Would this be okay?

[ShaunaLynnA]

I'm worried about having my little 13wk old panther in his large cage. Until he gets a little larger would it be okay to keep him in a 10gal aquarium with his lighting and misting and drip system. I am just wanting to do what would be safe for him. I am affraid he won't eat in the big cage since he stays at the top to stay warm and even though he arrived last night or afternoon he still has not touched his food. Please give me advice on what I should do to make him as comfortable as possible!

 

[SpinyFranky]

Shipping is very traumatic for animals, especially those prone to stress such as chameleons. Because of this it is usual for them to not eat for even a few days after arriving.

However, to compensate, a responsible breeder will have made sure that he was sufficiently fed and hydrated prior to shipment. This way he will be fine not eating for those few days.

Because of the age and size, an aquarium at this time would be sufficient. However beware misting and the dripper, aquariums don't have a drainage system ( they're aquariums! ) so you run the possibility of giving him a URI or potential drowning should he fall into a puddle of water. Make sure that you pay attention to any over flowing water and promptly dry it out.


You said in another thread that you were expecting an older animal but received this one instead?

This should entitle you to either a refund or exchange. Of course you can always just keep the one you received if you are already attached.

Assuming 4 weeks in a month, 13/4 =3.25. This is pretty young for a chameleon to be in a consumer household, and raising him will be a slight challenge.

Consider that most chameleons from breeders arrive to new families at around 4.5- 5.5 months of age at the minimum. Also consider that for chameleons the first 6 months, especially the first 4 are considered the most dangerous.

There is also a rather sizable difference between a three month old and a four month old, no matter the species. Chameleons grow fastest during the first few months and then begin to slow down.

Keep your options open and consider that refund/exchange for an older animal. You would be doing yourself and the animal a favor.

 

[sandrachameleon]

I'm worried about having my little 13wk old panther in his large cage. Until he gets a little larger would it be okay to keep him in a 10gal aquarium with his lighting and misting and drip system. I am just wanting to do what would be safe for him. I am affraid he won't eat in the big cage since he stays at the top to stay warm and even though he arrived last night or afternoon he still has not touched his food. Please give me advice on what I should do to make him as comfortable as possible!

Do you have a larger aquarium, with a screen top? 10 gal is going to be too small. He's going to grow quickly over the next few months.
You could stick with the larger enclosure, keep the room a bit warmer, and put his food close to where he spends his time (use a feeding cup or two).
Its normal for them not to want to eat in the first couple days after a big change. And I suspect you arent leaving him along either - having you watch him is also stressfull right now - he does not know you, doesnt associate you with food or anything good, you're just a great big predator.

 

[draetish]

You could always block off part of the large enclosure and keep 1/2 of it covered with a blanket to keep it warm, but not too warm. They need a place to cool off too. I wouldn't risk keeping him an aquarium because of URI as SpinyFranky mentioned. Also if this is your first cham I would really concentrate on your supplement schedule as the first year is the most critical for growing chams. If not done properly you run the risk of Metabolic Bone Disease which is not reversable and if you over supplement then you run the risk of a host of new problems. Many members have their dusting schedules posted as well as gutload for your feeders. You can use the "search" button. Posting a pic of your cage would be beneficial too. Good Luck, panthers are the bomb IMO!

 

[ShaunaLynnA]

You could always block off part of the large enclosure and keep 1/2 of it covered with a blanket to keep it warm, but not too warm. They need a place to cool off too. I wouldn't risk keeping him an aquarium because of URI as SpinyFranky mentioned. Also if this is your first cham I would really concentrate on your supplement schedule as the first year is the most critical for growing chams. If not done properly you run the risk of Metabolic Bone Disease which is not reversable and if you over supplement then you run the risk of a host of new problems. Many members have their dusting schedules posted as well as gutload for your feeders. You can use the "search" button. Posting a pic of your cage would be beneficial too. Good Luck, panthers are the bomb IMO!

Picture can be seen here....This is the little guy himself taken a few days before we was sent to me!

https://www.chameleonforums.com/my-baby-panther-34577/

 

[draetish]

OMG he's tiny, I see your concern. I think I would block off a part of the cage that way you can keep up with how much he's eating and pooping. Gotta watch his poop, it tells you alot.