias, crickets, and flies. He never ate more than 3 crickets per week or equivalent.
Supplements - Calcium without D3 and only once did I dust with vitamins and D3.
Watering - 5 minute shower, 20 min, and 5min. (MistKing) 4 hour dripper everyday. He was well hydrated and I observed drinking severeal times.
Fecal Description - I never once found a stool but found several urates. His intestines felt very soft and not at all impacted.
Before I left for the weekend, at the end of a 5 day Reptaid treatment, he looked very well hydrated and healthy. I was always worried about his diet as he barely ate anything compared to my 9 mo old Panther. I did not set up his dripper for 2 days as I was gone for the weekend. The lights and mister are on automatic. When I found him dead after this weekend, he was laying on his side at the bottom of the cage. It was already stinking so I'm guessing when I got home Monday morning, he had already been dead a day or two. When I removed his body, there was a worm that must have left his mouth. Pic attached.
Any ideas why he might have died? Parasites (worm)? Dehydration? Eating? Any help is really appreciated.
Last edited by a moderator: