Are waxworm bad???

[Jay1501]

Feeding waxworms
Does feeding waxworms mater? For example today my chameleon has had 6 dusted locusts and 5 undusted waxworms he had prity much the same for the last 2 days i know as i hold them/hand feed he just snaps them up out my fingers also some advice on gutloading please

 

[jurjenfromholland]

Well i onlyt use them as a candy they
Are fat so dont use them to much

 

[ReptileLove18]

ive read different forum members say to limit the amount of wax worms you give them, but im not sure the explanation. i'm sure others will chime in with their thoughts on it!
this blog have everything you need for gutloading https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/75-feeder-nutrition-gutloading.html

 

[carol5208]

we say limit the amount because they are basically little balls of fat. Probably equivalent to us eating McDonald's everyday! lol They can be included in the diet, but should be used sparingly. Silkworms are much better choice if you wanna feed a worm. I know they are not always available though, as I am on the hunt for them as we speak.

 

[bradley]

As said think of them as the fast food of the chameleon world - full of fat. I get a pot every month or so and feed one a week generally. They are great to get chameleon eating out of your hands but some become addicted to them and wont at anything else offered.

 

[ReptileLove18]

we say limit the amount because they are basically little balls of fat. Probably equivalent to us eating McDonald's everyday!

oh my! this made me crack up very good to know

 

[GabeCastro]

My vet told me they're pretty much pointless and can cause health issues. He mentioned something about the fat effecting their heads (I could be wrong so don't quote me on this lol.)

Prior to knowing this, I fed my cham 2-3 every week or two for a "treat". But after 2 he wouldn't eat anything. You name it, i've tried it. Chams are notorious for going on food strikes

They're plenty of better options such as butter works or Phoenix worms (Phoenix worms turn into black soldier flies, and my cham loved them).

 

[Jay1501]

Thanks all very much think ive bin feeding a few to many i shall be just giving 1-3 a week now lol

 

[GabeCastro]

haha yeah you don't wanna over due it with waxworms...Those things are like meth for chameleons.

Remember having a great variety of feeder insects is always a plus. I think in the UK you guys can buy Locust? If i remember I think roaches are banned, but you have plenty of other great options.

You def don't want your cham to go on a hunger strike (Those are the worst and most annoying things to deal with lol).

 

[tkilgour]

I do not think they are bad, if you are only using them sparingly or as treats. A few times a week is not a big deal. Personally, I never use them, not even as teats, but that is just me.

 

[DanSB]

I personally quit using them as treats even because I noticed a decrease in eating healthier insects.

Just my opinion but there is no reason to give your chameleon any food that isn't overall beneficial. Psychological rewards for a chameleon can include outside time, bigger better enclosures, live plants with lots of hides, warmed misting water, etc etc there are many things you can do to spoil your chameleon that do not include junk food.

It is my understanding that the phosphorous / calcium ratio of waxworms is at the level that it can actually block calcium absorption and be quite detrimental. I don't know for sure if this is true or not maybe someone can verify, but if it is there in NO reason at all to feed them!

 

[sandrachameleon]

Thanks all very much think ive bin feeding a few to many i shall be just giving 1-3 a week now lol

that's still too many IMHO

gutloading larva: https://www.chameleonforums.com/blo...just-crickets-roaches-gutload-everything.html