Harry eats his pothos daily? Not in huge amounts is this cool?

[Tucklander]

Just some nibbles every day...poop is white at end and brown, eating great, dubais, mealworms & crickets...Thanks

 

[Tucklander]

Anyone???

 

[andrearamirezo91]

I’m not an expert but if pothos are in the safe list for chameleons I don’t see why there would be a problem? Hopefully someone with more knowledge stumbles across the thread and helps out

 

[Tucklander]

They were on the safe list...even found the one with Greek name (? I think it’s Greek or Latin) but didn’t know he’d munch on it daily...lol...seems to be his in between meals snack...thanks for reply!

 

[jamest0o0]

Pothos are high in oxalates, but I dont think anyone knows for sure if this causes chameleons problems from eating the plant itself.

 

[andrearamirezo91]

Pothos are high in oxalates, but I dont think anyone knows for sure if this causes chameleons problems from eating the plant itself.

That sounded like chinese to me lol what are oxalates and are they bad for chams? I just put two big ones in my chameleon’s enclosure

 

[Tucklander]

Yeah what are oxolates thanks for the reply...several members said their Chams eat them and no issues...I think Harry (mine) would be dead by now, as much as he like it...Anyone pipe in with more info???

 

[Tucklander]

Pothos are high in oxalates, but I dont think anyone knows for sure if this causes chameleons problems from eating the plant itself.

I replied below...still trying to figure forums out

 

[Chameleon Mike]

https://flchams.com/chameleon-safe-plant-list/#p

Plant safe list

 

[blue_cham]

Pothos has insoluble calcium oxcalates. Think of them as tiny sharp crystals. If invested by mammals (I say mammals because I've never read anything about ingestion by reptiles) the crystals irritate the mucouse membrabes: mouth, tongue and gi tract. If lots is ingested... Say a Labrador decides to eat a huge plant, it could lead to vomiting, diarrhea and severe inflammation of mucous membranes. It's generally considered mildly toxic, and chams do not eat large quantities. It would be interesting to see how many vield owners have pothos eaters and wether anyone has ever had a problem

 

[Tucklander]

This is you guys “plant safe list” the problem is that I can’t find any of this plants except:

 

[Tucklander]

Yes hibiscus too but was told Cham would eat it to dirt...vieled need live plants get live plants in there ASAP I was told now vieled is eating plant and I wonder if I should remove \0/

 

[jamest0o0]

It's fine, I'm just saying there is no black and white. Safe plant lists aren't and end all and we may find out plants are interfering with calcium absorption some day. I copy and pasted this for you:

"Oxalic acid and oxalates both occur naturally in many plants, most of which can be eaten safely without complications. Oxalic acid is a the precursor to calcium oxalates, a potentially poisonous substance that contributes to the toxicity of antifreeze. Calcium oxalate is also the main contributor to the formation of kidney stones.

Oxalates and oxalic acid bind with calcium, leading to MBD (metabolic bone disease). They also form tiny crystals deposited throughout the body, causing pain, stiffness and impaired organ function. Lamb’s quarters, star fruit, black pepper, parsley, spinach, rhubarb, beets, chard, berries and beans are high in oxalate and/or oxalic acid. As many greens, fruits and vegetables have these phytochemicals present, they cannot be avoided. However, choosing staple foods with low amounts of oxalates will balance out the items with higher content. Animals with a healthy gut flora break down oxalic acid more readily."

 

[Tucklander]

Thanks for replying...he’s eating a good bit of it, should I take it out? What would you do? He’s 3-4 mos. old and I don’t want to damage him in any way...I really wish I could get some advice on it that was clear, what you posted seems scary ...and very informative (thank you)...uuurrgghh (not to you at all) I spent over an hour trying to find any plant that would be “safe” b/c I was told by several members to get a live plant in there and now I’m confused and concerned. What is the safest plant for a Cham that is obviously going to munch on it? Thanks again

 

[jamest0o0]

No I didnt mean to scare you, enough people have used them, I wouldn't worry. There's no evidence(I dont think) that they can even break down vegetation enough to absorb any nutrients from it. The oxalates are mainly a concern in gutload and omnivorous animals. I only posted to show that the safe plant list is more of a general guideline, but there's not a whole lot of research on it. For my chams I use a lot of plants on the toxic list, but I wouldn't do that for a plant eating species. Toxicity also ranges from minor irritant to deadly.

 

[blue_cham]

Wether or not it's harmful to him, if it gives you peace of mind, maybe go ahead and take it out. I'm sure it's fine, lots of vield owners use them and if he isn't showing symptoms. But if it's gonna cause you stress, go ahead and replace it Hibiscus may be the safest I can think of, I don't know which species of hibiscus, but people eat them too in some places! They do have high light needs tho. Bonus: you can grow new hibisus from trimmings. So if he munches them to death, you can propigate new ones without buying more

 

[Brodybreaux25]

My veilds Have been eating it for as long as I can remember no problems yet

 

[Tucklander]

My veilds Have been eating it for as long as I can remember no problems yet

Thanks that’s kinda what I’m needed to hear

 

[Tucklander]

No I didnt mean to scare you, enough people have used them, I wouldn't worry. There's no evidence(I dont think) that they can even break down vegetation enough to absorb any nutrients from it. The oxalates are mainly a concern in gutload and omnivorous animals. I only posted to show that the safe plant list is more of a general guideline, but there's not a whole lot of research on it. For my chams I use a lot of plants on the toxic list, but I wouldn't do that for a plant eating species. Toxicity also ranges from minor irritant to deadly.

No I always appreciate information and advice...I’m going to run with it’s okay...he’s been doing it for two weeks but my kid was like “he’s seriously eaten a few leaves now” over the course. I appreciate your effort and information, that’s very nice and thoughtful.

 

[Tucklander]

Wether or not it's harmful to him, if it gives you peace of mind, maybe go ahead and take it out. I'm sure it's fine, lots of vield owners use them and if he isn't showing symptoms. But if it's gonna cause you stress, go ahead and replace it Hibiscus may be the safest I can think of, I don't know which species of hibiscus, but people eat them too in some places! They do have high light needs tho. Bonus: you can grow new hibisus from trimmings. So if he munches them to death, you can propigate new ones without buying more

Thanks so much for the information...yes I’ve got a muncher on my hands...I’ll actually do that (buy a hibiscus) but I do feel better now too, the other members Cham has been doing it “for as long as he can remember “ I really appreciate the advice...thanks for taking the time!