Chameleon Eggs??

AvonEnniskerry

Hi. I have 3 minature chameleons. They are all in the one tank and rarely fight anymore. 2 male and 1 female. Now when i was cleaning out the tank the last time I discovered what looked like eggs in the corner under the soil. I l left them there but am unsure if they will hatch due to me disturbing them and 2nd I am a complete novice at this. What should I expect???
Thank you in advance

tallus

I wouldn't disturb the eggs if they are in a spot with constant temperature and humidity ?

Why don't you google the species and do a bit of research.

Most eggs, even hard shelled ones need a certain amount of humidity to hatch, so lightly mist the area to keep humidity up, also you could take one egg and hold it up to the light. or use a torch, if there is something developing inside the egg it will show up immediately, eyes usually show up first in my experience.
Are the eggs glued? if not move them into a cricket tub with some damp peat moss?

As a general rule, a temperature between 23 - 28C would be ideal for incubation. The lower temperature usually produces female neonates if the species are "temperature dependent sex determinate"

AvonEnniskerry

So disturbing them shouldn't cause any problems before they hatch?
And how long should they take to hatch? I ahve recorded the date that I found them and I would like to know a 'due' date from then? Like longest time possible before they should hatch? Thank you

tallus

AvonEnniskerry wrote: »

So disturbing them shouldn't cause any problems before they hatch?
And how long should they take to hatch? I ahve recorded the date that I found them and I would like to know a 'due' date from then? Like longest time possible before they should hatch? Thank you

I have no idea. That's the honest answer.

The stuff I typed was only general information. Like I said, why don't you google it first, I'm sure you will find what you're looking for.

AvonEnniskerry

Thank you for your help. will do

MarkJD

Really depends on the species but it sounds to me like you have pygmy chameleons. The majority of chameleon species have quite long gestation periods for the eggs to hatch. This species is around 3 months i think.

Being honest if the eggs where heavily disturbed chances are you might have damaged the embryos. The majority of people will setup up an incubator with constant humidity and temperature. For now id advise leaving them be and see what happens.

If you have a serious passion for keeping reptiles you should check out The Herpetological Society of Ireland - www.thehsi.org

There is actually a big 'Show & Tell' day on this weekend the 5th of March in Rathfarnham Dublin, check out http://www.thehsi.org/hsiupcomingevents.php for more details.

There is also really good Irish run herpetology forums with plenty of members and information. Im sure if you joined up to any of the below you could get plenty of advise.

Herp Ireland - www.herpireland.com

Emerald Isle Exotics - www.emerald-isle-exotics.com

Reptile Community - www.reptile-community.com

If you could get a picture up i could help you further on the species too.

AvonEnniskerry

wow you really know your stuff. I love animals but have to admit I really have no idea about chameleons. I got them from a friend who was breeding them at the time.
I left the eggs where they were alright as I didnt want to disturb them anymore. I was reading though that they usually have a 10month gestation period (though I think this was for the larger breed)...
I would love to post a pic but right now the internet is too slow :mad:

And the show & tell day sounds interesting. may head down there on sat. I hate knowing so little about something I actually own!

MarkJD

U

No problem, glad i was some help. I dont visit Boards as much as id like these days.

Being honest its near impossible to know alot in this hobby. Information / education from just the hobby side is always changing. I have time on my side i guess iv been keeping different species since i was 12/13 and im 24 now but still always asking others for advice.

Not a bother on the photo, it is more than likely them if they are as small as you make them seem. Not much bigger than a €2 coin? Tail length will be longer but general body size.

Would be good to meet you if you decide to come. Also a great place to talk to others.

AvonEnniskerry

Sorry have only just got online today (sunday), I didn't get a chance to go to Rathfarnum yesterday as prior appointments ran over.

Hmm body size, i'd say they are the length of my palm. they are definately bigger than a 2euro coin but not nearly as big as your average chameleon.
They are about a year or so old so maybe they are still growing???

I will have to provide a picture as you cant really see what I am talking about.

AvonEnniskerry

The 1st and 2nd photos are of the female. The smallest of them.

And the 3rd photo is of a male. The largest out of the 3

Demonique

Those look more like sub-adult veiled chameleons than miniature/pygmy chameleons.

I googled both miniature and pygmy chameleons and the images returned are a lot smaller than your guys.

Also, you should remove the eggs to an incubator, if the eggs end up hatching in the viv you risk the babies being eaten by the adults, the adults will definately have a go at eating them if they can.

If you do end up removing the eggs to a incubator, make sure to mark an X in pencil on the top of each egg before you move them. The eggs have to remain in the same position as they were laid (hence the mark to show you were the top was) otherwise the babies could end up drowning in their eggs


If you want advise on setting up an incubator your best bet is to go to one of the reptile forums

www.reptile-community.net
http://www.emerald-isle-exotics.com/

AvonEnniskerry

if the eggs end up hatching in the viv you risk the babies being eaten by the adults, the adults will definately have a go at eating them if they can.

Yeah I was wondering about this. We have fish as well and I know that they eat there young... why do animals do this?
I think that will be tomorrows project, I haven't read the advice about the X on top of the eggs before but it makes sense.
I will let you know how I get on!!

I have just googled miniture & pygmy chameleons and I see what you mean. No mine are definately bigger than that. When we bought them we were told they were miniture which is where this came from. So does this mean they are still growing? If they only live up to 5 years (age found on google) How long do they grow for?

Surely they should grow according to there life span so should not be so small at over a year old (in relation to a full sized one)...

Dutchology

What you have definitely looks like sub-adult veiled chameleons. There are quite a few keepers & breeders on the Irish forums. Perhaps one of the members on www.herpireland.com or either of the other two would be able to help you. I don't keep chams myself, although they do fascinate me. They're intriguing creatures but require a lot of specialist care and as such, with the rest of the animals in the house, I just don't have the time to dedicate to them or learning enough about them to keep them.

Either way, best of luck!