One Year old Veiled Male - Colors not looking right

[xVERITAS]

I have a 1 year old veiled cham. male. He is in a 2x2x4 cage, with proper lighting, heat, etc. Fed regularly (calcium/vitamin fortified crickets). Humidity is kept high using a humidifier and I mist/spray his cage throughout the day. Basically I do everything right (I think....).

Here is my question:

Why aren't his colors always bright? At night when he is sleeping he looks awesome! Super bright yellows/greens with blood red dots and great color accents. During the day his greens/yellows are very dull and he has a lot of brown coloring to him. Is this normal?

 

[SarahcoadunatioZac]

They turn dark colors to absorb light better, usually when basking. Take him out in the sun, he should change to bright colors then dark to bask.

If hes spotted black then hes stressed.

 

[DavidBuchan]

Colours can also change depending on when he last shed. If you live in a hard water area then that will build up on his skin and make him seem even duller (until he sheds). So yes, it is normal
P.s. welcome to the forum - here is the basic caresheet I recommend to all new people with Veileds - https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/chameleonsinmyhouse/395-veiled-chameleon-care-sheet.html