Butterworms

[cushcameleon]

So I recently ordered butterworms from mulberry farms and they only come in mix sizes. The are definitely the biggest feeders I have for my rudis chameleon and he really loves them, which is good because of their nutritional value. However, I have noticed a difference in his temperament after he eats them. He becomes very pissy and even begins to hiss at me, which is very rare for him to do. They also take him awhile to swallow and for several minutes he will gape. Should I stop feeding him these?

 

[Docility]

they may be a bit to big for him. when you try and feed smaller ones does he still do it?

 

[cushcameleon]

Well even the smaller ones in the cup are still pretty big . I have only feed him 3 butterworms thus far and he has done it 2 out of the 3 times.

 

[Syn]

If you're feeding him something larger than the space between his eyes, stop.

You might end up choking him.

If the smaller ones in the cup are pretty big (space between eyes rule), don't use them, find someone to give them to or sell them, you don't need to kill your chameleon by feeding it, of all things.

edit: If you think your rudis will grow into them, try it out like Jay's idea below.

 

[Malicious]

Cush,

The butters are more then likely too big for him. If your in it for treats, try wax worms, they have the same texture and are smaller. Save the butters for later. The butters have a 1-2 month shelf life in the fridge, just add a carrot every few days for moisture.

-Jay

 

[sandrachameleon]

If you're feeding him something larger than the space between his eyes, stop. You might end up choking him.

Soft bodied larva are less likely to cause choking, me thinks.

waxworms are nutritionally useless, so I wouldnt use those.

perhaps get smaller butters, or try small silkworms instead?

 

[cushcameleon]

Soft bodied larva are less likely to cause choking, me thinks.

waxworms are nutritionally useless, so I wouldnt use those.

perhaps get smaller butters, or try small silkworms instead?

I am already using silkworms, and thats why I feed them anyways, because their soft bodided. But I'm still worried he may choke on them . It takes him awhile to get them down.

 

[dodolah]

the width of the forehead rule can be applied more liberally on soft bodied insects.

If you feel that the cham is having difficulty in swallowing them, then I suggest not to do it.
I wouldn't worry too much about the 3 that you have fed.

I personally dislike using waxworm; so, I do not recommend people feeding their cham waxworm.
But, that's just my preference...
How bout taking pics of your cham on your finger, and the worm (on the same finger, after putting your cham back to his cage) so we can compare the size of your cham and the worm..

 

[summoner12]

I am already using silkworms, and thats why I feed them anyways, because their soft bodided. But I'm still worried he may choke on them . It takes him awhile to get them down.

Don't forget to feed him some crickets or supers... Soft bodied worms aren't a good staple.

I feed my guys one or two supers and one or two silks or HWs when feeding...

 

[cushcameleon]

All right I will take some pictures tomorrow. I will probably ditch the butterworms though , just cause they are hard for my cham to swallow.

 

[dodolah]

All right I will take some pictures tomorrow. I will probably ditch the butterworms though , just cause they are hard for my cham to swallow.

o gosh... don't..

Sell it in this forum or give it away.

I gave my panther and veiled butterworms when they reach about 5 months old with no problem at all.
they are squishy and should not pose too much of a problem.
As far as staple feeder goes, any kind of insects will be bad when fed exclusively to your cham.
one of the most important factor as far as feeding goes is variety.

All chitinous feeder (such as superworms, crix, and dubia) is just as bad as all larvae feeder (hornworms, silkies, butters, etc).
The key is to vary your cham's diet as much as you can.

 

[cushcameleon]

Well thats the thing I also use crickets, superworms and silkworms as part of his diet. The butterworms would have been a perfect source to add more nutritious variety, but if you think that they won't choke him, then maybe I won't have to get rid of them . Of course if I did have to get rid of them, I would make sure to offer them on the forum and not just "ditch" them .

 

[dodolah]

Well thats the thing I also use crickets, superworms and silkworms as part of his diet. The butterworms would have been a perfect source to add more nutritious variety, but if you think that they won't choke him, then maybe I won't have to get rid of them . Of course if I did have to get rid of them, I would make sure to offer them on the forum and not just "ditch" them .

pics will help greatly in this case.
So, post the size comparison photos, then we can help you to see if they are indeed too big for your chameleon.