Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone,

Well, Both Cobalt and Capuchi are currently in a shed. The big problem is, they have been in the shed for about 3 days. Only small chunks of skin come off, then the rest looks to be attached pretty good. I did alot of research on shedding problems, and I found that it could be a vitamin A defiancy in both cases (I doubt it though) or it may just take some time.

With all my time dealing with chameleons, Ive never had problems with them shedding. Im going to put both of them in the shower today, lightly rub them with a warm wash cloth, then back under the heat lamp we go!

So, do you think they're just taking a little longer than usual to shed, or is there a serious problem here? Humidity is fine, as well as husbandry, and I can give more in-depth details if desired. If it is a serious problem, like a vitamin defficiancy I have NO problem whatsoever to take them to the vet. If its minor though, It would be nice just to resolve it at home. Thanks so much in advance!

Michele

Hi Michele,

3 Days is not that long. I found that as Luna got older her sheds were more patchy and took longer, too. The shower is certainly a good idea. Not sure where you live, but lower indoor humidity (like in NE region) cannot affect as well. Let them hang out in the shower for a good 1/2 hour or so and don't rub until they are really good and saturated, you may find you don't need to at all. Just don't let them get chilled on the way from/to the shower. If there is still a problem, you can use a natural vegetable/seed oil (NOT mineral oil) such as jojoba, almond or even olive or canola (jojoba is the best as it is not greasy and absorbs well into the skin.)

lele
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Chameleon Help & Resource Info

0.1 Veiled Chameleon - Luna. She's now hanging from her big jungle gym in the sky
1.0 Beardie - Darwin
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0.1 Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula - Rosa Leigh
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Hey Michele,
I have to agree with lele's input. I have a bit of experience, and in all my days, have never seen a shedding problem as you describe that was symtomatic of other more severe problems without there being other symptoms. Put another way, if this is as bad as it gets, no cause for losing sleep. I know that you say the humidity is OK, but in the northern latitudes (which us Florida folks avoid !), your inside humidity can be difficult to manage. Its not fatal to the chams, maybe requires some extra hydration, and can be dealt with. Extra hydration, and showering as lele recommends, would be my recommendation. I have no experience with the added oils, which maybe only shows the degree of concern that I have when having encountered problems as you describe in the past, so I can't give input there. But if all other things appear normal, primarily appetite and behavior, then I think the problem is minor. Goof luck with all.
The Chameleon Company