New Cam owner with some questions

[mmagliocca]

I got my Veiled Chameleon through a relative who works with disadvantaged youth. It was in a home that was not taken care of well and from what it sounds like, neither was the chameleon. The owner had her for maybe a year. When I got her the cage had old strawberry peices sticking to the side of the cage. Everything I have read doesn't say anything about giving a chameleon fruit. I have been feeding her crickets, and some leafy greens that have been suggested on different care sheets. She is eating well, but sometimes when she is perched in her enclosure you can see her ribs. Is this OK or does it mean she needs to be eating more? Also, i know that chameleons aren't supposed to be handled much, but when I have tried to handle her she hisses and has even tried to bite. Is this normal. Any help and ideas will be welcome. Thanks

 

[hallenhe]

Hello, and welcome to the forums.

You may already have read this, but if you haven't, the following is more or less the Veiled Chameleon Bible:
http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/

Veileds will sometimes eat fruit; however, strawberry pieces sticking to the side of the cage are not quite the best manner of presentation; more usually, plant matter is offered and removed pretty shortly if the chameleon has not eaten it.

Ribs showing may or may not be a matter for great concern. It's a little bit of a hassle to fill out, but the following form allows us to have the best idea of what may or may not need to be addressed with your cham:
Cage Info:
Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
Lighting - What brand, model, and types 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?
Placement - 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?
Location - Where are you geographically located?

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.

Finally, a picture of the chameleon would be useful, if possible.

 

[chameleonneeds]

It is normal if she is aggressive to you, chameleons are not social animals, dont be surprised when one day she gets a nice bite into you.

A chameleons attitude depends on the attitude, I have a male that is nice and placid, a very shy female and a very aggressive female.

-Tyrone