My egg is hatching, what do I need?

[Timeless Storm]

The Panther chameleon egg I bought in October is hatching! What do I need to be ready for when it emerges? Do I open the container it's in or do I just wait for it to come out of the egg all the way? Should I keep it in the dark area until its all the way out or can I the container be out in the light now?

I'm going to get fruit fly culture today, I have a hand mister that I use for my gecko, I figure I can use that for the chameleon as well, at least for awhile. I know I'll need a uvb light as well.

I have critter keepers, will that do while its still tiny, or can chameleons go straight into a full size enclosure? I plan to go the bioactive route.

 

[jannb]

Congratulations! Fruit flies will be needed. They usually start eating 2 days after hatch. You will need calcium without D3 and Reptivite with D3 for twice a month use. Don’t start the Reptivite until the baby is at least 2 weeks old. You will need to mist the baby 2 to 3 times a day. At first I feed 3 times a day.

I use a baby bin to house babies until they are 2 months old. I’ll attach a picture of my bins and lighting. They need to stay no warmer than 80 at the hottest spot. May sure your lights are up off of the bin.

 

[kinyonga]

You said…”Do I open the container it's in or do I just wait for it to come out of the egg all the way?”…opening the container too often can dry out the air and substrate, etc inside the container and make it harder for the chameleon to get out of the egg. Leaving the container open will make things even drier. I have always left the lid on until the baby is out of the egg and walking around.

 

[elizaann2]

There is a great podcast called the Panther Chameleon Podcast from Chameleon Academy, it walks you through care from a hatchling. You can find it on Spotify.

https://chameleonacademy.com/panther_chameleon_podcast/