Does this guy look OK to you?

[Jakedn]

I notice that when I get close to him, or when I try to pick him up he puffs a little bit. When he is not bothered he looks smaller.

It does not appear to be simple puffing up, but if you can get a picture of him when he is not puffed up it will help. Gular edema isn't too serious, just watch how much supplements you are giving, vary your gutload, and give him plenty of water and that should help.

 

[Texas Panther Man]

If that is edema its not a severe case. He should be fine. If you want mantids go to mantisplace.com or look online and you can buy the ooth sacs and raise the mantis to be feeders. Im going to try that this spring. Or you could try catching him something from a safe non-urban area. Jst make sure its somewhere where they never spray. They go crazy for green grasshoppers or katydids. But its prob still a little to early to go collecting.

 

[Jakedn]

If that is edema its not a severe case. He should be fine. If you want mantids go to mantisplace.com or look online and you can buy the ooth sacs and raise the mantis to be feeders. Im going to try that this spring. Or you could try catching him something from a safe non-urban area. Jst make sure its somewhere where they never spray. They go crazy for green grasshoppers or katydids. But its prob still a little to early to go collecting.

I agree, if it is edema it is minor. Just follow the precautions I said and see if it gets better.

 

[astroprojector]

So far he has not eaten anything today also.

here are couple of photos I took today. This is him in relaxed state.

The branch he is on is new. It is not right under the basking light but next to it. Since I placed that branch he spends 90% of the time on it. He only moves from it when kingmist start misting. I checked his body temp using the laser thermometer and his temp was between 85 and 87 degrees.

You can also check the pictures of him at the time when I got him in this post: https://www.chameleonforums.com/new-owner-jackson-chameleon-35082/

 

[Texas Panther Man]

Your temps seem ok. I try to keep the basking spot for jackson between 80-85 so your within range. When was the last time he pooped? Was it dark brown w/white urates? Eventually he will eat, I had one ambanja that was real picky. He would go a week without eating at times. But he would go for a grasshopper or katydid every time. He was so freaking spoiled! lol

 

[Elizadolots]

He's a really handsome animal.

The way I read the "edema" posts is that if there is an issue, it's small and you shouldn't worry overly. Just keep the hydration up and make sure you supplement appropriately.

 

[Jakedn]

He's a really handsome animal.

The way I read the "edema" posts is that if there is an issue, it's small and you shouldn't worry overly. Just keep the hydration up and make sure you supplement appropriately.

Yes, that is exactly what I meant. If it didn't sound that way I apologize and thank you for clarifying Elizadolots.

 

[Elizadolots]

Please, just call me Eliza..it's easier.

I thought you were very clear, but I know that when one is worried about the worst, hoping for the best, it sometimes takes a second (or third!) voice to say "it's not bad". Having needed reassurance in my life, I try to provide it when it seems to be needed by others.

 

[astroprojector]

Thanks for all the replies. I will monitor the situation.

 

[jodischams]

Your Cham is beautiful with beautiful color...I also have a Jackson and when he was little, he ate alot. Now that he is older, I've noticed that his appetite has decreased. I beleive this is pretty normal but I am definatly no expert either...

 

[astroprojector]

Well, I placed 5 crickets in the morning and took out only two in the evening. There was one dead, so I assume he ate two. I also bought two unhatched clusters of mantids and everything goes right, I should have many mantids in about two weeks. Hopefully that will spark an appetite in him.

 

[Elizadolots]

That sounds great! I bet the new food provokes a better appetite, though, it doesn't sound like he's really under eating for a chameleon his size/age.

 

[astroprojector]

Well the appetite did not improved. I think he ate 1 medium cricket in the past week and that was today. I bought some large crickets but so far no luck. I saw his poop today and normally the black stuff is solid but this time it was semi liquid, not sure if this is good or not.

 

[JaxyGirl]

I also have a male Jackson's and he is now about 14mos old. He now eats only 2-3 crickets a day (at most) and sometimes will go a day or so without eating any. He started eating less when he was about 9-10mos old. When he was younger he ate 4 or more crickets a day. Also, I live in Maine so it's a little colder in the winter and they tend to eat less..I didn't notice where you are from..if from a warm or colder climate. From what I've seen from your pics your Jackson's looks great and I think he's a little older then you think he is. Your husbandry seems really good also. Just make sure you keep him really hydrated (as it seems you are doing). He doesn't look thin or undernourished or dehydrated. I didn't notice any edema. I've also noticed that when my Jackson's is shedding he tends to eat less. Your guy seems seems to be doing well.

 

[Elizadolots]

There are stories about "hunger strikes" all over this board. It's possible that's what is happening.

 

[graydon]

Well the appetite did not improved. I think he ate 1 medium cricket in the past week and that was today. I bought some large crickets but so far no luck. I saw his poop today and normally the black stuff is solid but this time it was semi liquid, not sure if this is good or not.

Def sounds like a hunger strike. Offer him something besides crix. These reptiles eat over 40 types of insects in the wild. Imagine if you had to eat chicken cordon bleu every night for the rest of your life. Id go insane.

Try superworms, silkworms or hornworms. This is one reason why you shouldn't have a "staple". The cham gets tired of the same food being offered.

 

[astroprojector]

It is definitely a hunger strike. The weather is getting warm so I started taking him outside for couple of hours a day. I have notice that he caught a medium size moth and some other bug. I order silk worms ans superworms from Mulberry Farms so I hope this will improve his appetite.