Splat at 4 months old

[warpdrive]

Hi everyone,

well it's been some time since I've posted some photos of my baby.
so it's time to show just how Splat is turning out now that he is starting to show some adult colors.

while he mostly shows a green back, he sometimes show off some yellows.
he clearly is turning out wonderfuly thanks to all of you and your help.
both Splat and I thank each of you for all the fine advice you gave me and other newbies on here.

I also realised that I haven't posted any shots of what the cage looks like so here is two photos of Splat's cage.

now for some Splantness...

sadly, the ficus in the photos of his cage is not doing well.
I'm well aware that the leaves will fall off, but I lost almost all the leaves, and regrowth is slow and almost not happening.
I'm wondering if the plant will get better in time.
any help or advice is welcome.

Harry

 

[Malicious]

Hey Harry,

The cage really looks perfect!

I like the variety of plants you used too. That is a LLL ficus isn't it?

I got 4 trees from them and they were all full and healthy. I secured the trunks around a wooden dowel to promote straight vertical growth, and they are all thriving. You can trim them if you want them tall and bushy at the top, which is what I did.

As for Sir Splat, he is looking excellent!!

Very healthy and hardy looking for sure. I see so many colors coming through now, it's awesome! Great work Harry!

Over the next 2 months you are going to see a tremendous color transformation! Harry you must be a proud papa!

Thanks for updating us mate.


-Jay


How long have you had the Money tree in there? Most find it's usage questionable, due to it's toxicity.

 

[shaneuk]

He's looking real good, great pics too.

 

[Miss Lily]

I love how his colours are muted - giving you a preview of the awesomeness to come! He looks like a real life rainbow!

 

[Pure]

He is looking good. What Local is he again?

 

[warpdrive]

Hey Harry,

I like the variety of plants you used too. That is a LLL ficus isn't it?


How long have you had the Money tree in there? Most find it's usage questionable, due to it's toxicity.

yes, the ficus is from LLL.
infact I have 3 others from LLL, two large ones, and 1 extra small one besides what is in the cage.

the large ones are also losing plenty of leaves but at least I see plenty of regrowth that will come in soon.
sadly the small ones don't show too much regrowth as of yet, and I'm afraid that I might have just a buch of sticks soon if they don't improve.

the cage photos are from almost 2 weeks ago when even my small ficus was lush and freash.
now I only have about 25% of the leaves left.
the large ones I got have about 50% of the leaves left, but I do see plenty of green "spikes" (pre-leaf growth) and new leaves starting to grow.

while I did some trimming of all the trees, I like the "droop" or "weeping" part of the ficus, so I leave some of that on at lest on two of the trees.
this offers good shade incase a panther "wants" some real shade from the UV rays we have comming from the top.
remember that if you watch any videos of panthers they seem to stay in alot of shade most of the time besides basking and feeding.
the money tree helps in offering not only some great walking branches but also some shade from the lights.

for a non plant eater like Splat, the money tree is quite safe.
it does not have any sap or liquid release when a branch or leaf brakes off.
it leaches nothing from the leaves so is safe for licking off water.
it's the leaves themselves that are toxic, so plant eaters like El Dorado should not have it in his cage.

this money tree plant is growing way too fast and new growth is quick as hell.
I prune it back weekly or it interfears with the lights...hey, I still want some good basking spots for my guy, not just shade.

the umbrella tree is also growing fast, just not as fast as the money tree.
both the money tree and the umbrella have taken a beating and just keep ticking away with new growth, so I've been quite lucky.

Jay, you've told me he would be growing fast, but what would you say if I told you he is just shy of 5" STV right now. 9 1/2" total easy.
I had him fire up for me when I showed him a Nosey be that I'm babysitting right now...he looked totaly unreal.
I should have taken a picture.

Harry

 

[warpdrive]

He is looking good. What Local is he again?

Splat is an ambilobi/sambava cross from Liddy at chameleonsonly.com
to say I'm quite pleased is an understatement.

Harry

 

[lisa h]

Splat is beautiful -- and I love his name! Can you tell me what size enclosure you have him in?

lisa

 

[warpdrive]

the cage is 24" x 24" x 12"

Harry

 

[FooL111394]

Splat is a perfect name for a chameleon because it makes you think a tie dye design, or a splat of color. He looks great, keep up the great work.

 

[Silverdusk]

Splat is a great looking guy!! Might wish to consider removing the money tree.

 

[laurie]

Wow Harry I remember when Splat was just new for you and how he got his name!! It is hard to believe he is showing colors like that so early. He is just beautiful, I can't wait to see Splat as an adult. He is going to be even more awsome. Great job!! If we were in Vegas I could call this beginners luck.

About your trees, when one of mine looks bad I take it out of the cham cage for a little r&r. That way you can control the water and light better. Does it have adequate drainage while in the cage? In the fixture with my UVB's i have a plant light in the second half. If drainage is ok try a plant light.

 

[Pure]

That's an interesting combination. Waiting for him to grow up and show his colors must be torture.

Man, get him fired up and take a pic for us.

 

[jannb]

Harry; Splat looks great!!! So much color for a four month old. You might want to check on the money tree......I think I read on hear somewhere that they are toxic.

 

[warpdrive]

Harry; Splat looks great!!! So much color for a four month old. You might want to check on the money tree......I think I read on hear somewhere that they are toxic.

for a non plant eater like Splat, the money tree is quite safe.
it does not have any sap or liquid release when a branch or leaf brakes off.
it leaches nothing from the leaves so is safe for licking off water.
it's the leaves themselves that are toxic.

Harry

 

[sandrachameleon]

Splat is a fun name. He looks good.

Fiscus dont like change. dropping leaves after moving, espcially if there is a change in temp or light or similar, is normal. You might want to add a plant grow bulb, have that on for a few hours each day, see if that helps with the leaves.

 

[warpdrive]

thanks for the kind words Sandra and Laurie.
I guess I'll get a grow light soon.

oh, and I got a great shot comming tomorrow.
Splat came out of his cage on his own for the first time...

Harry

 

[Rachgreens]

hes looking great : ]

 

[chameleon97]

Great Cham!!

 

[viaje]

for a non plant eater like Splat, the money tree is quite safe.
it does not have any sap or liquid release when a branch or leaf brakes off.
it leaches nothing from the leaves so is safe for licking off water.
it's the leaves themselves that are toxic.

Harry

It is of course up to you whether to use the plant or not, but I've noticed on the rare occasions where my chams miss their target, they can get a leaf or two instead, they spit it out, but not before mushing it up in their mouth a little first. I would stay away from it.
(and yes, I cup feed, but there's always that one cricket that escapes)

Splat is a handsome boy