New chameleon, its sick =[

[thebeachbum]

Cage Info:
Cage Type -20gal glass cage (buying a screen cage tomorrow)
Lighting - Zoomeds 60w daylight blue bulb/ Zoomeds red night bulb
Temperature - Havent been able to measure
Humidity - havent been able to measure
Plants - fake plants
Location - on my dresser probably 4ft high

Chameleon Info:
Your Chameleon - Female Veil had for 2 days probably 4" long body (without measuring tail)
Handling - Took in shower, didnt let water hit her, tried to rehydrate her
Feeding - Crickets and meal worms since thats all i could get ahold of the past 2 days, put
Supplements - Zoomeds Reptivite
Watering - Do the ice on the top of the screen 2 times a day, she rarely drinks it
Fecal Description - havent seen any yet
History - came in a tiny cage without something to climb on
Current Problem - wont climb or eat, and I'm almost sure she has MBD

She doesnt seem to be eating, drinking and rarely climbs. My brothers friend had her for a few days and i asked to take care of her since she was in a small tank. I moved her to a 20gal tank that i decorated with fake plants and vines and she seemed happier, but she still isnt eating. Tomorrow i plan on buying a screen cage since my paycheck comes in. I think I'm stressing a little too much.

Thanks
thebeachbum

 

[kinyonga]

Could be the changes or there could be another reason.
Does she have a place to dig in case she has eggs to lay?

Since you have only had her for a short time the following things probably have nothing to do with the problem, but are not what is recommended for husbandry...

She needs a UVB linear tube light and unless the temperature drops below the mid 60's at night she doesn't need heat (or light) at night.

Temperature is important to allow for good digestion.

Supplements should include a phos.-free calicum powder dusted on the insects at most feedings. A vitamin powder (with a beta carotene source of vitamin A) and a phos.-free calcium/D3 powder dusted on the insects twice a month.


Generally ice cubes are not recommended...the water is too cold. Misting and using a dripper are what is recommended.

You said..."wont climb or eat, and I'm almost sure she has MBD"...quite possible if she has not been supplemented with calcium or had exposure to UVB. A vet could do tests if there are no obvious signs of MBD and can quickly correct the problem if it does have MBD.
Can you post a picture?

 

[Julirs]

beachbum-where are you located-and the only reason I ask is that my duaghter came home this weekend and let me know a local petstore is selling a bunch of baby Veileds that are in Kritter Keepers (and we are near the beach)! Since she is in a glass cage you MUST know your temps-glass cages heat up very very fast and cook chameleons. Mist her with warm water-which means it is hot coming out of the tap, until the plants are good and drippy.

 

[BocaJan]

Could you please post a pic?

 

[thebeachbum]

I'm located in huntington Beach. When i get home from work in 4 hours ill get pictures.

 

[skeeta]

When you get home make sure you read (and bookmark) this http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/

 

[thebeachbum]

well I dont have a camera right now, but when i came home and started misting the cage, she started drinking, and she actually started to climb as i started to mist higher up, so i hope shes doing better. I dont work tomorrow and going to take her to a vet thats around the corner, does anyone know how much a calcium shot is to help the MBD that im almost 100% sure she suffered/s from. She seems a lot better though.

Still havent seen her eat, also do you think she may want to lay eggs?

 

[Lancecham]

It's hard to say why she isn't eating because you don't know how she was cared for before you got her. A body size of 4 inches is a little small for a female to lays eggs safely. If she is gravid, you could see and feel the eggs in her abdomen. Why do you think she has MBD? Are the bones crooked?
If you can't get her in to see a vet right away I could take a look at her if you like. I work in the Westminster area (Beach Blvd and 405 fwy).
PM me if you are interested.
Lance

 

[thebeachbum]

Thanks, sent you a pm.

But her back legs have "ankle" like features that i havent seen on any pictures of chameleons. I'm not sure if its ok to take her out tomorrow since it may only get to 70 or so, (hopefully). Should i leave the UVB lamp on over night? It doesnt affect my sleep and i bearly had it on for a good 4 hours. She drinks a little now and then. I got a temp gauge and humidity gauge and its 75*F with 65-70% humidity. I know its a bit humid and it may be cold, but how can i heat it up in there?

Thanks
Beachbum

 

[Lancecham]

It should be ok to take her out. My adult veileds are still living outside, so it should be ok. No you don't need any lights or heat lamp at night. I believe you said you had a glass enclosure, normally I would say to increase the wattage of your heat bulb, but in your case, you may cook her by increasing the wattage of the bulb as the glass traps all the heat. Get that screen enclosure ASAP. And call me in the morning.
Lance

 

[thebeachbum]

will do, going to have to wait till i get paid friday for the cage, tried to ask the dad to let me barrow money but he wont so friday I'll order one for him. What should i turn this old cage into since i dont want it going to no use. Maybe something to grow feeders for?

 

[Lancecham]

Yes, it could hold your crickets or most other feeders.

 

[thebeachbum]

could i start breeding crickets? Took her outside today for like 2 hours, she loved it. Put her back in her cage, she moved a bit then just stopped. took her out and put her in the shower again, and she just sticks her tongue out all the way and lets it hang there, its weird. like it slowly comes out. Trying to find a vet to take her to near me.