New Veiled Chameleon Owner

[dodolah]

Are younger ones slower? Ive never actually seen him drink from it although I have seen him move twards it when I fill it.. he is rather shy though and wont do anything if Im watching..Is there a better method? I mist often enough. And I dont think Slofe was trying to be rude, I think he is just saying us new people come on here and get trashed when we are just seeking friendly advice..and then you get people saying "NO THAT IS WRONG YOU ARE BAD OWNER!".. Not in those exact words, but thats what it feels like...Remember, you guys were all first time cham owners once too.

I don't use dripper since i mist at least 4 times a day/ 5 minutes per session (I have a simple drainage system to avoid flooding -drilled PVC bottom on a metal rack with bucket at the bottom of the rack)

So far, no dehydrated chameleon yet.
When I see slight sign of dehydration (looking at urate color), I fed my chams hornworms or silkworms since they have high water content to boost their hydration status.
You can check their hydration status via the urate color.
If the urate is white, then your chameleon is definitely drinking behind your back .


I do partly agree that sometime people get very passionate and came on too strong with their advises. However, I sense that the passion comes from the urgency of the matter. Most of the time, when people ask for advices, their chameleon is already in the advance stage of neglect. Thus, it becomes very urgent for the owner to correct their cham's husbandry.

A part of the frustration also stems from the people who seemingly ask for advise; but, at the end, dismiss it as if we are telling them unfounded facts.

Another one that I often found myself in a dilemma is when people who got a chameleon in a critical condition refuses to bring their chameleon to the vet. "I don't want to go to the vet, can I fix him/her myself?"
Honestly, i don't know what to say in this case other than persuading them to give up their chameleon to people who are able to physically and financially provide better care for the chameleon.

Pet can definitely bring certain enjoyment to the owner; but, with it, comes responsibility that the owner need to bear since the pet relies on the owner for their survival.
sorry, I ramble too much

BTW, congrats on your new veiled, Travdee22!

 

[summoner12]

I think the point about people giving new keepers a hard time and discouraging new keepers, is semi true. New people to the hobby need to get a good perspective on keeping chams before jumping in. I think perspective is good with any hobby... especially animals and even more so with difficult animals. That said, research is key prior to the purchase of your lovely cham.

 

[Slofe]

meh nm

whatever you say

I wasn't having a go at you pal. It's just what i've read in books and care sheets from very knowledgeable breeders, noticeably chamelonsonly.com who have bred chameleons for 20 odd years.

I don't think that chameleons are that hard to look after either and I rather enjoy taking care of Evo. That said, I'm off to Home Depot and I need to clean the crickets' cage, maybe i'll build a new one.
Laterz

Yeah it is fun and satisfying too, knowing you're making the comfortable and keeping them healthy, even if they are grumpy little shits at times . I can't relate to the tsk of cleaning a cricket cage. I use roaches which, IMO, are so much better cause they hardly smell, make no noise, a doddle to care for and they breed like mad, it's like a bottomless box of food

 

[Travdee22]

Thanks to everyone that has responded to me so far! I appreciate the feedback and help. I added another pic with a new addition to my cage. I ended up using some wire to rig up some more vines going across the top of his cage so he can climb up higher. Worked out pretty good. I am having one concern however. i tried feeding him some meal worms and he does not seem to show any interest in them. I have also not seen him eat or drink anything! He is a little eating shy I think when I watch him. However the crickets seem to be going and his droppings are white so I know he is staying hydrated. Is there any way to get him to eat more than crickets. I find myself moving the dish of meal worms closer to him so I know he sees them but I check later and they are still there.

Also, I am planning on getting a new cage. Any recommendations from anyone on a good cost for the quality? I was thinking one from lllreptile. Any other recommendations?

Thanks!

Trav

 

[BocaJan]

LLLReptile is a good place to purchase cages. I got one from there, a 24X24X48 because I have a 3 year old veiled male. When I put him in it he just loved it. He travels all over the cage on his vines and plants checking out things. If your guy is 4 months old you probably don't need to do it right away, but definately by a year.

 

[OntarioLizardman]

welcome to the forum!!!