Was your Chameleon Egg Bound? Read This

[TheFlash]

My veiled chameleon, Pinhead, died of a dystocia, or was egg bound. As a result, I was determined to understand dystocias. I bought a veterinary book on Reptiles, and have come to understand that the literature on the subject is unbelievably 'limited', as it says in the book. There are many causes of dystocias, where the underlying factor is poor husbandry (living conditions). I was surprised to hear this.
My theory is that chameleons from stores like Pet Smart, Petco, etc. are likely responsible for this tragedy; they simply don't feel the obligation to research/pay for the proper needs of these delicate creatures. The beginning of a chameleon's life is crucial to laying the first, infertile clutch, as a certain muscle mass is required for that chameleon to lay her eggs. They grow up weak, simply not having the strength.
If your chameleon was egg bound, then please respond to the forum, telling your story. The more we know about dystocias, the better we can eliminate them, as it's a painful experience for the chameleon, and it's best friend.

 

[kinyonga]

There are reproductive issues that can occur at times that lead to dystocia...such as fused eggs, misformed reproductive systems, etc...but the biggest cause seems to be poor husbandry. People tend to overfeed their chameleons constantly, not supplement properly, not provide appropriate basking temperatures, not look after the insects properly, etc.

Females also suffer from another reproductive issue that leads to death if it's not dealt with soon enough....that's follicular stasis. The follicles don't progress to become eggs. Imho husbandrybis at least partly responsible for this too.

 

[Andee]

Also the chameleons sold at petstores are from poorly raised factory bred chameleons the supply petco. They do this with all their animals, everything from their hamsters, guinea pigs, etc, to fish, to any reptile that can be bred in captivity. I have one of their genetic mistakes in hamster form. He skeletally deformed (just minimally) so that someone who wasn't the wiser wouldn't really notice, he also shows mental disabilities that are well known in poorly bred hamsters, and also shows gut issues. The fact that I bought him for a reduced rate because I refused to pay full price but also refused to leave without him.... he's just lucky I got him and lucky it wasn't someone who didn't know what a normal syrian hamster looks and acts like. He needs a lot of specific specialized care. But he also loves the hell out of me compared to a lot of those I have had. I have had a lot of sad stories form petco etc. And a lot is either due to poor husbandry or poor genetics or some combo.