My chameleon is a angry little bugger

[CBCAMO]

I have just built a new cage for my chameleon and it is twice the size of the old one, and it has a ton of branches for climbing and is a perfect set up, way better then the last one he had. I'm noticing that he has his mouth open a lot now and he sometimes has a crazy look in his eyes, like he is angry at something and he puffs up his neck. I catch him doing it a lot lately and he's never done it before I built this new cage. Also he trys to bite me when I go too grab him now too. he just seems so pissed at everything now. I haven't seen him drink any water at all this past week iv had him in his new home but im not home all day to watch him. There is always water available for him to drink. Can his mouth being open a lot mean he is dehydrated or is he just a crazy little bastard?

 

[carol5208]

keeping their mouth open is not a sign of dehydration. There are usually three causes: the one you stated that they are angry, that they are too hot, or they are having trouble getting air or breathing which could be a sign of respiratory infection.

 

[CBCAMO]

Interesting! well he looks really healthy, great colour, eating lots, strong grip, and he moves around a lot. Ventilation can't get any better! Temp and humidity is good. Hmmm.....I guess that means he doesn't like me But I'll never give up on it!!! we'll be friends one day. lol thanks

 

[DavidBuchan]

What species is he and how old? If he's a male Veiled and he's big enough for his adult enclosure then it's sort of expected that they get a little more 'territorial' - grumpy little monsters going through their terrible teenage phase.
There may however be something about his new house that he finds particularly offensive and stressful. If you think it might be something about his new decor (and it could be something really daft like he can see a mirror now, or he hates the colour of a new plant) you should keep a close eye on him to see if you can work it out.

 

[CBCAMO]

I think he's about 6 months old and yes! he is a male veiled chameleon. I built him a new cage because his last one sucked and I wanted to make a nice big cage with lots of stuff for him to climb and places to hide. But I noticed he was looking up with his crazy eyes and his mouth open at the infrared heat lamp I have. So maybe thats whats pissing him off, I'm going to take it out just incase. It's just a extra source of heat anyway.

 

[RealIzeRecognIze]

He might just be a crazy bastard.. lol. Too me he sounds too hot in his new environment. You said you had an infrared heater for him? I would take it out and just setup an incandescent bulb for him. I'm not sure of what temp a younger veiled should be at but you'll have to try different bulbs and maybe rearrange the lamp a little.

 

[allencg101]

I think he's about 6 months old and yes! he is a male veiled chameleon..

get use to it dude he's in his teenage years and the additude won't stop!!! gotta love that don't mess with me additude!!! some people say they are mean i just think its a territorial instinct and that their property not yours. my male el grumpo is like that too he will eat from my hand and drink from it but when it comes to cleaning and taking it on its like world war 10 its that bad he is healthy but thats just how they are

 

[RealIzeRecognIze]

Its a healthy sign that they're territorial but my female veiled is still very skidish after the 6 months I've had her now and territorial.. if I get close with my hands. Also she was very mad at a new plant I added in her enclosure chomping at it vigorously lol.
Your male sounds like he is too warm tho and is adjusting to his new territory.

 

[Rango183]

He has to be a male veiled.Mines do the same thing when I first got him he came right out and got on my hand but when i put him in the cage he havent let me touch him again =(

 

[CBCAMO]

Thanks for the info everyone! I'm gunna loose the infrared heat and buy a pair of gloves like allencg101 lol

 

[allencg101]

and buy a pair of gloves like allencg101 lol

trust me when he gets full grown you will need them

 

[CBCAMO]

No Shit! That things a monster!! One of the biggest chameleon's I've ever seen buddy. Need welding gloves just to hold him lmao!! very impressive