Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was told all of the babies from where I purchased my healthy 3 month old veiled were males. After examining my cham I cannot identifiy the spurs on the back of the hind legs even though its casque looks slightly developed. Considering how I don't have much room, perhaps this is a blessing because female veileds are generally smaller. But are female veiled's less colorful? Will I need to place a laying site when she gets older? I know I have to watch her diet so she doesnt have HUGE clutches.

If you can't see the spurs, then it's surely a female, even as a baby if you look closely you can see them. What size enclosure do you have?? Females are smaller then males usually, but they still get a decent size, and sometime I believe are close to the males size. As for color, females are less colorful then males, they usually retain a green color, with a blue strip in head. The chances of females producing eggs without a male I think are slim, thats why a lot die of egg binding, my suggestion would be ( if you don't already have one) is to get a male, your female will live longer, and as for cluth size, it's not much of what you feed her, only her genetics.

I beg to differ with you on a few counts...females WILL develop eggs regardless of mating. Luna has laid 2 - quite successfully - infertile clutches, of 42 eggs, in May and July. She is in the beginning of another developing.

From what I have gathered, the prevalence of egg binding may be more due to the keeper's lack of knowledge and/or poor observation techniques and/or correct food and calcium intake and/or knowing when to ask for help (vet).

That said, there are still times when everything is being done properly there still may be the need for medical intervention - and sometimes the cham makes it and sometimes they do not.

As for clutch size and ease of laying there are some considerations regarding food, proper calcium intake and a suitable laying tub made available - and the cham being left alone when she is preparing to lay.

just my 2 cents
lele
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0.1 veiled - Luna
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta
1.0 African Clawed Frog - Skipper
0.5 Mad. Hissers
0.1 Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula (no name yet)
?.? Goliath Bird-Eater Tarantula (no name yet)

If you are looking for color you will not have it with a female veiled - as it is an understated beauty However, they may be less aggressive. Luna will sometimes "puff up" and turn her head sharply as if to bite but she has never really tried.

Yes, you will have to set up a laying tub - maybe 3 or 4 times a year (Luna is developing her third infertile clutch - she is only 1.5 years). You will also need to pay close attention to her calcium intake while gravid and know when to ask for vet help (see my reply to thelizardking below).

I am not an expert so don't take this as gospel but it is my personal experience with a female veiled.

As for "not enough room" an adult (m or f) needs a 4x2x2 (minimum) cage. You have already traded a chameleon once so you may want to ask yourself just what you are hoping to gain from keeping this animal - is it about you? or the cham? That was not to meant to sound harsh and hope it didn't, just somehting ot think about so that it gets the proper care. btw, have you read all the links that have been given to you over the problems with you jackson? You really need to be sure you know what the requirements are - preferably before you bring it home.

hope this helps in your decision...
here is a pic of that "understated beauty"

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0.1 veiled - Luna
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta
1.0 African Clawed Frog - Skipper
0.5 Mad. Hissers
0.1 Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula (no name yet)
?.? Goliath Bird-Eater Tarantula (no name yet)

Lele is correct in every aspect! Females WILL lay infertile clutches, diet Does matter, and egg-binding Does sometimes occur. But it is possible for your female to lay infertile eggs with no problem. Luna is proof of that.
I hate to sound mean, but maybe you should trade again for a male leopard gecko. No eggs, no special lighting, no misting or spraying. You don't even have to feed them daily. It sounds like you want something easy & trouble-free.
My $.02,
Cricket