Help!! Can't get my baby to eat

[Chameleon101]

New to the Forum!

Just picked up my baby Ambanja on Saturday and am having a hard time getting him to eat. I've tried to cup feed, actually led him to the cup many times, but to no avail! I was really trying to avoid letting the crickets go for fear I won't find them again and have no idea how many he has eaten, but am getting worried and will try anything at this point!

Any suggestions at all would be much appreciated.

 

[dodolah]

usually during the acclimation period, they will stop eating.
but, i say try to free roam your crickets.
he probably isn't used to eat from a cup.

if he still pooping, that means he still eating.
try free roam first.

 

[joefarah]

try fruitflies. good luck!

 

[desultadox]

It sounds like you might be excessively concerned, which can be bad. If you keep bothering him and trying to watch him, he probably won't eat any time soon. Let him adjust and feel comfortable, eventually he'll eat. If he goes on strike for a day or two, it's not going to cause any permanent damage.

 

[Chameleon101]

False Alarm

He must of just been stressed and shy, figures!!

He's eaten 4 out of the cup since I posted.....thanks agian though appreciate your help.

 

[Tyminator]

Wax worms always get my guy eating. If i feed him one worm, after that he decides he is hungry and then goes for the crickets.

 

[rein]

it is important to give your new chameleon their privacy, escpecially in the first week or so. let them adjust and get comfortable and avoid handling them.

 

[Chameleon101]

Thanks for all your help!

I have definately been leaving him alone and he seems to be adjusting really well now. He's sleeping and waking with the lights and he seemed interested this morning when I fed him, guess I will have to wait until I'm home to see if he's actually eaten.

I almost bought him mealworms yesterday but had a brain fart and couldn't remember which of the worms were supposed to be used as a treat and which as food?

 

[ChromaChameleons]

If you are going to cup feed.. make sure the cup is not clear plastic or your cham may bruise his tongue trying to twack a cricket from the wrong side of the cup.

 

[Chameleon101]

Wow, didn't know that. I've read to use the clear plastic so he's able to see the food being offered. Makes sense though....should I still change it if he seems to be eating ok from it?? If so I will change that ASAP

 

[dodolah]

i say change it to semi opaque or opaque cup.
Chameleon does not understand the concept of see through objects.
One day, he's lucky enough to eat the insects from above.
another day, he'll be dumb enough trying to shoot the insects from below.