New juvenile translucent veiled chameleon male, around 5 weeks old

deanthecham

New Member
Hello everyone! I recently purchased a male juvenile translucent chameleon around 5 weeks old or less from what I was told. His name is Dean. This is my first cham and i'm very excited about it. I've owned snakes and iguanas before but I decided to branch out after doing a bunch of research and finding an amazing reptile vet. I have only had him since Tuesday and i'm already starting to over think everything so any advice would be super helpful! He is on a diet of crickets right now that I dust in calcium, the crickets eat carrots and collard greens and I feed him about 6-10 crickets a day. However, I'm worried about the fact that he does not appear to be eating the crickets. I put seven crickets in there yesterday mid-day and all of them were still in there this morning. Could he still just be adjusting to his new home? Also he has not pooped yet, which isn't a surprise since he hasn't eaten, but should I be worried about that as well? I have a mister that is on a timer, it goes off every 4 hours for approximately 16 seconds, is that frequent enough to allow for ample hydration and dry times as well? I would also loved to know what everyone uses as substrates for the bottom of the cage, I want something that doesn't look to ugly like news paper or paper towels but also if that's the best thing for my little guy and will keep him healthy then i'm all for it. His basking spot is around 80-85 degrees F and his humidity level is usually 50-60%. I was considering placing a shower curtain on the sides of the cage to help with the humidity but based on the research I've done the humidity levels are actually okay, so should i still do it? I have attached a picture of my little guy as well as my enclosure for him and any advice or adjustments would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance :)
 

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Your not missing him long enough to get the amount of water he needs. Misting should be about 2 mins each time. I also see your using a compact uvb bulb witch is also a no. You need to upgrade to a t5 light witch is better in the long run for tour chameleon. These are cheat sheets they will have you
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From your pictures he appears to be a little dehydrated. How often are you misting? Do you see him drinking? Are you only cup feeding? Sometimes chams they just want to hunt. But definitely get some water in him ASAP!
 
I hate to be that member but do you mind filling this out so we can see if there is anything else that needs to be corrected. It will help you and your chameleon in the long run. We are super nice I promise (y):)

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.
 
Hello everyone! I recently purchased a male juvenile translucent chameleon around 5 weeks old or less from what I was told. His name is Dean. This is my first cham and i'm very excited about it. I've owned snakes and iguanas before but I decided to branch out after doing a bunch of research and finding an amazing reptile vet. I have only had him since Tuesday and i'm already starting to over think everything so any advice would be super helpful! He is on a diet of crickets right now that I dust in calcium, the crickets eat carrots and collard greens and I feed him about 6-10 crickets a day. However, I'm worried about the fact that he does not appear to be eating the crickets. I put seven crickets in there yesterday mid-day and all of them were still in there this morning. Could he still just be adjusting to his new home? Also he has not pooped yet, which isn't a surprise since he hasn't eaten, but should I be worried about that as well? I have a mister that is on a timer, it goes off every 4 hours for approximately 16 seconds, is that frequent enough to allow for ample hydration and dry times as well? I would also loved to know what everyone uses as substrates for the bottom of the cage, I want something that doesn't look to ugly like news paper or paper towels but also if that's the best thing for my little guy and will keep him healthy then i'm all for it. His basking spot is around 80-85 degrees F and his humidity level is usually 50-60%. I was considering placing a shower curtain on the sides of the cage to help with the humidity but based on the research I've done the humidity levels are actually okay, so should i still do it? I have attached a picture of my little guy as well as my enclosure for him and any advice or adjustments would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance :)

16 seconds every 4 hours... no lol. I have mine go off every 3 hours for 2 minutes. He also looks dehydrated. Also keep in mind (I ran into this problem as well) his basking spot temp isn't what matters, use your temp gun and when hes basking point it at his skin that's at the highest point and check that temp. It needs to be around 78-82F any more than that and hes over heating. I know everything you'll read says get the 100W bulb, I ended having to swap to the 65. Linear is your friend. If you have a deep dome, get rid of it. Welcome to the cham hobby, once you go Cham you never go back XD.
 
16 seconds every 4 hours... no lol. I have mine go off every 3 hours for 2 minutes. He also looks dehydrated. Also keep in mind (I ran into this problem as well) his basking spot temp isn't what matters, use your temp gun and when hes basking point it at his skin that's at the highest point and check that temp. It needs to be around 78-82F any more than that and hes over heating. I know everything you'll read says get the 100W bulb, I ended having to swap to the 65. Linear is your friend. If you have a deep dome, get rid of it. Welcome to the cham hobby, once you go Cham you never go back XD.
Thank you, I will adjust the misting. And the temp as well to make sure he's not over heating. Thanks again!
 
2 minutes 3 to 4 times a day. You want the leafs in the cage to collect as much water droplets as possible. Chameleons drink the droplet off the leaves. A dripper would also be a good thing to add. That way in between misting there is a steady drip available for him to drink from
Okay great, I will get a drip system as well!
 
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