How to feed my new baby veiled?

[ElliotTheVeiled]

He is my first Cham ever. I just got him yesterday, and I'm already worried about his eating! I know he will get used to me eventually, but I want to know how you guys feed him? He won't eat things I give him (by hand or by feeding tongs) and his food bowl is at the bottom of his cage. He hasn't moved from the top and I don't know if he knows it's there. What do I do if he never goes down to explore or doesn't move from the top for a few days? Please help!

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the forums and congrats on your new baby.

To start with just free range his crickets/feeders in his cage. Some chams are shy and will not eat if they see you around watching. Don't mess with him for the fist couple weeks. Give him a chance to settle in his new home. Below I've attached my blog for new keepers. It's tell you how I have successfully raised veileds over the years.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blo...-keepers-young-veiled-panther-chameleons.html

 

[mvad]

This should be helpful: https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/food/

Also, chameleons take and need time to acclimate to a new home. Not eating for a bit is normal. Use this forum as a tool. There is a wealth of extremely knowledgable people who can help with all aspects of husbandry.

 

[ElliotTheVeiled]

Thanks guys! I'll try the free-range crickets, and I'll check out the links!

 

[kristinakidd95]

new veiled chameleon

im a new owner of a 6 m/o veiled chameleon I got him two days ago he hasn't eaten anything since I got him is this normal how do I get him to eat and if it is normal how long will it take for him to eat

 

[kwengkynator]

im a new owner of a 6 m/o veiled chameleon I got him two days ago he hasn't eaten anything since I got him is this normal how do I get him to eat and if it is normal how long will it take for him to eat

It is normal for a new chameleon not to eat for a day or two after being moved. It's dealing with the stress of moving right now. Just give him some room and let him have his space for a while. Around two days crickets should be offered and as what was mentioned earlier free range them. Let your cham hunt them down. Make sure that his enclosure is small enough so that he can locate the feeders. Basics are there also check out the links previously provided. WELCOME

 

[kristinakidd95]

thank you I have 4 in his cage right now is that to many? also if anyone one could please visit my page and read what I have put and answer or give advice to anything I have said that would be great ly apprieciated

 

[kwengkynator]

thank you I have 4 in his cage right now is that to many? also if anyone one could please visit my page and read what I have put and answer or give advice to anything I have said that would be great ly apprieciated

Usually young chams are great eaters! Mine went through 100 crickets in just 5 days at one point. Just keep an eye on the crickets though. Any uneaten crickets will nibble on your new cham if left unattended during nights. Make sure to remove all the uneaten crickets before night falls. Your cham might lose his limbs if you fail in doing so. Better safe than sorry

Remember to dust your feeders with calcium w/o D3 to provide much needed calcium.

 

[kristinakidd95]

He still has not ate anything

 

[fluxlizard]

Use something lightweight like a plastic food storage container and put it higher up, just beneath your chameleon.

Check your temperatures to make sure they are correct.

Is he drinking?

 

[kristinakidd95]

The temp is 85 and he just started drinking yesterday

 

[fluxlizard]

If they are thirsty, they usually won't eat so it is good that yours is drinking now.

If you are handling, don't do that either. Wait until you have several days of eating and pooping first.

 

[kristinakidd95]

It's been bout three days since iv held him (when I found out not to hold him) he has tryed to eat today but he missed the Cricket twice

 

[kwengkynator]

It's been bout three days since iv held him (when I found out not to hold him) he has tryed to eat today but he missed the Cricket twice

He is just getting back on his feet right now I won't be too alarmed about it. Is he getting better with his aim after the first 2 failures? If it does persist for a few more days then thats a red flag. Just make sure the temps and humidity swings are good.

 

[littlered20030710]

The first day I got him I had him feeding out of my hand. I let my feeders roam the cage for him to hunt like crickets but only two so I can watch him eat them and so he gets them by night.