Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My jacksons chameleon has recently closed both eyes and they appear sunken. I keep him outside (in Pennsylvania) where he gets morning sum and some afternoon sun. Humidity in this area is quite high (90% or higher) and I try to mist and use a drip system at least twice a day. I've read that sunken eyes may be a sign of dehydration. He does feed regularly and after I drip water on his head he begins to bulge the eye and then will open it for a short time. I believe he can be saved because he is still feeding regularly. Also, how often should I be supplementing and with what? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. OH, the cage is of wooden frame with all screen sides and top. The bottom of the tank can drain water so I let it naturally rain on him unless it rains hard. Thanks.

i've seen multiple people suggest this,

to place him in a bathtub on a fake plant of some sort, then turn the shower on hitting the wall which will allow a mist to hit the plant and him to drink..

I forgot how long they said to do this, as i've never done it. i've just seen it recomended for dehydrated chams.

hope that helps.

as far as regular rain hittin him, im not sure if thats a good thing or bad, im sure some1 else will comment on that.

i think part of your problem may be that it's just too hot...if it's getting into the 80's and 90's it's too hot for a jax...mid to upper 70's with a basking spot in the 80's is preferred...

you say he's drinking so i don't know if dehydration is the problem...inverting and bulging the eyes when your wetting him is completely normal he may just be too hot

Yes what is the temp outside? Jackson chameleons are a montane species and ~80 degrees is a max temp for them. I use to have 5 Jackson chameleons and 85 meant big trouble for them, they didn't like it and needed to be moved indoors. They were fine after that.

Thanks for the help everyone. I'm moving him in today. I was starting to think that might be a problem.