My cham is on a hunger strike :(

[AxelsMum]

Hi

My chameleon Axel (trioceros deremensis) is currently on a hunger strike. I have tried all sorts of different exciting foods, and he seems to be completely uninterested. He escaped his habitat and found his way into my closet Feb 5th, and that was the last time I saw him actually eat. I usually feed him by hand, but once he started refusing that, I began leaving some food in his cage while I was at work. The food is always in his cage when I get home. He is still drinking water and seems to be pretty active during the day, but I have yet to see a single poop, just urate. I am starting to lose my mind with this hunger strike. HIs eating habits have anyways been normal since I have had him (8 months), he is about 2-2.5 years old I believe.
Any advice??

 

[FlChamMom]

Have you ever had him tested for parasites? Parasites can have them refuse food. Granted, they test the feces for that, but if you can get a fresh sample, the vet can test it for you. If he keeps refusing all food, I would take him in for a checkup.

 

[AxelsMum]

Have you ever had him tested for parasites? Parasites can have them refuse food. Granted, they test the feces for that, but if you can get a fresh sample, the vet can test it for you. If he keeps refusing all food, I would take him in for a checkup.

I had just taken him to the vet a week before this had started, and didn't end up liking that particular guy. I am trying to get him in this week with a new place, currently doing my research. I cannot get a fresh sample so i'd like them to take one, do you happen to know how they do that?

 

[kinyonga]

How long was he out of the cage before you found him? Could he have eaten something while out of the cage?
What was the temperature in the area he ended up in and areas he might have travellered through to get there??

 

[AxelsMum]

How long was he out of the cage before you found him? Could he have eaten something while out of the cage?
What was the temperature in the area he ended up in and areas he might have travellered through to get there??

He was out of his cage for about 4 hours
I doubt he could have eaten anything while while he was walking around, my floor is pretty spotless. Also I live in a studio so the room temps are about the same throughout the house as his habitat 60-70s I live in sunny san diego. Humidity usually 50-60 percent. I did get him an appointment in the morning tomorrow, but I am still super nervous he's my first and I have never had to treat him for anything.