How do I know when my chameleon has eaten enough?

[Budandme]

He hatched on the 20th january and my local exotic pet shop says to feed 4 small crickets a day. This doesn't seem very much to me and he's grown a lot over the past few weeks. I tried to ask how I know when he's been fed enough but im still no clearer. How do you know you're feeding enough? He looks in good health but I wouldnt want him to get ill.

 

[carol5208]

your chameleon is almost 8 months old and he should be eating LARGE feeders. I would be feeding him more in the vicinity of 8-10 feeders. I think 4 is not enough and the prey should not be small. He should be eating the largest crickets. Also, try some other feeders to add variety to his diet such as roaches, locusts, silkworms, hornworms etc what ever is available to you guys over there

 

[Kate]

He hatched on the 20th january and my local exotic pet shop says to feed 4 small crickets a day. This doesn't seem very much to me and he's grown a lot over the past few weeks. I tried to ask how I know when he's been fed enough but im still no clearer. How do you know you're feeding enough? He looks in good health but I wouldnt want him to get ill.

I order med silkworms, butterworms on line and buy llarge crickets and large locusts ( hoppers not wingers) locally . Haven't gone for roaches yet. Try Silkfarm and lizard lunch.

 

[Budandme]

I do have access to locust and some kind of worms, not too sure which they are though. I think I will up them, 4 really didnt seem much.

 

[carol5208]

yeah, definitely. He is still young and growing. I feed my two adult chams, every other day about 6 or 7 feeders. They are 3(almost) and 4 yrs old.

 

[Budandme]

So am I correct in thinking that he needs more feeders whilst growing than he would when he's an adult? Is it possible to overfeed him or will he stop when he's eaten eno?gh.

 

[carol5208]

Correct. There is not a need to feed an adult chameleon like you would a baby or juvenile, or sub adult. I feed my two every other day with treats in between like a moth or dragon fly if I catch them. They are both healthy looking and doing well. See the cham in my avatar? does he look like he is hurting for food!? lol I mainly feed crickets and silks which are lowfat and I throw some supers in a couple of times a week as they are a fatty worm. As far as the over feeding, it depends on the cham. I know some adults from what I have seen on here will eat everything in sight. Usually after I feed my guys the 6 or 7 feeders they seem content.

 

[coldbloodedAL]

This may help you...... https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/ataraxia/677-want-know-how-much-feed-your-animal.html

 

[Budandme]

Thanks guys.