My chameleon is acting STRANGE!!!... HELP!!!

[ethan99]

Sometimes my veiled chameleon (4 months, male) will open his mouth really wide for about a minute and squirm his body around randomly. I tried feeding him to see if he was hungry, but he didn't eat. Is this a bad sign?

 

[KarmaChameleon1337]

It either means he's mad (gaping), stretching because of shedding, or he has his mouth open because the temp is too high. Might be a medical reason that I'm unaware of. Vid?

 

[reptoman]

Sound like getting ready for a shed. I would up the misting for the next couple of days to help it go smoothly.

 

[markusl]

i'd say he could be dehydrated or overfedd

how much do you feed him?

Things can get stuck inside them. Ecspecially when feeding too much.

 

[Psychobunny]

I also vote for shedding.
They yawn, shake and puff up to break and loosen the old skin.

If he were only gapping w/o shaking, I would say its too hot and he
is panting, or you are doing something that pisses him off

 

[DavidBuchan]

Just from what you say it sounds most like a shed (which can also affect his appetite), so how long since his last one?
Here is a great all-round caresheet for Veileds that I recommend to everyone who has one - https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/chameleonsinmyhouse/395-veiled-chameleon-care-sheet.html

 

[mcbdz]

It would help if you fill out the questionnaire. That way everyone can get the whole picture and not just guess.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/how-ask-help-66/

 

[ethan99]

He last sheded about a week ago.

 

[DavidBuchan]

Fill out the form, give us some more clues.........or take him to the vet so you can be sure

 

[Trace]

A yawn, twist to the side followed by a shudder? Does it usually happen shortly after they’ve warmed up for the day? If so, it’s perfectly normal and I, personally, all it their morning stretch but others may have other pet terms for it. I can’t give any physiological reasons or if they do it leading up to a shed for it but all chameleons do it.

 

[DavidBuchan]

I didn't think of that because mine don't seem to do it, but if it's something he only does first thing after basking then it's the morning stretch and nothing to worry about like Trace said.