sooo we ran out of feeders how bad are mice?

[jurjenfromholland]

so we ran out of feeders and i had 2 mices in the fridge...
they are like 6 cms.. my veiled loves them...
but they seem not that health or are they? pinkies have no bones
but mice has?? any advice? my little mate loves them

 

[szpond]

It is a general belief among most chameleon owners that it isn't the best feeder.

Here is a portion of the "Chameleon Food" page in the Care Resources.

(https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/food/)

"Vertebrates (pinkies, lizards, etc.) are not a notable part of a chameleon's normal diet in the wild. Too many animal proteins in the diet of an animal that's not a carnivore can wreak havoc on their kidneys leading to kidney damage and gout due the difference in protein breakdown. Everything your chameleon needs can be obtained through an all-insect diet with good gutloading and supplementation."

 

[jurjenfromholland]

yes that what i mean pinkies dont have the bones yet.. but
mices do ?? so thats calcium right??

 

[camimom]

The calcium doesn't outweigh the excessive protein in them.

Just go get more bugs from wherever you can.

Too much protein can be a serious issue for your Cham.

 

[reefercheefer]

I know that lizards may not be a staple in thier diet but they eat whatever they can in the wild. even other chameleons

 

[sandrachameleon]

The calcium doesn't outweigh the excessive protein in them. Just go get more bugs from wherever you can.
Too much protein can be a serious issue for your Cham.

agreed. One or two in a year will be okay, but dont make this a regular occurence. In the wild they will on occassion get a small lizard or even a small bird, but its not common; certainly mice/rodents are not a natural prey choice. Their systems do best with insects.

Your animal will be fine for a week now without food, so long as it is getting water, and surely you'll be able to get bugs within that time frame.