Sleeping during the day?

[park]

Hello,
My new juvenile jackson's chameleon (male) has been sleeping a lot during the day. At first I didn't think much of this, but after doing some research, it looks like most people are saying that it is a BIG matter of concern. I have been wanting to take him to the vet, but I first would like input. I'm starting to worry about my little guy because he looks seemingly healthy, but may be having an issue I am unaware of. Any info/experience would help.
Thanks!

 

[kinyonga]

Please post some recent photos and answer the questions in the how to ask for help thread at the top of the health forum.

 

[park]

Please post some recent photos and answer the questions in the how to ask for help thread at the top of the health forum.

Jacksons chameleon, male, about 8-9 months. Has been in my care for a few weeks now. He is very small, about six ish inches from tail to head.

I try to handle every day to get him used to it but I keep it to a minimum, about 5-10 min a day, mostly to mist him and to let him climb on plants.

I feed him crickets dusted in calcium powder. I've tried mealworms and wax worms, but he won't touch either (he used to eat mealworms with the previous owner). I put at least six in a day, but he usually doesn't eat them all. I feed the crickets fresh fruit/veg (usually apple slices, oranges, carrots).

I use calcium powder without d3 regularly and use the powder with d3 every 2 weeks.

For watering, I know that what I use is insufficient but I'm working with what I have. I spray his cage at least 3 times a day with a hand held spray bottle. Since I have been concerned that he is not drinking enough/I don't have an auto misting system, everyday I let him sit in the sink while I mist him for a couple minutes. He enjoys this a lot and brightens up immediately. Unfortunately I don't see him drink. I have looked up videos and websites that advise spraying directly onto the mouth until the chameleon drinks. I have been trying this, and it's worked a couple times. However, lately I have not been seeing him drink even when I spray his mouth and I think it is starting to bug him. I don't think I should use this method but I don't see another way at this point. He won't drink but when I put him in the cage, I will sometimes see him open his mouth wide. I wonder if it's for basking/dehydration.

His poo is usually VERY small and sometimes watery. I am thinking of taking him to the vet soon along with a poo sample. The unrates are also very small and watery. The color has improved a little, Im not seeing too much yellow or orange. I'll try to get a pic when he goes next. I have not had him tested yet for parasites.

He is a very calm and sweet little guy. He is very good with handling but still a little shy. His previous owner fed him 3 times a week, but I am feeding every day (which is why I'm not too concerned if he doesn't eat a lot).

As for caging, right now he has a mesh 18x12x20. I know that this isn't ideal but it's what I have right now. I don't have a heat lamp currently, just a UVB. it does get warm up there though. Lights are on around 8 and off around 9.

For temp, I don't know the exact temp upstairs but I'm guessing around 70/75 ish? It can get pretty warm. I'm a little concerned though because during the winter it gets SUPER cold. I'm thinking of getting a humidifier (suggestions would be great for what type is best) or putting insulators up on the sides.

Humidity is anywhere from 50-70% depending on weather and time of day. I use a hygrometer to measure it. If it gets on the low side, I'll spray the cage, open the window slightly (if it's humid out), or turn on the light right next to the cage. They're small adjustments but do the trick. If they're too high, I close the windows and turn the ceiling fan on low. This has been working as well.

I am sorry to say that I don't use live plants at the moment. I'm really bummed because I want to use live ones..as a matter of fact, ideally I want to get a new cage, new plants, everything, but ATM I can't just spend a load of money on my cham (parents cough cough).

My cham is on top of the dresser in my room upstairs. I wanted him upstairs to be away from all the noise/distraction that could upset him on the main floor. I might move him in the future, but he is staying here for now. There is a window behind and across to the right of him. He is a few feet off the ground.

We are located in Northern Illinois.
I am concerned about his poo, water intake, and now...his excessive sleeping during the day.

 

[Carlton]

Jacksons chameleon, male, about 8-9 months. Has been in my care for a few weeks now. He is very small, about six ish inches from tail to head.

I try to handle every day to get him used to it but I keep it to a minimum, about 5-10 min a day, mostly to mist him and to let him climb on plants. Stop handling him so often. Jax may not act out aggressively like some other species do when they are stressed, but that doesn't mean it isn't happening.

I feed him crickets dusted in calcium powder. I've tried mealworms and wax worms, but he won't touch either (he used to eat mealworms with the previous owner). I put at least six in a day, but he usually doesn't eat them all. I feed the crickets fresh fruit/veg (usually apple slices, oranges, carrots).

I use calcium powder without d3 regularly and use the powder with d3 every 2 weeks. Jax are sensitive to fat soluable vitamins including D3. Use them once a month to 6 weeks. Plain calcium daily.

For watering, I know that what I use is insufficient but I'm working with what I have. I spray his cage at least 3 times a day with a hand held spray bottle. Since I have been concerned that he is not drinking enough/I don't have an auto misting system, everyday I let him sit in the sink while I mist him for a couple minutes. He enjoys this a lot and brightens up immediately. He is not "enjoying" this. The bright color is a stress reaction, not happiness. I would fix the humidity problem in his cage as this is where he spends most of his time...and it will affect him the most. Unfortunately I don't see him drink. I have looked up videos and websites that advise spraying directly onto the mouth until the chameleon drinks. I have been trying this, and it's worked a couple times. However, lately I have not been seeing him drink even when I spray his mouth and I think it is starting to bug him. I don't think I should use this method but I don't see another way at this point. He won't drink but when I put him in the cage, I will sometimes see him open his mouth wide. I wonder if it's for basking/dehydration. It is either stress/defensive behavior or he's too hot. Or, possibly he is starting a respiratory infection.
His poo is usually VERY small and sometimes watery. What goes in must come out. If he hasn't been eating there won't be much fecal material as there's not much going through his GI tract. I am thinking of taking him to the vet soon along with a poo sample. The unrates are also very small and watery. The color has improved a little, Im not seeing too much yellow or orange. I'll try to get a pic when he goes next. I have not had him tested yet for parasites. Test him before he gets sicker. Parasites levels can balloon in a weakened animal and cause even more problems.

He is a very calm and sweet little guy. He is very good with handling but still a little shy. His previous owner fed him 3 times a week, but I am feeding every day (which is why I'm not too concerned if he doesn't eat a lot).

As for caging, right now he has a mesh 18x12x20. I know that this isn't ideal but it's what I have right now. I don't have a heat lamp currently, just a UVB. it does get warm up there though. Lights are on around 8 and off around 9. You need to finish his cage setup and find out what the temp actually is. Guessing isn't much good as you are sensing the environment through the filter of a mammal, not a herp. What I mean is....what feels cool or warm to you is not going to feel the same to your cham. YOU are a mammal with an internal body temp of 98.6. Your cham is going to be overheated at that same temp.

For temp, I don't know the exact temp upstairs but I'm guessing around 70/75 ish? It can get pretty warm. I'm a little concerned though because during the winter it gets SUPER cold. I'm thinking of getting a humidifier (suggestions would be great for what type is best) or putting insulators up on the sides. Yes, you'll need to deal with this so start planning now.

Humidity is anywhere from 50-70% depending on weather and time of day. I use a hygrometer to measure it. If it gets on the low side, I'll spray the cage, open the window slightly (if it's humid out), or turn on the light right next to the cage. They're small adjustments but do the trick. If they're too high, I close the windows and turn the ceiling fan on low. This has been working as well.

I am sorry to say that I don't use live plants at the moment. I'm really bummed because I want to use live ones..as a matter of fact, ideally I want to get a new cage, new plants, everything, but ATM I can't just spend a load of money on my cham (parents cough cough).

My cham is on top of the dresser in my room upstairs. I wanted him upstairs to be away from all the noise/distraction that could upset him on the main floor. I might move him in the future, but he is staying here for now. There is a window behind and across to the right of him. He is a few feet off the ground.

We are located in Northern Illinois.
I am concerned about his poo, water intake, and now...his excessive sleeping during the day.

IMHO, your description basically tells me this cham is just not doing well in his current location. He could be showing health problems that started with his former owner, but whatever it is he's not improving. All these signs (not drinking, not eating, sleeping during the day) are telling you he's not happy where he is, so fix what's not right with his setup (bigger, live plants and lighting, ability to manage the temp and humidity) and/or find a better spot in the house where the climate works better for him. You say that the "small adjustments do the trick". TBH, they must not be or he would be improving. You may not realize how much of the time the less than ideal temp/humidity situation is lasting before you adjust things. Have you read the basic husbandry article for jax located under the Resources tab? There are good guidelines that you can compare your setup to. I don't think he is going to improve where he is, so find the $$ to fix it or you may well lose him. Either that or you will have big vet bills on top of everything else.

 

[park]

Jacksons chameleon, male, about 8-9 months. Has been in my care for a few weeks now. He is very small, about six ish inches from tail to head.

I try to handle every day to get him used to it but I keep it to a minimum, about 5-10 min a day, mostly to mist him and to let him climb on plants. Stop handling him so often. Jax may not act out aggressively like some other species do when they are stressed, but that doesn't mean it isn't happening.

I feed him crickets dusted in calcium powder. I've tried mealworms and wax worms, but he won't touch either (he used to eat mealworms with the previous owner). I put at least six in a day, but he usually doesn't eat them all. I feed the crickets fresh fruit/veg (usually apple slices, oranges, carrots).

I use calcium powder without d3 regularly and use the powder with d3 every 2 weeks. Jax are sensitive to fat soluable vitamins including D3. Use them once a month to 6 weeks. Plain calcium daily.

For watering, I know that what I use is insufficient but I'm working with what I have. I spray his cage at least 3 times a day with a hand held spray bottle. Since I have been concerned that he is not drinking enough/I don't have an auto misting system, everyday I let him sit in the sink while I mist him for a couple minutes. He enjoys this a lot and brightens up immediately. He is not "enjoying" this. The bright color is a stress reaction, not happiness. I would fix the humidity problem in his cage as this is where he spends most of his time...and it will affect him the most. Unfortunately I don't see him drink. I have looked up videos and websites that advise spraying directly onto the mouth until the chameleon drinks. I have been trying this, and it's worked a couple times. However, lately I have not been seeing him drink even when I spray his mouth and I think it is starting to bug him. I don't think I should use this method but I don't see another way at this point. He won't drink but when I put him in the cage, I will sometimes see him open his mouth wide. I wonder if it's for basking/dehydration. It is either stress/defensive behavior or he's too hot. Or, possibly he is starting a respiratory infection.
His poo is usually VERY small and sometimes watery. What goes in must come out. If he hasn't been eating there won't be much fecal material as there's not much going through his GI tract. I am thinking of taking him to the vet soon along with a poo sample. The unrates are also very small and watery. The color has improved a little, Im not seeing too much yellow or orange. I'll try to get a pic when he goes next. I have not had him tested yet for parasites. Test him before he gets sicker. Parasites levels can balloon in a weakened animal and cause even more problems.

He is a very calm and sweet little guy. He is very good with handling but still a little shy. His previous owner fed him 3 times a week, but I am feeding every day (which is why I'm not too concerned if he doesn't eat a lot).

As for caging, right now he has a mesh 18x12x20. I know that this isn't ideal but it's what I have right now. I don't have a heat lamp currently, just a UVB. it does get warm up there though. Lights are on around 8 and off around 9. You need to finish his cage setup and find out what the temp actually is. Guessing isn't much good as you are sensing the environment through the filter of a mammal, not a herp. What I mean is....what feels cool or warm to you is not going to feel the same to your cham. YOU are a mammal with an internal body temp of 98.6. Your cham is going to be overheated at that same temp.

For temp, I don't know the exact temp upstairs but I'm guessing around 70/75 ish? It can get pretty warm. I'm a little concerned though because during the winter it gets SUPER cold. I'm thinking of getting a humidifier (suggestions would be great for what type is best) or putting insulators up on the sides. Yes, you'll need to deal with this so start planning now.

Humidity is anywhere from 50-70% depending on weather and time of day. I use a hygrometer to measure it. If it gets on the low side, I'll spray the cage, open the window slightly (if it's humid out), or turn on the light right next to the cage. They're small adjustments but do the trick. If they're too high, I close the windows and turn the ceiling fan on low. This has been working as well.

I am sorry to say that I don't use live plants at the moment. I'm really bummed because I want to use live ones..as a matter of fact, ideally I want to get a new cage, new plants, everything, but ATM I can't just spend a load of money on my cham (parents cough cough).

My cham is on top of the dresser in my room upstairs. I wanted him upstairs to be away from all the noise/distraction that could upset him on the main floor. I might move him in the future, but he is staying here for now. There is a window behind and across to the right of him. He is a few feet off the ground.

We are located in Northern Illinois.
I am concerned about his poo, water intake, and now...his excessive sleeping during the day.

IMHO, your description basically tells me this cham is just not doing well in his current location. He could be showing health problems that started with his former owner, but whatever it is he's not improving. All these signs (not drinking, not eating, sleeping during the day) are telling you he's not happy where he is, so fix what's not right with his setup (bigger, live plants and lighting, ability to manage the temp and humidity) and/or find a better spot in the house where the climate works better for him. You say that the "small adjustments do the trick". TBH, they must not be or he would be improving. You may not realize how much of the time the less than ideal temp/humidity situation is lasting before you adjust things. Have you read the basic husbandry article for jax located under the Resources tab? There are good guidelines that you can compare your setup to. I don't think he is going to improve where he is, so find the $$ to fix it or you may well lose him. Either that or you will have big vet bills on top of everything else.

Ok, thank you for all the helpful input. Unfortunately I'm going to be gone this upcoming week. When I come back I will see what I can do to make his environment better.

 

[JacksJill]

I hope that is not too late.

 

[kinyonga]

You say your chameleon is getting worse but you're going away and leaving him like that?? Is someone going to look after him?

 

[ChamLB]

I would not leave town without making the recommended adjustments to his temperature and humidity. Most pet stores sell thermometer hygrometer combos for a reasonable price. If you are overheating or dehydrating him it will probably not wait another week. I would try to make your parents understand.

 

[park]

You say your chameleon is getting worse but you're going away and leaving him like that?? Is someone going to look after him?

My siblings will be there to care for him. I will make a care sheet and I have been showing them how to feed, mist etc

 

[park]

I would not leave town without making the recommended adjustments to his temperature and humidity. Most pet stores sell thermometer hygrometer combos for a reasonable price. If you are overheating or dehydrating him it will probably not wait another week. I would try to make your parents understand.

I will be out of town but my siblings will be there to care for him. His humidity levels are fine but I will definitely look into the thermometer.

 

[Tortdad]

Ok up the brand Accurate they make wireless weather stations. You can pick up a digital temp/humidity gauge if there's from Home Depot for $10

 

[Tortdad]

They're usually in the outside garden section next to the swimming pool supplies. It even keeps track of the daily high and low

 

[Tortdad]

I just bought 3 for my new cham enclosure so I can keep one on the bottom, one at mid height and one up by the basking area. All you need is 1 AA battery to make it work. I've been using them for years in my tortoise enclosures

 

[kinyonga]

I hope your siblings are going to act responsibly and not just let him die while you're gone.