I wanted to share a heart wrenching experience. I came out to find my Jeweled Chameleon (Furcifer campani) black splotched. Black and/or sickly yellow are signs of internal trauma or distress.
This is what Emily usually looks like. Nice and vibrant!
And this is what greeted me last week.
She was acting loopy and so my immediate concern was poisoning. I didn't notice any physical trauma, but I also didn't see any spider web. So I got her out and did a complete search. And, hidden deep in one of her bushes inside a web "sleeping bag" was this massive black widow.
I did a complete check and clean of the cage to make sure everything was safe.
A week later she is on her way to a full recovery. And for this I feel very lucky. I am actually surprised she is doing so well.
This is Emily a week after the incident. She is looking good! Still has some ways to go to get full use of her back right leg.
So, take away? We need to be vigilant. Especially those of us working with baby chameleons, small species chameleons, and bioactive environments. Spiders can find their way into any cage as babies and we provide them with ample food. Check corners of your cages for small webs. That is how they will start. I suggest looking at night because that is when the spiders would be out. Spiders are everywhere so this is just something to keep on top of. Though, this was a new one for me. I have not had the experience of a Black Widow creating a complete web lair deep inside a bush. So, I now know a little more than I did before.
This is what Emily usually looks like. Nice and vibrant!
And this is what greeted me last week.
She was acting loopy and so my immediate concern was poisoning. I didn't notice any physical trauma, but I also didn't see any spider web. So I got her out and did a complete search. And, hidden deep in one of her bushes inside a web "sleeping bag" was this massive black widow.
I did a complete check and clean of the cage to make sure everything was safe.
A week later she is on her way to a full recovery. And for this I feel very lucky. I am actually surprised she is doing so well.
This is Emily a week after the incident. She is looking good! Still has some ways to go to get full use of her back right leg.
So, take away? We need to be vigilant. Especially those of us working with baby chameleons, small species chameleons, and bioactive environments. Spiders can find their way into any cage as babies and we provide them with ample food. Check corners of your cages for small webs. That is how they will start. I suggest looking at night because that is when the spiders would be out. Spiders are everywhere so this is just something to keep on top of. Though, this was a new one for me. I have not had the experience of a Black Widow creating a complete web lair deep inside a bush. So, I now know a little more than I did before.
just wanted to mention it
