How long does it take for newborn Jacksons Chameleons to start eating?

[Stingman44]

I have 12, 3 day old (unexpected) Jackson's Chameleons. I got the mother about 4 months ago and I had no idea that she was pregnant. I have planty of experience with other reptiles, but this is my first experience with chameleons (let alone baby chameleons) so I need some help. As soon as she had them I separated them from the mother and I have them in an exo-terra glass terrarium that has the ventilation in the front with the doors that open. I have humidity around 80% via frequent misting and a zoomed reptifogger. Max temp is around 76 degrees (via a UVB bulb only) with a low at night around 70. I have noticed them drinking, but I have never noticed them eating. Every day I have been feeding them dusted melanogaster fruit flies but I have not noticed them eating any. I have read on here that some people have more luck with hydei since they are a little larger. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get them to eat, how long is normal before they start to eat, and any thing else that may be helpful. They appear to be doing well, for they are walking around and are pretty active little guys. Thanks for the help!

 

[laurie]

Is it possible they are eating and you just don't see them? I have baby quads hatching right now and I do not usually see them eat but they have fat little belly's.

 

[Seiryu]

Baby Jacksons can eat 1/8" right off the bat. Honestly the Melanogaster are super tiny and not worth the hassle. Usually by day 2-3 they should be eating and day by day 4-5 you should see little poops.

Your temps are a little low for basking. Which could be why they aren't eating (or not as much as they should). Shoot for 80-82 F. Ambient temp looks good. Just make sure they can get out of the heat if they want.

I would also suggest getting some 1/8" crickets or 1/8" Turkestan roaches if you're comfortable with those. They can't climb smooth surfaces or fly, but are fast. You can also try Phoenix worms.