I purchased a Jackson Chameleon about 2 months ago. He is about 4 in from head to tail. I feed him about 5-6 crickets a day. Have the uvb bulb and the 40 watt bulb as well. Today upon getting home i noticed for the very first time that he was on the top of the cage hanging upside down with his mouth gaping open. I remember somewhere reading on this forum that it is a bad thing or there is a reason why. If someone can please help me as to why he is doing this. He doesn't seem to be in any stress, but I maybe wrong if someone can please help me I would very much appreciate it.
Please help me!!!
- Thread starter kfed1127
- Start date
Elizadolots
New Member
Hi!
Hanging from the ceiling isn't really a problem. Some chameleons just like to cruise the ceiling. Gaping is usually a sign of being too hot. My guess is he went exploring, got warm and tried to cool down. I would make sure he has a branch or vine close to the top of the cage so he can bask at the correct point.
Do you know what the temps are at the top of the cage and about 8 inches below? I ask because Jackson's like it a bit cooler than some chameleons and it's not uncommon for people to have the basking temperature too high.
For a Jackson's I would suggest that 6-8 inches below the top of the cage, under the bulb, it should be 82-84 degrees. There should be plenty of places for him to get lower in the enclosure and get cooler. The bottom of the cage should be room temperature.
Hanging from the ceiling isn't really a problem. Some chameleons just like to cruise the ceiling. Gaping is usually a sign of being too hot. My guess is he went exploring, got warm and tried to cool down. I would make sure he has a branch or vine close to the top of the cage so he can bask at the correct point.
Do you know what the temps are at the top of the cage and about 8 inches below? I ask because Jackson's like it a bit cooler than some chameleons and it's not uncommon for people to have the basking temperature too high.
For a Jackson's I would suggest that 6-8 inches below the top of the cage, under the bulb, it should be 82-84 degrees. There should be plenty of places for him to get lower in the enclosure and get cooler. The bottom of the cage should be room temperature.
laurie
Retired Moderator
It could be several things. He may have wanted more heat or light. He could have a respiratory infection, or me might be exploring. If you see mucus in his mouth then it might be the respiratory infection - see the vet. Other than that I would watch him and see if he does it again.
Copy and paste this form and fill it out that will tell us a lot about your cham.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/how-ask-help-66/
Copy and paste this form and fill it out that will tell us a lot about your cham.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/how-ask-help-66/
reptilover
New Member
I'd like to agree with Eliza first off and also suggest offering him more food. Maybe a10-13 crickets a day and a worm or two for a treat as he is a young growing boy 
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