New Cham

[Lrogers]

Hi everyone, I brought my veiled Cham Marvin home yesterday and he is still a pretty dark brown color.
I was just wondering is this normal and how long it normally takes to settle in!
I’ll attach a picture of him and the enclosure

 

[Gloriawood]

Welcome to both you and Marvin!!! It can take a while for these guys to settle in. His color looks pretty normal to me for just being moved to his new home. Give him a few days. It can take up to two weeks for them to fully get comfortable in a new environment. I’ll attach some photos of my guy, he generally shows dark colors during the day especially while basking, that are pretty similar to what Marvin is showing. Don’t mind his shed in the picture haha!

I would like to suggest replacing the fake plants with live ones however. Veiled chameleons love to munch on plants and plastic ones can cause impaction. He may not seem interested in them now, but when he gets used to his new home, that will likely change. You can still use them for coverage if you like, just attach to the outside of his enclosure. That’s what I do and my Cham loves hiding behind them I’ll also attach a list of Cham safe plants, just pay attention to which ones are marked ‘veiled tested’. Those are the ones you want.

 

[Paradalis]

Congrats! I hope you have a great time with your cham. If you need any help just holler.
Here are some links if you need help with husbandry: Chameleon Academy ~ YouTube ~ Neptune The Chameleon ~ YouTube
Here are some links for food and supplies: Food ~ Food as well ~ Leap Supplies ~ Arcadia
And here is a link for some discounts: Neptune the Chameleon Discount
Enjoy your new chameleon!

Just like @Gloriawood said, it could take up to 2 weeks for a new chameleon to get settled into their new home. During that time you want to give your cham space, no handling, and you don’t really want he. To see you just staring at them. You want them to have a good first impression in their new home. I did this with my cham and he has settled in perfectly. Here are 2 video links that you should watch for when you get your new chameleon: Chameleon Academy Neptune the Chameleon

 

[Ghostbirb]

Hello! Welcome to the forum!
It would be awesome if you could fill out the questions below so we can help you give the best care to your new little guy!


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.

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?

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.



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Please Note:

1. The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
2. Photos can be very helpful.

 

[Lrogers]

Welcome to both you and Marvin!!! It can take a while for these guys to settle in. His color looks pretty normal to me for just being moved to his new home. Give him a few days. It can take up to two weeks for them to fully get comfortable in a new environment. I’ll attach some photos of my guy, he generally shows dark colors during the day especially while basking, that are pretty similar to what Marvin is showing. Don’t mind his shed in the picture haha!

I would like to suggest replacing the fake plants with live ones however. Veiled chameleons love to munch on plants and plastic ones can cause impaction. He may not seem interested in them now, but when he gets used to his new home, that will likely change. You can still use them for coverage if you like, just attach to the outside of his enclosure. That’s what I do and my Cham loves hiding behind them I’ll also attach a list of Cham safe plants, just pay attention to which ones are marked ‘veiled tested’. Those are the ones you want.

That was my plan today, im going to stop and try to find as many plants as possible in my area, its around 9 degrees outside right now so its a little hard

 

[Gloriawood]

That was my plan today, im going to stop and try to find as many plants as possible in my area, its around 9 degrees outside right now so its a little hard

Oooo I know what you mean! It’s been the same where I am too (southern Missouri)