dubias?

[EveryGreen]

iv been thinking for awhile now. feeding cooper gut loaded crickets are good and all, i feel like i need variety. sometimes i feed him bananas (about once every 6 months) and mealworms whenever we run out of crickets. but i wanna try dubias more than anything. and i also need to train him, give him a waxworm everytime he comes on my hand? i dont really know what to do or how to do it so help is needed.

 

[ChamLB]

Dubias are a good feeder but only some of my chameleons will eat them. They are worth a try just don't start a colony til you know yours likes them. Superworms are a better choice than mealworms, more nutrition and less chance of impaction. Wax worms and hornworms make good treats.

 

[EveryGreen]

Do you know anything about training?

 

[JacksJill]

If you want to train them to hand feed it is best to start slowly. Don't stare at them while you do it. Look out of the corner of your eye. Predators stare.
I started with a large plastic spoon and over time moved my hand closer to the spoon end. Some people hold the feeder cup. Worms are probably easiest for hand feeding, silks or hornworms. Superworms move faster so hold on a little when feeding or use a small cup they can't grip.
Putting dubia upside down in your palm works also.
Eventually if all goes well he may climb on to your hand to feed.

 

[EveryGreen]

I can already hold the food with my fingers and he eats. I guess thats a good start. I'll try the plastic spoon. Sometimes if he is hungry enough he will climb on my hands to get it. I want him to want to climb on my hands cause he wants to

 

[JacksJill]

You are on the right track. I don't know that a small reptile will ever want to climb on mammal with out an ulterior motive. He may want to climb on you to check for food, get up somewhere higher, get some sun or to add to his territory. Just keep him associating you with good things.

 

[EveryGreen]

You are on the right track. I don't know that a small reptile will ever want to climb on mammal with out an ulterior motive. He may want to climb on you to check for food, get up somewhere higher, get some sun or to add to his territory. Just keep him associating you with good things.

So you want me to put my hand in the cage until he's curious enough to climb on?

 

[JacksJill]

No, keep hand feeding him until he associates you with food. If he takes to climbing on when you feed him just let him. I'm just saying he's never just going to want to just cause he wants to hang out.

 

[EveryGreen]

No, keep hand feeding him until he associates you with food. If he takes to climbing on when you feed him just let him. I'm just saying he's never just going to want to just cause he wants to hang out.

And that's it? Just hand feed till he wants to get on my hand

 

[JacksJill]

You will have to lure him on to your hand with food. Hold one hand out move other hand with food back until he climbs on your hand. That's it.

 

[EveryGreen]

I just did. Without seing that post, I still have him out. But I guess I'll have to do this until how long?

 

[EveryGreen]

I have another question by the way when I'm holding Cooper and he wants to go somewhere or do I let him go to the place where he wants to go or just keep him running from hand-to-hand

 

[EveryGreen]

He's mad right now cause he can't get to where e wants

 

[JacksJill]

You are on the right track. You will just have to trial and error it.

 

[EveryGreen]

You are on the right track. You will just have to trial and error it.

Sounds good