Veiled Chameleon Leaning???

[drmdrm25]

Today I went in my room to check on Oscar and he was on his basking perch leaning sideways. Is this normal? He is a 5 month old male Veiled Chameleon. His basking spot is around 84F

 

[RangoStar]

If he was basking, then yes that can be normal. He is just showing his side which has more surface area to absorb heat.

 

[drmdrm25]

If he was basking, then yes that can be normal. He is just showing his side which has more surface area to absorb heat.

So its perfectly normal for him to do that? And is 84F basking a good temperature?

 

[RangoStar]

Yes, as long as he can't get too close to the heat source. He can burn himself and not even realize it.

 

[kplatvoet]

It's perfectly normal- usually if he's too cold he will be less active and eat less-and will have darker colors (at least that is what I have found in my limited experience) you could try moving his bulb a little closer (not close enough to burn him see above) if you notice any of the above or going to a slightly higher wattage- but your temps are good - he's getting closer to being an adult and may like it a little warmer (a degree or two)

Baby/juvenile (<9 months): ambient 72-80F (22-26C), basking 85F (29C)
Adult males: ambient 75-80F (23-26C), basking 90-95F (32-35C)
Adult females: ambient 75-80F (23-26C), basking 85F (29C)

 

[Tyaeda]

As long as he's still getting around in the cage alright, and he's only doing that when he's basking, I wouldn't worry about it at all. My veiled does that all the time when he's basking. Sometimes he even does it on my hand when I bring him outside for some real-sun basking.

 

[Psychobunny]

Yep, that's the way they bask.
Turn into a pancake, flop over and cook one side, then flop over and cook
the other side