veiled chameleon help

[GarethSmyth88]

hey guys, for Christmas i was bought a male veiled chameleon (approx 3-4 months old). i have had him for two days now and i am getting worried because he often a very dark coloration. i haven't seen him eating and he is also quite aggressive when i am extending my hand to hold him (hissing and swinging his head, i know sometimes they don't like being held) he has also just started shedding which is why i think he is doing this, i have tried to hand feed him but he is just looking at the cricket. i am new to chameleons and any help you guys could give me would be great, thanks in advance.

viv specs
2ft high
2ft wide
1ft deep
uvb- 5.0 reptisun
temp- 95F (basking) 85(bottom)
humidity- not sure waiting on gauge (misting 3 times per day)

 

[Kate]

https://www.chameleonforums.com/how-ask-help-66/
Hi there welcome to the forum. Could you copy ,paste and fill in link above and we will hopefully help you.:

 

[szpond]

Definitely remove that bulb that looks like is directly in the tank. Wouldn't want a burn on the little guy! All lights should have a barrier. Burns are all too common.

 

[ehoanshelt]

I would look into possibly getting a different cage. That cage doesn't look well ventilated and could cause him to get sick if the air is to moist.

 

[mcbdz]

Hello and welcome to the forums. Congrats on you new buddy. A very important rule of thumb when you first get your chameleon is LEAVE him as much alone as possible for at least 2weeks. The only time you should have your hand in his cage is to put food in there. Too early to try hand feeding. He needs time to get use to his new home and build trust. You even would to good not to stay close watching him yet either. Give him time. then while you wait you can do lots of research and reading. Will start you off with some links to read. Good luck.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/useful-info/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/basic-husbandry-38769/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/general-care-true-chameleons-5943/
http://www.veiledchameleoncaresheet.com/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/75-feeder-nutrition-gutloading.html

 

[Decadancin]

So, first off, Welcome to the forums! I see Dave hasn't given you this yet, so here it is... a great care sheet for new veiled owners https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/chameleonsinmyhouse/395-veiled-chameleon-care-sheet.html (Thanks Dave!)
You will undoubtedly get lots of negative comments on your enclosure due to it not being screen, but many have been successful using glass vivariums. It is a bit more difficult to maintain proper temperature and humidity, and if not done well this can lead to respiratory issues, but this does not mean it is not possible. I would suggest getting a taller enclosure soon. Veiled chameleons do prefer taller enclosures and will spend much of their time near the top. Good job with the UVB, but as stated, I too am concerned with the placement of the basking bulb. I would also suggest more foliage and vines near the top to offer security and places for thermoregulation. I think the temps are a few degrees too hot. I have my veiled's temps at about 92 basking, 84 top of cage, 78 bottom. This allows my boy to choose what temp is good for him!
As for shedding, yes they can be a bit grumpy when doing this . Its normal. If you have only had him a few days, I would not worry too much about him not eating yet. Probably needs some time to adjust. Be careful with the substrate at the bottom. (especially if you free range the feeders in the tank!) Veileds will eat just about everything, and it would be easy for him to ingest some of the substrate while eating! This can be dangerous and cause him to become impacted.
I just realized how long this post is, sorry! If you have any questions, feel free to PM me and I will be glad to help! Again, welcome to the forums!!!

 

[Kate]

Hi again Gareth. I am also from uk and I use a wood/ screen top/ glass doors and I make it work. I have Popeyes uv inside the viv with a reflector and I haven't had a problem. My last viv didn't have a screen top so I had to put my boys basking light inside his viv like you, however in order to make it safe i enclosed it in a metal cage large enough that he couldn't burn himself as he did tend to climb on it. I hope that is helpful. I look forward to reading your posts.