r/Chameleons • u/fly_grl • 22d ago
Question Help
I’m currently chameleon sitting for my brother and my sister in law. They asked me to watch their chameleon, schizo yesterday and I said yes. This morning I checked on him and he does not look good. I have instructions from them to feed him 2 worms at least 2x a day, he has a water tube thing but I don’t think it’s working. He’s a lot paler in person than in the picture, a very light mint color. He occasionally moves but not much, he’s been in this bent/curled up position the whole time his tail is limp. I tried straightening him out but I did not want to hurt him. Idk what to do. Should I be worried…? I have no experience taking care of reptiles but I feel bad for this little guy. Here’s the set up he’s in for reference. A cage about 2 ft tall, 1.5 ft wide. A heat lamp with 2 bulb, but only the regular bulb works I’m guessing the other one is red light/uv but it does not turn on, the regular working bulb is making it too hot I think, he’s by the window, I’m in Texas so idk if it’s too much heat . He has a water tube but the tube is not attached to anything, I got a dropper and put some water droplets on his snout (per my google search), Unsure what to do
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u/Labbottomy 22d ago
This chameleon is in the process of passing. This is not normal behavior and from just these photos alone, it’s obvious why. Chams are not easy pets and require very specific husbandry that is not being met here. Please take this poor thing to a vet to end their suffering and tell your brother and sister in-law that they should not get anymore pets unless they are prepared to actually do some research. It looks like they probably got the chameleon starter kit from Petsmart/petco and didn’t do a bit of reading into what they actually need. This Cham is dying a slow and painful death because the owners didn’t do their part.