parasite free enviorment

[alazymexican]

Okay so I want to know if anyone has a routine that they would like to share in order for their chameleon to be parasite free or be less likely to contract a disease.. I have only one live plant (hibiscus) in my enclosure.. I clean it every Saturday with vinegar and water.. The other fake plants I dip in greenworks organic cleaner and I rinse thoroughly with warm water.. And the bottom cage I clean also.. I haven't had time to bake my wood sticks but I will try this Saturday.. What are your thoughts on my cleaning methods and any advice? I really want to have my panther for a LOOONG time and see him grow healthy and strong

 

[Carlton]

Okay so I want to know if anyone has a routine that they would like to share in order for their chameleon to be parasite free or be less likely to contract a disease.. I have only one live plant (hibiscus) in my enclosure.. I clean it every Saturday with vinegar and water.. The other fake plants I dip in greenworks organic cleaner and I rinse thoroughly with warm water.. And the bottom cage I clean also.. I haven't had time to bake my wood sticks but I will try this Saturday.. What are your thoughts on my cleaning methods and any advice? I really want to have my panther for a LOOONG time and see him grow healthy and strong

First off, don't expect to create an entirely parasite free situation. Most insect feeders carry some parasites so even if you keep trying to eradicate them they will show up again. Its just reality and not a huge problem. A healthy cham can tolerate some parasites. A periodic fecal exam will help keep track of it and you can treat for specific types if it becomes necessary.

Next, you'll find that chams are not overly messy creatures. They don't produce a lot of urate or fecal matter, so watch for mold build up, keep the plants healthy, keep your feeder bins clean, don't let too much water stand in the cage bottom for a long time, and pick up poop your cham should be fine.

 

[alazymexican]

First off, don't expect to create an entirely parasite free situation. Most insect feeders carry some parasites so even if you keep trying to eradicate them they will show up again. Its just reality and not a huge problem. A healthy cham can tolerate some parasites. A periodic fecal exam will help keep track of it and you can treat for specific types if it becomes necessary.

Next, you'll find that chams are not overly messy creatures. They don't produce a lot of urate or fecal matter, so watch for mold build up, keep the plants healthy, keep your feeder bins clean, don't let too much water stand in the cage bottom for a long time, and pick up poop your cham should be fine.

Thanks for the advice!!

 

[Carlton]

Thanks for the advice!!

Oh I meant to add that keeping your cham's immune system healthy with good nutrition, proper lighting, and correct conditions will help him tolerate the normal exposures to "life" on his own.