why is he always dark?

[Veild Cham Owner]

Hello so on sunday (3 days ago) i got my second cham. He is about 2-3 months old and he always seems to be dark. Ever since i saw him in the pet store and brought him home he has always been dark. He is still kind of scared of me but i will stick my hand in his terrarium (so he will get used to me) and he won't lung or try to bite me. The temps in the terrarium are always above 80 (f) so i don't think that is an issue. I need to take him to the vet on saturday for a check up and i'm afraid that he is afraid of me and wont let me pick him up. Could i be stressing him out some way? i'm just not sure, Pls comment your thoughts

think

 

[Veild Cham Owner]

im not quite sure why that says think so just ignore that lol

 

[carol5208]

I wouldn't worry too much. Alot of times they will be dark when they are put into a new environment because they are nervous. It takes some time for them to settle in. Don't try and handle him for a few weeks and just let him get used to things. They can be dark when they are cold also. He looks healthy from the picture you took. I would not take him to the vet unless you think something is wrong and you are concerned. Why stress him out from transporting him and be handled by another stranger. What I would do though, is get a fecal sample done to make sure he is parasite free. It is up to you what you want to do as far as the vet goes. I just don't think it is necessary, but it is your call. Is the whole cage 80 degrees? What is the temp under the basking light?

 

[Veild Cham Owner]

I wouldn't worry too much. Alot of times they will be dark when they are put into a new environment because they are nervous. It takes some time for them to settle in. Don't try and handle him for a few weeks and just let him get used to things. They can be dark when they are cold also. He looks healthy from the picture you took. I would not take him to the vet unless you think something is wrong and you are concerned. Why stress him out from transporting him and be handled by another stranger. What I would do though, is get a fecal sample done to make sure he is parasite free. It is up to you what you want to do as far as the vet goes. I just don't think it is necessary, but it is your call. Is the whole cage 80 degrees? What is the temp under the basking light?

ok that is a very good idea with the vet. i will do so. His basking temp is about 90(f) he gets so hot he opens him mouth to regulate his body temp lol

 

[carol5208]

If he is always holding his mouth open while basking, then I would lower the temperature some.

 

[Veild Cham Owner]

If he is always holding his mouth open while basking, then I would lower the temperature some.

he will only open his mouth id he is right underneath the lamp when he stays there for like 10 mins otherwise he does not. Could it be harmful os his temps are to high?

 

[shomegirl]

Maybe too high temps for a young one? According to the care sheet on this forum. Maybe lower it and see what happens?

Temperature:
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)

 

[BayChams]

Your chameleon may be dark because there is something stressful in the room. Do you have any pets? My chameleon was dark because she got stressed when my cats and chickens were around.

 

[Veild Cham Owner]

Maybe too high temps for a young one? According to the care sheet on this forum. Maybe lower it and see what happens?

Temperature:
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)

his basking temp is about 90 and just around the tank is 8 or below

 

[Veild Cham Owner]

Your chameleon may be dark because there is something stressful in the room. Do you have any pets? My chameleon was dark because she got stressed when my cats and chickens were around.

i do have a dog but she is never really in my room.

 

[BayChams]

I don't either, but sometimes my pets sneak in or someone leaves the door open...