Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
My male veiled was sunning himself in his screened enclosure outside. It was about 78 degrees, and I had just showered him. I turned my back for 30 mins, came back...and the cage was overturned with the door wide open! No chameleon in site! I have been searching around our yard for over 3 hours, with no chameleon in site. We have a thick patch of bushes where he may be hiding, Or he may have wondered to the nieghbors yard. Tonight, I will take my flashlight out and search for him, for when he sleeps his color lightens greatly. It will only drop to the low 70's tonight, and he was just fed. I fear for the worst, that a cat pounced on his cage and carried him away, or he climbed a tree. Do you think he could have climbed a large tree? Thanks so much, and any information on places I should search would be so helpful. Im just devastated....
Michele

Hi
Ive never had an escape before, but what you mentioned is the best way to go so ive heard. Searching for him at night with the flashlight will be the best method to find him. He could climb a big tree as long as he could get a grip on its trunk. Most chameleons thinking is that the higher the better, so search the branches of nearby trees and hopefully you will find him! Good luck!!

Erin
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1:1 Veileds (Gene and Alis)
1:0 Sambava Panther (Knoxville)
1:1 Albino Clawed Frogs (Phedre and Jos)
?? Fire belly toad (Harold)
Various cats and dogs

Just looking for an update on how the searching went. Keep us posted!
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Lex and Cecily sittin in a tree.

Thanks for your consideration.
I still havent found him yet, he doesnt have too large of an area to wonder, but I still have hope. I fear that a cat may have gotten to him, but Im trying not to be too negative
I'll keep you posted!
Michele

Bet your a wreck, I sure would be until I found him!

Let us know, be thinking about you!
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PHEve/ Eve

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I have had this happrn twice and what you need to do is get up early in the morning, as soon as the sun comes up, The chameleons natural instinct is to find the moring sunshine and warm up. He will be at a place where the sun is beaming bright. I know this from experience. No use in looking for him at night. Good Luck!

Little devil, he was hiding under a bush, sleeping. Other then being a little deyidrated, he's all well now. Thanks so much for the help guys, it meant alot to me!
Michele

*wipes sweat from brow*

that's great news *does a dance* I know that everyone on the site had their fingers crossed.

Also, just a little note...

(hope i don't sound like a broken record, though)

A chameleon outside should always be under supervision. From experience I know that it can take a cham about 30 seconds to escape from a cage into the bush. Believe it or not, they can get pretty fast when they want to.

Aside from the lecture (sorry, 'bout that, by the way. I'm just assuming you don't want to go through it again), I'm just glad that you got your pet back!

Thats great!! Im so glad you did find him and nothing happened!
There have been too many times that hasnt happened unfortunately

Congrats and maybe think about getting a leash for your little guy

Erin
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1:1 Veileds (Gene and Alis)
1:0 Sambava Panther (Knoxville)
1:1 Albino Clawed Frogs (Phedre and Jos)
?? Fire belly toad (Harold)
Various cats and dogs

GREAT! I'm very glad he's OK. Sounds like you should anchor or weight the cage so whatever tried to get to him can't knock it over again.

I'll be sure to do all that was mentioned. Even though his cage was tightly locked, the cat still managed to get it open. Luckily, he didnt become the cats next meal! I'll be sure to watch him way more now! Thanks
Michele

Hhehehehe We will all give ya a little lecture on never turn your back on a lizard..................

Ever, when out ! LOL

SO happy ya found him!
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PHEve/ Eve

Contact PHEve