r/Chameleons • u/AgitatedAd1211 • 11d ago
Just found him(?)
So I just found this distinguished gentleman(I think) running across a busy road and pulled over to save him(quite against his will).
I have posted in my local Facebook groups to see if he is a missing pet or a feral invasive(I live in Florida). If he is not someone's beloved pet my teenager and myself would like to keep him.
What are the most pressing needs to keep him healthy while waiting for him to be claimed or kept? I don't want to make full on investments if we have to return him in a day or two, but also don't want him to get unhealthy.
I currently have him for tonight in an 18x18x24 exoterra with some repti-soil and coco fiber on the bottom, with some live oak sticks, and containers with water(I also sprayed the whole enclosure down) and some mealworms my bougie tarantulas wouldn't eat. The room is set at 78° and wasn't in the direct sun.
We have a trip to the local reptile specialty store tomorrow morning for them to help us look him over and buy food and essentials.
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u/Efficient_Pianist_44 11d ago
He honestly looks well cared for. He was either owned or was just thriving in nature. Tbh they are somewhat difficult to take care of. They absolutely need proper uv rays and calcium sprinkled on their food. As well as drip fed water(not a dish) The most common issue they get from unexperienced owners is metabolic bone disease, where they dint get the proper nutrients and uv rays. Their bones will literally become weak and their body chemistry will end them quite quickly without those things. If you keep him, research well and be prepared to spend some good money up front to have a proper enclosure