Not Drinking - Veiled Chameleon
- Thread starter SuperMeg
- Start date
reptoman
Avid Member
You might try varying the spot where the drip is in the cage. I try a drip cup in a couple spots on the top screen to see where they get interested the quickest first thing in the morning and then leave the drip there for a while. Usually a leaf right in front of them works but sometimes they like to shoot the drip as it hangs off a branch or leaf.
ChameleonMom
New Member
Honestly, I'm not sure 20 seconds every 4 hours is enough for a cham of that age. What size cage is he in and does he have real or fake plants and vines? Does your guy have a dripper for hydration between mistings? Also, what are your humidity levels? Humidity plays a factor in keeping your cham hydrated as well, so if its not appropriate, that could cause issues as well.
Anytime I am worried that my chams aren't drinking enough I get my small syringe, some water and a towel, then I sit down with my cham and slowly drip water over his/her nose until eventually...and I mean you HAVE to be patient...they will drink. Once they get a taste, if they are thirsty they will drink. If they really won't drink after tasting it then I know they have had enough from my regular mistings and their 'big dripper'. I just feel more comfortable seeing them drink at least once a day.
If you suspect your cham is dehydrated, he probably is, or close to it. Dehydration can happen quickly and is the catalyst to further, more serious health issues. Try putting him on a plant in your shower but have the spray bounce off the wall and not hit him directly. Water should be warm and it will create a mist which will hydrate him. 10 - 15 minutes will help immensely. If this is not feasible then drip water over his nose, as above or manually mist his cage with a spray bottle.
Above all else, if you are worried or have a concern, take him to the vet. This is the best possible solution to any questions you may have.
Good luck!
Anytime I am worried that my chams aren't drinking enough I get my small syringe, some water and a towel, then I sit down with my cham and slowly drip water over his/her nose until eventually...and I mean you HAVE to be patient...they will drink. Once they get a taste, if they are thirsty they will drink. If they really won't drink after tasting it then I know they have had enough from my regular mistings and their 'big dripper'. I just feel more comfortable seeing them drink at least once a day.
If you suspect your cham is dehydrated, he probably is, or close to it. Dehydration can happen quickly and is the catalyst to further, more serious health issues. Try putting him on a plant in your shower but have the spray bounce off the wall and not hit him directly. Water should be warm and it will create a mist which will hydrate him. 10 - 15 minutes will help immensely. If this is not feasible then drip water over his nose, as above or manually mist his cage with a spray bottle.
Above all else, if you are worried or have a concern, take him to the vet. This is the best possible solution to any questions you may have.
Good luck!
Randi
New Member
A 20 second mist dries up so quickly and doesn't really put out a lot of water for a cham to drink. I would do five minutes every four hours instead. I do five minutes every two hours which might be overkill but many do less and are just fine.
thanks for responding. I have a Large Glass exo-terra terrarium and I try to follow the hydration meter that came with it to keep it around 50-60%(info given from the pet store). When we first got him I did try misting him for 5 minute periods for 3 times a day but the terrarium was starting to get flooded. Besides that I have a dripper that i allow on throughout the day. I have no live plants but I've been gut loading the crickets and mealworms with veggies and calcium supplements. So the main issue is not observing him drink at all but he will go for food as soon as I put it in the cage
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DavidBuchan
Guest
Yeah, lots of chams are secret drinkers. My male was for a short while, he is much more enthusiastic now.
As mentioned, the white part of his poop (urate) is the easiest way to tell if he is getting enough water. If it's white all good. If it's yellow then he needs more water. If it's orange then he's badly dehydrated.
Also if his eyes are sunken at all he need more water. Here is a great caresheet for Veileds that I always recommend - https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/chameleonsinmyhouse/395-veiled-chameleon-care-sheet.html
As mentioned, the white part of his poop (urate) is the easiest way to tell if he is getting enough water. If it's white all good. If it's yellow then he needs more water. If it's orange then he's badly dehydrated.
Also if his eyes are sunken at all he need more water. Here is a great caresheet for Veileds that I always recommend - https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/chameleonsinmyhouse/395-veiled-chameleon-care-sheet.html
