Do chameleons need insects?

[DaBeagle123]

Hi, I am contemplating getting a chameleon, but I've run into some issues. My parents have told me that they do not want to have to feed it live insects. I tried doing some research and found out that chameleons can eat fruit, leaves, and green vegetables, but none of the places I saw said if you could feed them just that. Is it possible to give them a strictly herbivore diet? Or can I cut up some regular meat such as beef or pork really small for it to eat? Thanks for the help!

~Beagle

 

[tagerlilly18]

They are carnivores and get all of their nutritional value from eating insects.(with the exception of some species like vields who will easy some fruits and vegetables, but they still get their main nutrients from insects). They also only eat live bugs not dead ones which is what they would think meat pieces were.

 

[Lathis]

Even if they did eat meat for some reason, the protein of muscle meat is too high and will cause health problems including gout, edema, and organ failure. As insectivores, it's really not possible to keep them on a pure veggie diet. There are lizards that primarily herbivores - maybe look into something like that? Small birds are also very rewarding pets (but noisy). Remember, birds are just modern dinosaurs!

 

[carol5208]

They are carnivores and get all of their nutritional value from eating insects.(with the exception of some species like vields who will easy some fruits and vegetables, but they still get their main nutrients from insects). They also only eat live bugs not dead ones which is what they would think meat pieces were.

They are primarily insectivores not carnivores, although some species will eat other lizards, mice, birds etc.

 

[Olimpia]

Like others have said, they are first and foremost insectivores. And they need to eat LIVE insects, so those cans of freeze-dried crickets are not going to work either.

If you can't have insects have you looked into something like a crested gecko instead? They can live entirely on specially formulated liquid diets, so you would never have to buy a cricket if you didn't want to.

 

[ChameleonsByVanGogh]

reason with them

you only need what they will eat each day. so if a pet store is near buy and your only getting 10 to 20 a day then you wont have them ahanging around..but remember the chameleon itself if the CHEAPEST part of this..there is alot of money wrapped up in there cage food and vitamin . plus if something goes wrong vet visits can be pricy . if that fails you could look into getting a iguana there AWESOME pets eat veggies and will be your best friend!!! you can carry them on your shoulder walk them on a leach its a cool option

 

[Lathis]

you only need what they will eat each day. so if a pet store is near buy and your only getting 10 to 20 a day then you wont have them ahanging around..but remember the chameleon itself if the CHEAPEST part of this..there is alot of money wrapped up in there cage food and vitamin . plus if something goes wrong vet visits can be pricy . if that fails you could look into getting a iguana there AWESOME pets eat veggies and will be your best friend!!! you can carry them on your shoulder walk them on a leach its a cool option

Or a small tortoise! How cool would that be! Just be sure to consider the life expectancy of the animal... An iguana or turtle can be quite the commitment. Cresties are really awesome - that was a good suggestion.

 

[Olimpia]

I would not recommend an iguana, they get so large that very few people can properly house them. And if this person is living at home I don't think their parents will be super thrilled with a closet-sized enclosure in one of the rooms! Plus, they can be super aggressive, and no one wants a 6' lizard with an attitude! I've worked with a lot of vets and wildlife rescues and they really cringe when someone comes in with an iguana.

A tortoise however would be awesome as well. Something small like a red foot, Herman's, or leopard tortoise?

 

[Lathis]

Now I want a tortoise

 

[fluxlizard]

Crested geckos are a good choice.

Adult bearded dragons are doable as well. Can be fed pellets and fresh greens.

Captive bred uromastyx are also a good way to go.

 

[Carlton]

you only need what they will eat each day. so if a pet store is near buy and your only getting 10 to 20 a day then you wont have them ahanging around.

But, unless that pet store feeds their insects very well (most don't) any lizard you feed them to will eventually suffer nutritional deficiencies. You need to gutload all your feeders for several days before they are worth much. You will end up needing insect colonies either way!

 

[Lpsouth1978]

...Adult bearded dragons are doable as well. Can be fed pellets and fresh greens.

I have to agree with the adult bearded dragons. They are great, personable animals, that generally enjoy interaction. Check online and on craigslist for them. I see adult dragons often in my area for reasonable cost with a setup. An adult dragon can thrive on almost entirely a good veggie diet (not lettuces alone). Mix in some bearded dragon bites, and a few bugs from time to time (calciworms are a great choice and available at my local petco) and you are all set.

Whatever animal you get, make sure you do your research BEFORE getting it. Bearded dragons are fairly easy to care for, but they still have specific requirements.

Let us know what you decide.

 

[Galaxy]

If you want a good medium sized lizard that doesn't have to eat insects I suggest you look into tracking down a blue tongue skink. While supplementing their diets with bugs can make for an awesome treat, you can feed them proteins like high-quality canned dog food and boiled chicken. That with a lot of vegetables and fruits and you're set. They're often friendly and don't get nearly as big as an iguana.