Problem with Phoenix Worms

[StarShadow197]

My mom was checking on Zoey this morning. She noticed a big, hard blob or poop on the floor of the medi cage. She took it out and noticed that it was a mass of 3 phoenix worms that were not well digested if at all.

I am glad that she was able to pass it, but it must have hurt a lot. She seems fine. My mom said that Zoey drank some water and got her calcium this morning. Here is a picture of the worms that she pooped out.

I am afraid to give those worms to her.

 

[Lpsouth1978]

Usually undigested insects are a sign that her basking temps are too low. If temps are too low, chams are unable to properly digest their food. I would keep feeding her the phoenix worms, as they are one of the most nutritious (high in calcium and low in phosphorus) feeders available, just raise her basking temps a few degrees.

 

[StarShadow197]

Here are some pics of Zoey and how she has been progressing over the past almost week.

First two pictures was taken 9/28/14.
Next two were on 10/01/14.
And the most recent was on 10/03/14

 

[StarShadow197]

Hi lpsouth. Ok I will make sure to keep a closer eye on the temp.

 

[Lpsouth1978]

Could you please fill out this info with as much detail as you can, and post pics of her enclosure. She looks to have MBD. Her legs are rather crooked. By filling out the form we can help to find the problem so you can correct the problem. Damage from MBD cannot be reversed, but you can stop it and help to re-strengthen her bones. If the problem is not fixed, she will surely suffer and eventually die.


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.

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?

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.


Pictures are helpful

 

[Lpsouth1978]

MBD can also contribute to the undigested food problem. I would suggest that you take her to see a good vet that has chameleon experience.

 

[StarShadow197]

Zoey is an 8 month old Veiled Chameleon. I bought her when she was 8 weeks old.
Handling - I usually handle her a few times a week. More so now because I take her outside to get 30 min of sunlight a day.
Feeding - She mostly gets crickets, mealworms and flies. Sometimes hornworms as a treat. I do gut load the crickets with oranges, apples and lettuce for a water source. I offer them every other day as that is normally when she is hungry.
Supplements -I do have Calcium with D3 that I used once a week. Currently she is only getting liquid calcium twice a day.
Watering - I have a small reptile fountain. This is going to not be used anymore once she gets in the bigger cage. She gets misted once a day.
Fecal Description - They are normally brown and white. Soft looking.


Cage Info:
Cage Type - I recently bought a xtra large zills screen cage for when she gets better. Right now she is in a large kriiter keeper.
Lighting - UVB light and red basking light. The UVB is on 12 hr and 12 hr off. I try to keep the basking light on all the time.
Placement - Zoey and I are currently at my moms house so the only place to keep her is in the laundry room. It is quiet.
Location - Colorado

She is getting a good amount of strength back in her legs. Holding herself up a little more and isnt as bloated looking as she was when I first noticed her condition.

I would love to have a vet look at my little girl. I currently dont have a car so taking a frightened cham on the bus would not be fun. I am just trying to do everything right by my little friend and want to see her get better.

i will have to redo her med cage as I was reading that substrate is not recommended anymore for chameleons. But here is her current set up as of yesterday. She does have some plastic leaves that I have placed in there now.

 

[StarShadow197]

LPsouth. This is the first time I have seen her poop like this. I figured it was something with the worms.

 

[Lpsouth1978]

Where in Colorado are you located? I am also in Colorado and would be happy to help if you are reasonably close to me. It is good that you are working to correct the problems all ready. You are on the right track.

You said that you try to keep the basking light on at all times. Does this mean you are not turning it off at night? She needs complete darkness at night.

I would also get her out of the critter keeper. She has got to be incredibly stressed in that little box and it is impossible to provide a temperature gradient. A medium sized screen cage with climbing branches and lots of foliage will help her to improve faster. A happy cham will improve faster than a stressed cham. You can place a heavy towel on the bottom so if she falls she will not hurt herself.

Otherwise, you are doing well and should see her improve rather quickly. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know. I have a medium sized cage made from PVC and coated steel wire that would be great for her and I also have a large colony of Dubia roaches. I can give you some to try out if you would like.

PM me if there is anything I can help you with.