Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The past week or so, I have noticed my cham at the bottom of the cage scratching at the screen. I'll put him at the top of the cage and a few minutes later, he'll be back at the bottom. I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong, the temp never gets over 75, humidity is 60-70, he is eating well, and he has plenty of climbing space and cover in the cage, but he keeps returning to the bottom. This is becoming a problem, because i think this clawing at the screen has caused him to lose a couple nails. Maybe he just wants to get out and explore? i don't know but this is really making me worry.

Scott

can you post a picture? it may be easier to determine a problem.
What are you using for basking light? UVB, food? water, etc.?

>>The past week or so, I have noticed my cham at the bottom of the cage scratching at the screen. I'll put him at the top of the cage and a few minutes later, he'll be back at the bottom. I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong, the temp never gets over 75, humidity is 60-70, he is eating well, and he has plenty of climbing space and cover in the cage, but he keeps returning to the bottom. This is becoming a problem, because i think this clawing at the screen has caused him to lose a couple nails. Maybe he just wants to get out and explore? i don't know but this is really making me worry.
>>
>>Scott
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0.1 veiled - Luna
0.2 green anoles Jaida & Jetta
0.1 brown anole - Jamaica
0.2 house geckos - Gaia & Tia
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta

I don't have a pic i can post right now. I have two hibiscus, and a croton in the cage. i also have at least 7 or 8 branches he can climb on other than the plants. I mist 3-4 times a day, and drip a few hours a day. Feed 2-4 silkworms daily, depending on their size. I have a powersun, and at first i was told it would create too much heat, so i have it about a foot off the top of the cage, and the hot spot never gets above 70's. The only thing i can figure is he wants to get out and roam. Maybe i should try elevating the cage a few feet, because right now it sits on the floor. cage dimensions are 3' tall, 2.5' wide, 2' deep.
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Scott Dunlap

1.0 Jacksons

Scott-

I am assuming you are talking about a Jax (from your signature). Hibiscus are great plants but don't provide much cover until they have matured and dont fare well indoors. Jax are a monate species' and need lots of plants to provide the humidity and cover they need. You might want to look into a ficus, pothos, or umbrella to provide extra cover. If the cage is on the floor this is not good, chameleons are found up in the canopy way above your head for the most part. I would defiantly raise the cage up at least 2-3' off the floor. The chameleon will feel allot more secure viewing you and everything else looking down rather then up. Another thing to think about is any other animals in the same room as the chameleon in his view will stress him out. The cage size is 2.5'Lx2'Wx3'H? Hope this helps!
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John W. Lucas

CHAMELEON PARADISE

CHAMELEONS ONLINE E-ZINE AUTHOR

Feeding Baby Chameleons
Caging Baby Chameleons

F. pardalis

Ambilobe Locale
Nosy Be Locale
Sambava Locale

Rhampholeon uluguruensis

Eggs Incubating-

F. pardalis - Ambilobe Locale

got SILKWORMS!

Photo © Chameleon Paradise 2003

Did I miss what species of cham this is? A basking spot of 70 is fairly low temp. I don't think that has much to do with the pawing though. It sounds as if this cham is too confined or too low to the floor and is feeling insecure or crowded. If chams don't feel they have a "better spot" they can spend hours trying to get to one. Sometimes if the general light level in the cage is too low they will try to escape to get to a bright window. Most chams feel secure if they can perch higher than your head and there is a place in the cage where YOU can't find them. There should be so much foliage that they are hard to spot. If the cage is so small there isn't a gradient of warm to cool the cham may be trying to get to someplace that it thinks will. Just some ideas.