Gut-loading?

[Surferchick]

I just got my chameleon not to long ago and want to know more on gut-loading. I am totally new to this technique and was wondering if someone can explain how to do to this. I have approx. 1 month year old chameleon and the reptile store says just feed him the baby crickets and sprinkle some of this supplement " Repashy Superfoods Calcium plus LoD". I sprinkle the supplement on each cricket when he is being fed. Is this correct? Also, I have a kricket keeper that i got from a local pet store that i store these crickets in. I was wondering how do i gut-load these tiny crickets? I want to make sure I give the proper food consumption and make sure he is being well nourished. Thanks!

 

[Chameleon+Cody]

Gut loading crickets is basically stuffing crickets with as much nutrients and vitamins into there diet so that when you feed the crickets to your chameleon it is getting the most from them. Since crickets are not very nutritious as is, feeding them a variety of fruits and vegetables that have good nutrients allows them to do much better. So switching up different veggies gets the crickets the most. Higher protein veggies are good to. Don't forget to dust crickets with calcium to prevent MBD. Good luck

 

[Surferchick]

@Chameleon+Cody Thank you for this information. Do I just leave the fruits and veggies in the Kricket Keeper holder and just let the crickets feast? Then when ready take some out to feed to chameleon?

 

[jamest0o0]

Yes, personally i think this is the best method: buy a bunch of organic veggies and some fruit, i have a list that i wrote down. Dandelion greens, bell pepper, squash, collard, hemp seeds, almonds, walnuts, spirulina, kelp... the list is big, i can't name it all right now lol. I blend it all up, freeze it in bags. Then vaccuum seal it all to keep it fresh and leave about a few weeks to a month's worth unsealed in a freezer bag. I break off chunks, thaw it and throw it in all my bug bins on paper towels. Super easy and maximum nutrition. I also offer dry gutload: bug buffet on the regular. I keep carrots, apples, and oranges around to throw in for hydration as well if i don't have any gutload cubes in there.

Dust everyday calcium(phosphorus free and d3 free)
Dust 1x every other week with phosphorus free WITH d3(so 2x a month..)
Dust with multivitamin 1x every other week(also 2x a month) on alternating weeks with the d3

 

[JacksJill]

It's easier to break off chunks of frozen gut load if you freeze it on a tray spread out thin like peanut brittle then when its frozen break it up and put it in a bag in the freezer. The other way is to freeze potions in ice cube trays and then dump them into your freezer bag. Works for pesto too, just don't confuse them.

 

[kinyonga]

I feed/gutload the crickets with a wide assortment of greens and veggies such as dandelion greens, kale, collards, endive, escarole, squash, zucchini, sweet red pepper, sweet potato, carrots, etc and a bit of fruit such as berries, pear, melon and apple. I also put a small bottle cap full of the same mixture in the cages so the crickets have something to munch on so they won't munch on the chameleon. I replace it all every second day...or sooner if need be.

When using supplements, be careful with fat soluble vitamins such as D3 and prEformed vitamin A.... They can build up in the system and lead to health issues. Making sure vitamin A, D3, calcium and phosphorous need to be in balance for good bone health, strong muscles, etc.

 

[jamest0o0]

The rule is you must drink a cup full of your blended bug gutload cubes before feeding any off.

 

[Briguy234]

@Chameleon+Cody Thank you for this information. Do I just leave the fruits and veggies in the Kricket Keeper holder and just let the crickets feast? Then when ready take some out to feed to chameleon?

Here's all the information I can guve you...

Fruits and vegetables are great, but there are a few things you have to look out for
1. Try to buy them pesticide free, or just wash the pesticides off.
2. Be careful what you feed, some fruits and vegetables are high in phosphorus or oxalates which inhibit calcium absorption. For example mango is not good because it's high in oxalates so don't use mango, but raspberries or carrots have very good calcium phosphorous ratio.

There's two parts to a good gutload, dry and wet. Wet contains fruits and veggies and etc. However dry contains alfalfa, seeds, spiruluna, etc. Basically wet contains stuff with water and dry is dehydrated stuff.

Dry gutloads can be purchased online, but It's probably better to make your own because it's cheaper and you can make more. Although it takes a very long time to make it.

Here are some helpful links, also check Sandra, she is the author of many of these articles and is the leading expert here in gutloading.

Basics: https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/75-feeder-nutrition-gutloading.html
^(Scroll down on page to get everything you need)

Her personal gutload:
http://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/697-dry-gutload-mix-august-2012.html

Links:http://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/57-gutloading-links.html

Remember calcium is very good, and check the ratios on the ingredients to make sure you get the right mix.

 

[MSMorgan]

https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/feeder-nutrition-gutloading.75/

 

[opheliaeatsbugs]

The rule is you must drink a cup full of your blended bug gutload cubes before feeding any off.

Eeeeewwww