Questions about a female veiled chameleon???

[TribalRain]

Recently my husband and I bought a female veiled chameleon from a local petstore. When we got her, they were unsure of her age but estimated her to be around 7 or 8 months old. They told us to feed her 5-6 live crickets a day. We brought her home, and set up a totally awesome terrarium for her. Making sure the temperatures were correct, and that she has a basking area...and lots of branches. We got her a waterfall with a fogger, and put some colorful fake flowers in her new house. She looked a little thin, so we decided to just free feed her until she fattens up a little. Well she eats about 4 dozen medium crickets in 2 days. Is that too much? And also, she is starting to shed, but only on her tummy. Is that from her tummy getting too full? I read onlne they will lay eggs, and got an appropriate egg laying spot for her. How soon should we expect her to lay eggs? Thanks so much for any help.

 

[Brad Ramsey]

The best help I can offer is to link you here:

http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/

-Brad

 

[thealissa]

Recently my husband and I bought a female veiled chameleon from a local petstore. When we got her, they were unsure of her age but estimated her to be around 7 or 8 months old. They told us to feed her 5-6 live crickets a day. We brought her home, and set up a totally awesome terrarium for her. Making sure the temperatures were correct, and that she has a basking area...and lots of branches. We got her a waterfall with a fogger, and put some colorful fake flowers in her new house. She looked a little thin, so we decided to just free feed her until she fattens up a little. Well she eats about 4 dozen medium crickets in 2 days. Is that too much? And also, she is starting to shed, but only on her tummy. Is that from her tummy getting too full? I read onlne they will lay eggs, and got an appropriate egg laying spot for her. How soon should we expect her to lay eggs? Thanks so much for any help.

First things first, take out the waterfall. It will only harbor bacteria and make your chammy ill.

That is waaaay too many crickets. She should only eat 6-10 every other day, if she is really 7-8 months old. Since you aren't planning on mating her, if you keep her temps in the low 80's and only feed every other day, she will most likely not produce a clutch of eggs.

It is okay for her to look a little thin. She won't be nice and plump unless she is carrying eggs. Trust me, she won't die or anything eating every other day.

 

[TribalRain]

Thank you so much for the response. We have a filter on the waterfall, and the water is constantly being circulated through the filter...is it still a bad idea to have it in there? If you think so, we will remove it right away! And also, we will stop free feeding her! I did notice after 3 weeks of having her that she didn't really gain weight, her tummy just got bigger after she ate...and then she pooped and it was normal again! Okay...lots to learn about this little girl! I got her for my husband, but have fallen totally in love with her myself! They are so amazing!

 

[thealissa]

Thank you so much for the response. We have a filter on the waterfall, and the water is constantly being circulated through the filter...is it still a bad idea to have it in there? If you think so, we will remove it right away! And also, we will stop free feeding her! I did notice after 3 weeks of having her that she didn't really gain weight, her tummy just got bigger after she ate...and then she pooped and it was normal again! Okay...lots to learn about this little girl! I got her for my husband, but have fallen totally in love with her myself! They are so amazing!

If you're going to keep the waterfall, I would recommend cleaning it everyday. If she accidentally poops in it or anything, the bacteria just spreads. And with having the warmer temps, it's a total breeding ground for bacteria.

Chameleons are quite addicting... anyone on here will tell you that.

 

[TribalRain]

I think we will take the waterfall out. I don't want her to be at risk! Sticking my hands in her house everyday to take the waterall apart and wash it and reassemble it is probably going to be quite stressful to her. She dosen't mind being looked at...but does NOT want to be touched. I'm okay with that! Taking the doodoo out daily is not bad on her, she poops in the same spot. But I think the waterfall issue will send her over the top!We are already thinking about another one...maybe a panther this time!

 

[nick barta]

Welcome to the Forum. Did you read the link Brad gave you?

Nick

 

[TribalRain]

Yes...I did read it and added it to my favorites. Lots of helpful information! Thanks so much for all the help!