New here first time veiled owner

[Irishboy85]

Hey everyone new here!! So o believe we got our female veiled around the end of August 2015 we got her from a breeder and don't know how old she was.. She was still a baby maybe someone can give me an idea how old she is now! Our female has been acting kind of strange lately hiding in a dark corner, not really eating her crickets, seems like she's trying to escape! She just hangs out at the door opening sticking her snout into the corner like she's trying to open it!!she is out first chameleon so just curious what this could be!! She also was eating something off the top of her laying bin... Don't know what but she just hangs and keeps trying to get something!! Here's a picture of her and out enclosure!! Thanks for any help!!

 

[jpowell86]

Welcome to the Forums! By the size of her, she may be gravid. I will say that I think it's time to upgrade to a 24x24x48 for her sake, she definitely isn't a baby. I'm guessing that her behavior is a result of either her being gravid or feeling confined. In my experience, days before the female begins to dig, she will pace the cage and act much differently than the norm. Also, when a chameleon has outgrown their enclosure, they will act this way. May be a good idea to put her in a bigger enclosure and see if this calms her down. The only other thing I might consider is temperature. What wattage of light are you running as far as basking is concerned?

 

[Irishboy85]

we definately are wanting to get her a bigger cage and are upset we were misinformed in the store about what size she would need unfortunately budget is tight right now so we will get her in a bigger enclosure as soon as we can!! we have a 50w day heat basking bulb !! She doesnt seem to look really fat like shes carrying eggs but ive never seen a chameleon while they have eggs.

 

[DaChameleonKing]

we definately are wanting to get her a bigger cage and are upset we were misinformed in the store about what size she would need unfortunately budget is tight right now so we will get her in a bigger enclosure as soon as we can!! we have a 50w day heat basking bulb !! She doesnt seem to look really fat like shes carrying eggs but ive never seen a chameleon while they have eggs.

Get a 75W or 60W bulb too

 

[jpowell86]

Maybe the picture is misleading. She looks very plump in that photo. I completely understand the enclosure situation. Unfortunately pet store employees often give out the wrong information, especially when it comes to chameleons. Hopefully when your able, the upgrade in enclosure space will help!! She's a good looking girl by the way.

 

[Irishboy85]

thanks so much for all your help!! yea she does look plump when sitting but when she starts wandering around she looks skinny to me! also i believe we ahve the meduim sized cage and i was reading the care sheets this page offers and it says a adult female is ok in a 18x18x36 but you would suggest the bigger cage? I want th best for her !!

 

[jpowell86]

You're correct, most information states that a 18x18x36 enclosure is big enough for a female veiled. In my personal opinion, it is not. 24x24x48 is the smallest enclosure I use for any species I own. I feel like you can achieve a more balanced enclosure, as far as definitive basking areas and better temp gradient are concerned, the larger it is. Remember, that's just my opinion.

 

[Irishboy85]

ok cool!! also we live in mass and its getting cold! i keep my house around 70 degrees during the day and 66 at night...ive noticed if i dont use a space heater near her cage where the basking lamp is only getss to about 76 degrees!! what can I do to help this other then runnning a heater all day, which is very cost effective!!

 

[jpowell86]

I would do like DaChameleonKing said and move to a 75w bulb. The temps dropping in the 60's at night is completely fine..in fact it is needed.

 

[Irishboy85]

ok awesome thanks so much for all your help!!

 

[jpowell86]

Anytime!