Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My veiled was shedding very frequently the past couple of months,almost constantly there were patches of skin hanging from him,I believe because he was growing.Now he stopped shedding for some time now and I am really affraid he reached full size.I cannot say for sure how old he is but I estimate around 1 year old,I repeat 'estimate'.He hasn't got the size of adult males I have seen in pictures that's why I am conserned.He also went on a long hunger strike when smaller,I don't know if such a thing can cause stunted growth or small final size...
When it comes to veileds many people refer to 1 year as the period that the cham reaches it's final size.When I asked about it members told me it's simply a myth and it depends on other parameters as well,
I would really like to hear your opinions on the whole subject..
Thanks

I don't know...I've heard a lot of opinions about this subject too. I know it is true that every chameleon has an individual growth rate and spurts of growth. Some will sort of stop then may start growing again from a year old and onwards, and some may be huge by 6-8 months of age. It's pretty hard to predict the final length of your chameleon, but if you have the correct set-up and are doing everything to the best of your knowledge, you should be fine.

Oh, and the short period of time that he went on hunger strike- yeah, that can have some negative effects...sorry. Good luck with him,
-----
Michele

Just like people, chameleons reach adulthood with varying sizes and IMHO in different lengths of time. They won't all be giants.

You said..."He also went on a long hunger strike when smaller,I don't know if such a thing can cause stunted growth or small final size"...depending on how long and why it might have an affect on him.

I grow my veileds more slowly than most people seem to and while I can't say that I've had any giants, they are all well within the normal parameters in my opinion. Most of mine reach adult length at about 1 year of age, but I have had the odd one take longer. Most of mine are slim at one year of age and seem to put on girth after the age of one. One female didn't reach adult size until she was over 1 1/2....I worried that she would never be full grown...but she made it!

You said..."When it comes to veileds many people refer to 1 year as the period that the cham reaches it's final size.When I asked about it members told me it's simply a myth and it depends on other parameters as well...I have to say that I think there are other factors that play a part in final size too. Genes, rate of feeding, temperature, etc.

Unless he was much smaller than average and unhealthy, I wouldn't worry about it myself!

Add to the fact that if he is healthy now, and continues on that way....size doesn't matter.

Kris
-----
2.1 Black Labs Tucker, Raider and Lacey
1.0 Lepoard Gecko Kumar (Another lost pet RIP and party on with Harold!)
2.0 Horses Smoothie and Rocky
1.0 Husbands (he puts up with me)
1.2 Kids-Trevor (congrats c/o 2006), Logan and Rylie
1.1 Ferrets Tank and Ellie (The fun fuzzies)
1.1 Veiled Chams Squiggy and Pudge (may she RIP)
0.1 Snowflake Cornsnake Lucky

I have read your posts,I can say that is easier to accept it now,if this is the way to be,he sure is healthy...
If anyone else has had a similar case please let me know