my new veiled cham(i'm a rookie)

[Jbot]

got him really cheap. this included the chameleon, a 29 gallon tank, one branch, a skimpy fake vine, a feeder dish and a big water bowl. i have a 65 gallon reptarium on its way thanx to ebay and i had to go out and buy him a uv light.

he's getting fatter now that i've been feeding him regularly, he was kinda skinny when i 1st got him. the guy said he would drink out of the bowl but i was skeptical until he actually did it today. i've only handled him 2x and i'm currently teaching my kids that he's very shy and that they need to be quiet around him.

he's only flared up on me a few times and he's getting comfortable grabbing food out of my open hand. chameleons are the coolest reptiles. i'll take some pics of him later when i get settled after my move and get his new cage set up properly.

 

[Sang]

He will have a far easier time if you add some live plants* from the safe list* for him to drink off, regular misting is important,


someone will post a link to help you with your vieled that i suggest you read * i really should favorite that site* raising kitty.
http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/ there it is


make sure to have more then just that one vine for him.

also you will want to pick up at least a humidty meter, and make sure to mist him 3-4 times a day.

lots others can giver you more if not better advice.

*what UVB bulb did you buy? spiral compact or tubular , you definatly want a tube style bulb. and at least a reptisun 5.0 uvb bulb.

 

[Jbot]

yeah, i've been misting him a few times every day. i went to walmart but didn't find any plants that were labeled. i will try again for some real plants tomorrow if i have time(in the middle of moving). he does have a humidity meter and thermometer btw, just forgot to list them.

 

[Sang]

Cage Info:

Cage Type - Describe your cage construction (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?

Lighting - What brand, model, and type 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?
Location - 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?

^some basic info that really helps us make sure everything is oK, and welcome to the forums.

 

[jannb]

Chameleons are fascinating creatures but can be very difficult to keep healthy and alive. Get rid of the water bowl so bacteria will not grow in the cage and set up a drip cup. Just take a plastic bowl and punch a tiny hole in the bottom so it can drip into the cage. You need a screen cage for ventilation. What kind of UVB light did you buy and what kind of supplements are you using? Lights, supplements and gutloading your feeders are a must to keep your cham healthy. I highly recommend reading and studying the site http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/ suggested above. I have read and re-read this info many times and refer back to it everytime I have a question. The "search" above works great and there's allot of experienced members here that will be glad to help you and answer any questions. If you'd like to answer the questions below everyone will be better able to help you raise a healthy chameleon. Jann

Cage Info:
Cage Type - Describe your cage construction (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
Lighting - What brand, model, and type 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?
Location - 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?

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.
Current Problem - The current problem that you are concerned about.

 

[jannb]

Also, if you can post pictures of your chameleon. Everyone can look for any up coming problems they may see.

 

[Jbot]

eh, right now it's just a crappy 29 gallon fish tank. i am impatiently awaiting the arrival of my reptarium. man, i hate slow mail delivery.

 

[Jbot]

also, i'm happy to report that my cham is looking healthier than b4. man, he was pretty puny last week. he has a fat belly now.

he also does drink from his water bowl. i make sure to give him fresh water 2x a day.

 

[Sang]

he may drink from the water bowl, but thats really not the best thing. he should be drinking the water build up from misting on the leaves.

water bowls get dirt, bacteria and other misc things built up, and what a bigger hassle that you have to change it 2x a day.