Sleeping with head up

[Samaria629]

Hey! I just recently got an baby veiled chameleon and I’m really worried he might have an upper respiratory infection, could someone give me some advice ? I’ve been noticing him sleeping with his head up, I’ve dropped some pictures of my cage and him !

 

[kinyonga]

Welcome t the forum!

Your chameleon looks very thin and just looking at it makes me think it's not well. Is the head only up when it's sleeping?

Does it keep its eyes open during the day? Eat well? Is it active?

I think your lights are both wrong. Can you tell me what specific bulbs they are please...brand and all.
What are your basking temperatures? Cage temperatures?

 

[Samaria629]

Update he has put his head down but I’m still not sure !

Welcome t the forum!

Your chameleon looks very thin and just looking at it makes me think it's not well. Is the head only up when it's sleeping?

Does it keep its eyes open during the day? Eat well? Is it active?

I think your lights are both wrong. Can you tell me what specific bulbs they are please...brand and all.
What are your basking temperatures? Cage temperatures?

These are the brand of bulbs I’ve been using the double pack bulb thrive 75 watt during the day and then turning off at night, basking temperatures are 80-90 and the regular cage temperature stays more at 70, when I first got him all he did was sit with his eyes closed and was not active, he did eat tho that following day, I upgraded his cage and light and he was much more active and ate again but recently he has not been eating, or as active, I got him at petco and honestly is worried he was just sick before I even got him because in their cage he was also keeping his closed with only his stressed colors on, they also said he had been there the longest so idk if it’s just taking him a longer to adjust to the cage? But I would really like some help thank you so much !!!

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Welcome to the forum.

Update he has put his head down but I’m still not sure !

Yeah, but his whole body is vertical—his head is still up.
Is he sleeping or have his eyes closed during the day?
Does he make any sounds when sleeping?

These are the brand of bulbs I’ve been using the double pack bulb thrive 75 watt during the day and then turning off at night,

Sorry to say, but those bulbs are all wrong.

1. Basking lamps should not be spots; spots have the potential to cause burns. A household incandescent bulb, incandescent flood, or halogen flood are all better choices.
2. The UVBs are both CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lights). These are not suitable for chameleons; you want a linear T5 HO UVB, either Reptisun 5.0 or Arcadia 6%, running the full width of the enclosure.
3. Colored lights are not recommended—day or night—for chameleons.

basking temperatures are 80-90 and the regular cage temperature stays more at 70,

Current thought for veileds is a basking temp between 80-85; 90 is a little warm.

when I first got him all he did was sit with his eyes closed and was not active,

For a chameleon, eyes closed during the day is a definite indicator of a serious health problem.

he did eat tho that following day, I upgraded his cage and light and he was much more active and ate again but recently he has not been eating, or as active,

How long ago? Pet— (either one) are notorious for not providing correct UVB. He doesn't look like he's got MBD yet, but I'd try to get the correct UVB ASAP.

I got him at petco and honestly is worried he was just sick before I even got him because in their cage he was also keeping his closed with only his stressed colors on, they also said he had been there the longest so idk if it’s just taking him a longer to adjust to the cage? But I would really like some help thank you so much !!!

TBH, I think he should be seen by a herp veterinarian. You can find one in your area here:
https://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661
Considering his provenance, I'd get a fecal test for parasites as well. You'll need a fresh sample (less than 24 hrs old); you can store it in a double-baggie in the fridge overnight.

I can see some other issues with the enclosure as well. Folks here can review it for you and make suggestions. Just copy/paste the questionnaire here
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/how-to-ask-for-help.66/
and fill in your answers. Please include pics from the top of the enclosure (showing all lighting) to the bottom (showing floor/substrate/drainage).

DON'T FEEL BAD ABOUT THIS. There's a lot of bad information floating around (particularly from big-box pet chains), and lots of folks come here with these same issues.

We all want to help you give your chameleon the best, healthiest life you can.
Some references:
https://chameleonacademy.com/veiled-chameleon-care/
https://chameleonacademy.com/chameleon-husbandry-program-getting-started-with-chameleons/
and please feel free to make use of the archives and Resources here.

 

[Samaria629]

Thank you so much ! I’ve found the summary care sheet on one of the links you provided if keep everything in my cage the same as that he should get back healthy ?

 

[Samaria629]

Welcome to the forum.

Yeah, but his whole body is vertical—his head is still up.
Is he sleeping or have his eyes closed during the day?
Does he make any sounds when sleeping?


Sorry to say, but those bulbs are all wrong.

1. Basking lamps should not be spots; spots have the potential to cause burns. A household incandescent bulb, incandescent flood, or halogen flood are all better choices.
2. The UVBs are both CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lights). These are not suitable for chameleons; you want a linear T5 HO UVB, either Reptisun 5.0 or Arcadia 6%, running the full width of the enclosure.
3. Colored lights are not recommended—day or night—for chameleons.

Current thought for veileds is a basking temp between 80-85; 90 is a little warm.


For a chameleon, eyes closed during the day is a definite indicator of a serious health problem.


How long ago? Pet— (either one) are notorious for not providing correct UVB. He doesn't look like he's got MBD yet, but I'd try to get the correct UVB ASAP.


TBH, I think he should be seen by a herp veterinarian. You can find one in your area here:
https://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661
Considering his provenance, I'd get a fecal test for parasites as well. You'll need a fresh sample (less than 24 hrs old); you can store it in a double-baggie in the fridge overnight.

I can see some other issues with the enclosure as well. Folks here can review it for you and make suggestions. Just copy/paste the questionnaire here
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/how-to-ask-for-help.66/
and fill in your answers. Please include pics from the top of the enclosure (showing all lighting) to the bottom (showing floor/substrate/drainage).

DON'T FEEL BAD ABOUT THIS. There's a lot of bad information floating around (particularly from big-box pet chains), and lots of folks come here with these same issues.

We all want to help you give your chameleon the best, healthiest life you can.
Some references:
https://chameleonacademy.com/veiled-chameleon-care/
https://chameleonacademy.com/chameleon-husbandry-program-getting-started-with-chameleons/
and please feel free to make use of the archives and Resources here.

Would this be a good light ? Or it an 24 watt one too strong, I have a 30 gallon tank for reference btw

 

[Samaria629]

Would that light also provide the heat for him?

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Thank you so much ! I’ve found the summary care sheet on one of the links you provided if keep everything in my cage the same as that he should get back healthy ?

Not if he needs veterinary treatment. We're not veterinarians here, but sleeping or eyes closed during the day is indicative of a serious problem.
https://chameleonacademy.com/chameleon-medical-closed-eyes/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/search/1634566/?q=sleeping+during+day&c[title_only]=1&o=relevance

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Would this be a good light ? Or it an 24 watt one too strong, I have a 30 gallon tank for reference btw

First off, a 30 gallon tank is not large enough. If you look at that care sheet, you'll see that 24" x 24" x 48" is the recommended minimum. That's 120 gallons—4X what you're using. Wattage is irrelevant. Like I said above...

You want a linear T5 HO UVB, either Reptisun 5.0 or Arcadia 6%, running the full width of the enclosure.

Would that light also provide the heat for him?

No. Again, as I said above...

1. Basking lamps should not be spots; spots have the potential to cause burns. A household incandescent bulb, incandescent flood, or halogen flood are all better choices.

Indoor enclosures require 3 kinds of lights:

1. UVB
2. Basking
3. Plant

IME/O it's best to consider them separately, but you'll need them all.

PLEASE fill out the questionnaire.

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.
--------------
Please Note:

1. The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
2. Photos can be very helpful.

 

[Samaria629]

I think

First off, a 30 gallon tank is not large enough. If you look at that care sheet, you'll see that 24" x 24" x 48" is the recommended minimum. That's 120 gallons—4X what you're using. Wattage is irrelevant. Like I said above...



No. Again, as I said above...

Indoor enclosures require 3 kinds of lights:

1. UVB
2. Basking
3. Plant

IME/O it's best to consider them separately, but you'll need them all.

PLEASE fill out the questionnaire.

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.
--------------
Please Note:

1. The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
2. Photos can be very helpful.

okay, I think I’m going to turn him over to the blue ridge reptile sanctuary in my area, it’s just a little too much of an up keep for me and is it getting very expensive, I hate to see him to go but I know this is best with for him, I have 3 crested geckos a breaded dragon and a leopard gecko but an chameleon care is much more harder and I would hate to see him on Die on watch because I didn’t keep proper his care

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

I think

okay, I think I’m going to turn him over to the blue ridge reptile sanctuary in my area, it’s just a little too much of an up keep for me and is it getting very expensive, I hate to see him to go but I know this is best with for him, I have 3 crested geckos a breaded dragon and a leopard gecko but an chameleon care is much more harder and I would hate to see him on Die on watch because I didn’t keep proper his care

This one? https://www.blueridgereptilerescue.org/

Very sorry to hear that, but I understand. The pet stores don't tell people that the realistic upfront costs for chameleons can run $500-$1000 (USD) to do things right. I have a beardie too, and lots of other folks have geckos.

I believe there may be some members here from your area. There may be someone who'd be willing to take him. If that sounds reasonable to you, you could post a notice in the classified section.
Entirely up to you.

We only want what best for everyone.

 

[Samaria629]

This one? https://www.blueridgereptilerescue.org/

Very sorry to hear that, but I understand. The pet stores don't tell people that the realistic upfront costs for chameleons can run $500-$1000 (USD) to do things right. I have a beardie too, and lots of other folks have geckos.

I believe there may be some members here from your area. There may be someone who'd be willing to take him. If that sounds reasonable to you, you could post a notice in the classified section.
Entirely up to you.

We only want what best for everyone.

Definitely going to be posting a notice ! I really just don’t want the little guy to suffer I can tell just by the way he’s acting today he’s definitely taken a toll for the worse,

 

[Beman]

Definitely going to be posting a notice ! I really just don’t want the little guy to suffer I can tell just by the way he’s acting today he’s definitely taken a toll for the worse,

If the baby is going down hill this quickly you need to get it to the sanctuary or get it vet care. Chams hide illness so once it gets to the point of showing it you have to act very very quickly.

They are hard reptiles to care for... Extremely specific husbandry requirements. Your doing the right thing taking it where it will get care.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Definitely going to be posting a notice ! I really just don’t want the little guy to suffer I can tell just by the way he’s acting today he’s definitely taken a toll for the worse,

So so sorry. I agree that time is of the essence here. Keep him hydrated as best you can.

Best Wishes.

 

[Chamownerl]

Hey! I just recently got an baby veiled chameleon and I’m really worried he might have an upper respiratory infection, could someone give me some advice ? I’ve been noticing him sleeping with his head up, I’ve dropped some pictures of my cage and him !

Is he sleeping during the day? If he is, that is a extremely bad sign.