Neptune Enclosure Thread

[Andee]

So this will overall be the enclosure thread of the WIP and finished product while I work on Neptune's cage.

But I also wanted to update people with his health. He went to our new exotic vet whom I love a lot (our move has been very successful). We have decided not to move him to his new cage until his current medical care is finished. Neptune is apparently 11 years old (older than i thought) since he was recorded older than i thought he was when I first got him but also that makes sense he was extremely stunted in growth. Still is a little man for a male veiled. He has a small lip infection and definitely has some problems with eye sight (the sight is age related). Most he just struggles with depth perception and focusing when shadows are present. No issues with vitamins etc. He has been doing extremely well with his new feeder cup and has gained 20 grams. His lip infection has not moved into his mouth or nose and so just seems to need some silvadine cream (if all goes well. Fingers crossed) vet wants to play it safe with avoiding oral antibiotics if we can because of his age and his high distaste for handling. He is showing signs of doing better with the current temp cage so im excited to move him into his new one when its time.

I got a hybrid dragonstrand and could not be more happy with it. No damage with shipping. Can't wait to show pics.

 

[MissSkittles]

Neptune is apparently 11 years old

WHAT??? This has to be a typo…i’m so confused right now.

 

[Andee]

WHAT??? This has to be a typo…i’m so confused right now.

Not a typo. He is not much older than I originally though he was at late 9-early 10 years old. He has signs of mild arthritis but nothing bad enough for meds, he has less strength in his grip but no signs of pain. Definitely needs to be set up for his next year or two. He is very very old. It's not common but I have heard its not impossible. But I also have had old female Jackson's but had a panther who had a severe illness that shortened his life to 5-6years so *shrugs*

 

[Andee]

WHAT??? This has to be a typo…i’m so confused right now.

I got Neptune as a rescue about... 9ish years ago. So him being marked at 18 months-2 years when I got him makes sense and I know he was an adult and stunted from his original home

 

[MissSkittles]

Holy poo! You have a veiled who is approx 11 years old?!? That is the oldest that I’ve heard of! Honestly, what have you been doing which is different than the standard husbandry? If we get our veileds and panthers to 7+, we think that is awesome. @DeremensisBlue @Motherlode Chameleon @kinyonga @jannb @JacksJill You all know and have experienced so very much more than me - is this possibly the oldest veiled you’ve heard of?

 

[Andee]

Not much difference than standard of care than perhaps how I feed and the fact that he gets natural sunlight a minimum of one time a week. He gets a shower once a week now too that started about 1.5 to two years ago. He just needs to tank up occasionally. I dont use foggers at all. Have a really nice hand mister for supplemental misting if needed. I mean Neptune has had his struggles. With his eyesight I was horrified he would die from slow starvation because he doesnt hand feed and I was struggling to make or find a feeder cup that accommodated his needs. Now we are all good. I also dont handle him much (he is someone who really is reactive and territorial). I move him from the shower and I move him from outside to inside and thats it. Unless he needs medication.

But Hope, my female Jackson's lived to be just around 5 years old. I was incredibly surprised because she had the worst MBD I've ever seen in a chameleon and she survived and thrived that way until she got so old that it came back even with liquid calcium and dusting along with a URI.

So im not sure what causes long lived chameleons vs not. I think low stress is important, varied feeders raised on a healthy diet from beginning to end, and plenty of hydration. But... I dont really do anything different i think.

 

[kinyonga]

I can’t say I’ve heard of one living that long…at least not that I remember. Nice going @Andee ! Could be partly genes but husbandry has to be a big part of it too, that helps them live long lives.

 

[Andee]

I can’t say I’ve heard of one living that long…at least not that I remember. Nice going @Andee ! Could be partly genes but husbandry has to be a big part of it too, that helps them live long lives.

I know he is probably in his last year. He is falling more often. Not a lot but enough that senior set up is happening today even in the temporary cage. No real signs of severe arthritis or pain. His grip just isn't quite as a strong. No signs of MBD. So its just... adjusting to being older I assume and getting weaker. I will probably have him checked by the vet again if it increases or because a high concern. But he is old, i am aware of this. So there is only so much we can do.

 

[kinyonga]

He’s lucky to be with you!

 

[jamest0o0]

What live plants have you used in neptunes enclosure?