vertebrates as feeders; frogs? anoles?

[Reddishboy]

I was wondering the opinion of the knowledgeable members of this forum on using vertebrate feeders for adult chams. Does anyone use froglets or anoles as feeders? I was thinking of starting a reed frog colony for this purpose.

I've read in most sources that most chameleons are pure insectivores but my panther would definitely eat anything that moves that he can fit is his mouth (esp if green!). I'm pretty certain that the 'variety' we are all seeking for our chams would include frogs and anoles in nature.

Thoughts on reed frogs vs. green tree frogs? (I'm inclined toward reeds since they inhabit Madagascar).

 

[leedragon]

I was wondering the opinion of the knowledgeable members of this forum on using vertebrate feeders for adult chams. Does anyone use froglets or anoles as feeders? I was thinking of starting a reed frog colony for this purpose.

I've read in most sources that most chameleons are pure insectivores but my panther would definitely eat anything that moves that he can fit is his mouth (esp if green!). I'm pretty certain that the 'variety' we are all seeking for our chams would include frogs and anoles in nature.

Thoughts on reed frogs vs. green tree frogs? (I'm inclined toward reeds since they inhabit Madagascar).

they will eat them but the animal protein is harmfull for them, it has been disscused inthis forum befor that for 100-1000( i think it was even more I don´t remenber the number) insects the chamelon will eat one vertabrate

 

[carol5208]

It is not recommended to do and as stated due to the protein. A diet high in protein can cause gout. I have seen my chameleons nail an anole here and there in their cage outside . Every once in awhile is not gonna hurt them but not something I would do on a regular basis

 

[leedragon]

It is not recommended to do and as stated due to the protein. A diet high in protein can cause gout. I have seen my chameleons nail an anole here and there in their cage outside . Every once in awhile is not gonna hurt them but not something I would do on a regular basis

if I may say, it can hurt, due parasites and other stuff, then is the risk of bones damaging the throat

 

[poison]

then is the risk of bones damaging the throat

Are chameleons throats different from other lizards? (I really don't know).

That just doesnt seem like a problem that would occur.

OP. I too would not recommend it. Anoles, reed frog and green tree frogs are almost always WC. And may have parasites. Breeding them just for a treat seems like a lot of work. Though all of those species do make great/fun pets so when you are not feeding them off you can enjoy them

 

[Reddishboy]

Thanks for the replies leedragon, carol5208 and poison. To clarify, I was thinking to raise WC reeds and breed them just to feed perhaps a froglet or two to my panther every few months. yeah- it would be a lot of work- poison and it sounds like with Carol's info about gout/high protein diet link that it is indeed not worth it. Thanks again

 

[melble68]

I currently see some small anoles loving my 6x6x3 outdoor enclosure. Betcha their new favorite hang out changes this spring w/ Luke moves in. LMFAO!!!!!!!