stationary chameleon

[chase31157]

I got a female veiled chameleon yesterday. She did not eat anything yesterday, but today she ate 4 small crickets around 3:00 pm. From about 5:00 until now (8:10), she has been sitting in the exact same place. She seems alert otherwise (moving her eyes around, flinched when I turned her light off, etc). I was just wondering if I should be concerned that she has remained stationary for over 3 hours. Perhaps I am making too much of it, but I am a first-time chameleon owner and I do not know if this is normal. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[chambabysitter1]

3 hours with no "movement" is fine as long as they are standing on a branch and looking alert as you said.
As a first time owner, it would probably help to spot out an husbandry problems earlier, rather than later.

But just to be sure, I would fill this out:

Here is some recommended information to include when asking for help in the health clinic forum. By providing this information, you will receive more accurate and beneficial responses. It might not be necessary to answer all these questions, but the more you provide the better. Please remember that even the most knowledgeable person can only guess at what your problem may be. Only an experienced reptile veterinarian who can directly examine your animal can give a true diagnosis of your chameleon's health.


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?


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.
* Current Problem - The current problem that you are concerned about.


Pictures are helpful

 

[cushcameleon]

Chameleons are for the most part slow moving animals, yes they can jump and walk rather fast, but they only do so to avoid predators or what they perceive to be potential threats (i.e. humans). Don't expect to see your chameleon walking/climbing at all hours of the day. Both of my chameleons will bask in one spot for many hours of the day and sometimes they will stay in only one area of the cage for most of the day. If I were you I would listen to chambabysitter's advice, and fill out the help questionnaire. These animals can be a serious challenge to keep healthy and it would be in your best interest to make sure you are caring for it correctly. Congrats on the new cham.

 

[Brad Ramsey]

My female veileds pretty much sit in the same spot all day long.
I use small cages for them (16x16x30 or 18x18x36) because I believe they feel more secure in an environment they can survey from their one safe spot, or at least from the top half of the enclosure.
They seem ill at ease in anything larger.

-Brad