Questions and Answers:
By Chris Anderson
Q. They’re just so graceful…
We just got chameleons for the first time. We bought 2 of
them from the reptile show in Raleigh, NC.
We were told that these are called Graceful breed of chameleon. We are
just learning. One of the new ones (9 months old, about 8 inches long
each) died that same evening. We got a big cage, heat lamp, tree, etc. dripper,
etc., all the stuff they said to get to take care of it..
oh and live medium crickets.... We need help and the
most clear information webpages to learn about
chameleons. Any video's we can buy would also be helpful.
A. The graceful
chameleon, Chamaeleo gracilis, is a
widespread chameleon species from mainland Africa that
is imported into the US
market in extremely high numbers. Very few
Ch. gracilis being sold are captive bred and the
majority are recent imports with a plethora of illnesses and disorders
resulting in mediocre survival chances. Considering this fact and that one of
them died the same day, I think it is safe to bet that you have wild caught
specimens. With that established, they will more than likely require a vet
visit (to a qualified reptile vet if at all possible) to treat for internal
parasites among other things.
This species notoriously arrives in extremely poor condition
due to a lack of care during the collection, exportation, importation
and distribution process. Their low cost and high shipment numbers provide
little incentive to importers and exporters to care for these animals
correctly. Many arrive dead, many more almost dead and the majority of the rest
do not live long enough to acclimate and reproduce.
The most important first step when dealing with imports of
this species is hydration. Mist heavily a number of times a day for approx 15-30
minutes at a time to allow ample opportunity to drink. It is important that
even with this heavy misting, the cage and branches are able to dry out between
mistings and ample airflow is provided. A vet should
be able to help provide further means of hydration should it be required.
With regard to their care, a medium to large screen
enclosure with live plants and branches is appropriate for each animal. UVB
lighting and a basking light is needed. The enclosure should provide a temperature/humidity
gradient for the animal to determine its optimal temperature itself. It is
also of particular importance to maintain their individual cages in a low
traffic area.
Q. “Showing the Penny”
What is the reason for "showing the penny" as we
call it, stretching the underneath of the neck to show a copper colored skin?
A. I have to
admit that I’ve never heard this behavior referred to as “showing the penny,”
but found it amusing none-the-less. The behavior you have observed is the
extension of the gular pouch. In extending the gular pouch, the scales are
forced apart revealing the interstitial skin. The interstitial skin in this
area is often presented in strips called the interstitial or gular striations.
Extension of the gular pouch and exposing the interstitial skin is generally a
threat, territorial or courtship response. When a chameleon feels threatened,
feels the need to defend his territory or is encountered with a courtship
situation, they will often extend the gular pouch in display.
Photo courtesy of Chris Anderson
This female Furcifer minor has extended her gular pouch, exposing her red interstitial skin in a display of her gravid
state to a courting male.
Q. The Night Light Myth
I live in Lake Tahoe, CA.
I have a baby Jackson's Chameleon. Of the research I have done, it says
to have a black light or red bulb night light to help the chameleon
sleep. Is this true or should I have no light at all at night.
During the day I have a full spectrum light and a basking light. When
they turn off at night, the black light goes on until morning. I have
also heard that they need a 10 degree drop at night, which I believe I
accomplish when the two day lights turn off. Let me know the proper
lighting for day and night.
A. This is a
common myth that Ed Pollak discussed as myth #7 in a
previous article “Common
Myths of Chameleon Husbandry.” As he mentioned, most chameleons, including
C. jacksonii, appreciate a temperature drop at night. As a result, unless the
night temperatures are dropping too significantly, a black or red night light
is generally not recommended.
Q. The babies are coming!
I just bought a male and female Jackson's
and I was told the female is gravid. Can you give me some advice on the
arriving babies, including food, habitat, misting, etc.? Thank you.
A. Preparing for babies
is very important, especially with ovoviviparous species like C. jacksonii. In the following articles
from previous issues, you will find a great deal of information on neonate care
and preparation. Good Luck!
“Caging for Baby Chameleons,” By John Lucas
“Feeding Baby Chameleons,” By John Lucas
“A Hatching’s First Weeks,” By Lynda Horgan
Q. Sleeping chameleon
I have a Jackson.
He has shed once about 3 months ago & ever since, I have had to hand feed
him by opening his mouth. He WAS in an aquarium..WAS. But now I put him in
a tree in the house & put a UV light on the tree during the day & put
him back in the aquarium for the night. I mist him regularly. But the past
couple of days, he has become lethargic to a degree. He seems to have stopped
wanting to drink the water off the leaves when I spray also. He appears to be
growing weak as he does not seem to be as strong when he holds onto something
(not that I’m pulling him off). He also looks like he’s sleeping even during
the day. He only opens his eyes for a few minutes, then
he shuts them again. There are NO vets in my area that have a clue about
chameleons. I will admit, I didn’t do ALL of my homework before buying. Any
suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
A. Unfortunately,
in this case my answer may be of little help if you are unable to get your
chameleon to a vet. Without seeing your animal in person, it is impossible to
give you an accurate diagnosis or recommend treatment. A vet visit is your best
option.
The symptoms you have described are clear signs of illness.
Weak grip, sleeping during the day, lethargy and not eating or drinking are
signs that an illness has been present for some time now and may be at a stage
past recovery. I once again stress that it is very important to locate a vet
for your chameleon. Based on the description of your case, my feeling is that
the illness is a result of improper husbandry. There is a very good chance that
the stress of being moved continually between habitats, in conjunction with poor
ventilation and bacteria buildup in a glass tank, has caused some type of upper
respiratory infection. Treatment by a vet is needed but providing a clean
environment with access to adequate warmth in the mean time is important. This
is the far too common result of not doing the proper research prior to
purchasing a chameleon and I hope others will see the need for such precautions
as research and locating a qualified vet prior to the occurrence of an
emergency.
Q. Live Birthing
Species
I had a quick question. I was wondering if jacksons
chameleons were live bearing? if not, which chameleons
are? thank you for your time.
A. The Jackson’s
chameleon, Chamaeleo jacksonii, is in
fact a live bearing, or ovoviviparous species. There are approximately 34 species
of ovoviviparous species although many are uncommon in captive collections.
Other relatively common ovoviviparous species include Ch. hoehnelii, Ch. ellioti,
Ch. bitaeniatus and Ch. rudis.
To submit a question, please fill out the submission form on the contact page.
Chris Anderson, Editor
Chris Anderson is an aspiring herpetologist currently studying at Cornell University. He has spent time in the jungles of South East Asia, among other areas, aiding in research for publication. Most recently, he traveled throughout Madagascar in search of, and conducting personal research on, the chameleons of the region. Currently, Chris is the Editor of the Chameleons E-Zine and as a Cornell Presidential Research Scholar, is studying the significance of the low frequency sound vibrations in Tanzanian Rhampholeon species. Chris can be emailed at Chris.Anderson@chameleonnews.com or cva3@cornell.edu
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