novice advice wanted

[hazza246]

Hi all i'm new to the forum and just got my first Veiled chameleon the pet store gave me lots of advice but there are still things i need to know, i have been watching my Chameleon and it has been standing with its mouth open for a little while, i am not sure what this means please could someone tell me what this means

 

[Brad Ramsey]

Hi all i'm new to the forum and just got my first Veiled chameleon the pet store gave me lots of advice but there are still things i need to know, i have been watching my Chameleon and it has been standing with its mouth open for a little while, i am not sure what this means please could someone tell me what this means

Might be too hot.
What are your temps, top to bottom of the enclosure?
Check this out:
http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/

-Brad

 

[Julirs]

Welcome ot the Forum! Since Pet Stores are usually pretty bad at setting up chameleons-maybe you could answer these questions and we could make sure you are set up right!

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?

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.
Current Problem - The current problem that you are concerned about.

 

[hazza246]

Thanks for the quick response Guys.

The viv is 21 inches high x 24 inches wide x 18 inches deep.
It is laminated chipboard with sliding glass front doors.
We have a 100w infrared light on one side with a 26w repti glo 10.0 UVB in the centre towards the back.

The viv is i the corner of the lounge but not in an area where lots of people will walk past.
We have plastic plants and foliage.

 

[Julirs]

That 100W Infrared sounds way too hot. Do you know what your temps are?

 

[jojackson]

Way to hot in a solid cage. Especially one that size. If you must use that cage, add as much ventilation as possible, and use a much lower wattage bulb, and a thermostat! especially if you live in a warm climate.
This size solid cage will not offer sufficient thermal gradient. How big is the lizard?

 

[hazza246]

about 34 degrees celcius

 

[jojackson]

Thats about 93f, still a little hot for a grown male veiled, and no gradient. you need to rectify this asap.

 

[lotus02]

34 is too hot. Post what info your pet store gave you, I have found what your told by pet stores is most of the time is deadly to your cham. If you post all the info in the ask for help that has been already posted it will be more helpful for everyone to help you.

 

[hazza246]

head and body (not including tail) about 3.5-4, i only got her today

 

[Julirs]

For sure get those temps down especially for a female to 80-85F in one basking spot, rest of cage should be 70-75F. There should be a good temp drop at night meaning no light or heat unless temps are falling below 60ish F.

 

[pssh]

We could help you even more if you filled out that how to ask for help form as fully as possible. Most pet store recomendations for your chameleon are actually detrimental to her health. Read that link. Super helpful.

 

[sallyb]

Welcome Hazza, I`m sure you`ll find the help and advice you receive on the forum invaluable. Like you i was new to chams and the pet store told me lots of things that were far from safe for my cham, Gizzy, and she was very unhappy. Without the help i received here i dread to think what might have happened to her. She has now bloomed into a beautiful and happy 1 year old as i am sure your girl will too.

 

[laurie]

Hello Hazza and welcome. Am I correct that you are in the UK? If so PM both Karen & Miss Lily for info as both are expierenced keepers and live in the UK. Some thinks there are different form how we do it on our side of the pond. We all try to hekp but the people who have your same situtation may be better able to help you fine tune your set up.