New Cham Question

Padose

Padose

New Member
Hey all, I just got my first chameleon on Friday. Woo hoo! He is a veiled from Backwater Reptiles, and he is definitely still getting acclimated. He will come out and bask a little when no one is in the room, but as soon as someone comes in he jets for cover. He's getting better, it'll just take time (it's only been a few days).
My main question is, how do you know when they have the "shakes?" I've done a ton of research, tons of reading on chameleons to make sure I do everything in my power to take care of this guy (sorry, my wife and I haven't decided on a name yet, suggestions?)
Anyway, when I watch him, especially if he knows I'm around, he kind of rocks back and forth as he moves. Kind of like a ruffling leaf. I have seen it in youtube videos, but I just wanted to make sure that what I am seeing is normal cautious movement for him, and not a sign that he is sick or deficient in some vitamin/mineral. Thanks for your help everyone!
 
my male veiled does the same thing, he picks up his foot and then rocks forward and back before putting it down. even when he's really going fast along a straight branch this is how he moves. it used to worry me too, but i know he's getting all his vitamins. I wonder sometimes if it has to do with the way their eyes work, because they often are looking in two directions at once they can't have good depth perception so maybe that back and forth sway helps them get a better sense of just where to put down their foot.
 
Welcome to the Cham world! You will enjoy your little guy for a long time if you listen all all the advice given in these forums :) The walk you describe is the leaf walk, its to blend in with leaves so predators can't find them, you know how leaves sway in the wind, well Cham's mimic that so they don't become predator food ;) Good luck on your little guy and i'm sure you will find a great name that fits him :)
 
I agree. Sounds like the leaf dance. Totally normal. My veiled did that for the first few months, but now that he's totally comfortable in his surroundings, he doesn't do it anymore.

Good luck with him! :)
 
When ever a cham is in a new place they act like a leaf so predators dont see them, its kinda weird lookin but completely normal. and you will know when they shake its kinda funny lol they just get super stressed and shake like crazy, they will be cool if it happens just let him chill for awhile with out distracting him. They say leave chams alone for around a week after getting them so they can settle into their new home
 
btw for nutrients i reccomend repashy bug burger for gut load and repashy calcium plus for nutrients. every feed works! good luck, post some pics
 
Thank you all! I really appreciate it. I was like 95% sure that it was a defense mechanism, but I wanted to be 100% He is making very good progress in warming up to his new place. The first couple days he hid as far in the back behind a plant as he could get, and now he will do minor roaming even when I'm in the room. He also is finally staying green, the first few days he was so dark! I am trying to make sure not to bug him except feeding, and introduce the first cricket by hand so he'll come to associate me with food. It's going to take a while I can tell, but I'm super excited to work with him and let him warm up to me when he's comfortable.
 
Good stuff, sounds like all is going well. I hope he continues to settle in nicely for you........... Hand feeding often requires patience at first but it seems like you have a great attitude to respecting his boundaries :)
 
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