wondering about feeding quantity

[wafflesmom]

Rupert's body is a bit over 6 inchs now. When he was much smaller, he'd eat everything in sight. Now, there's always some crickets left until the next day or two. He does get some mealworms and sometimes a few butterworms.....he LOVES them! He also nibbles on his plants(they are on the safe plant list).
I get 1/2" crickets b/c I get alot at one time since I have him, my beardie, water turtles and my tarantulas. Usually about a week before I run out they get wings. Then they get fed to my chickens that go nuts..hahaha

Ok, so I was wondering how many crickets and etc ya'll feed your bigger chams.

 

[CleaTheChameleon]

If he is over 6 months I would feed every other day or 2 days and don't feed mealworms that much. They can cause impaction in chameleons.

 

[wafflesmom]

OK, that sounds good. He's 6 months old if not a bit over? Can't remember right now.....it's wrote it in his weight/age records in his room and its nite nite time. I figured he was just getting to that age. I only feed maybe 3-4 mealworms a week and give him the tee tiny ones. My hedgehog gets the bigger ones

Wings on crickets can casue impaction too, right? I never feed them to my reptile kids.

 

[sandrachameleon]

I use winged crickets all the time. No issues.
I also use mealworms now and then. No Issues.
Butterworms are great. Try also adding silkworms, roaches and more - the more variety the better.
I also feed my chameleons (young and old) almost every day. No Issues.
When your chameleon approaches a year old, he will need less food than when he was younger and growing faster. Sounds like yours may be naturally eating a bit less. You can reduce the quantity you give him daily, or reduce to every other day feeding, or even every third day. Watch his weight and ensure he is not loosing weight, but still gaining a little as he will still continue to grow, slowly. Looking at the fat pads on his head and the thickness of his tail will also help you see if he is getting enough or too much.

 

[CoppellChameleons]

crickets

I mainly stick with crickets gutloaded and I feed about 5-6 times a week and I would say 3-4 large crickets 2 times(lunch&dinner) and they are not overweight

 

[davidsbaby]

how much

I mainly stick with crickets gutloaded and I feed about 5-6 times a week and I would say 3-4 large crickets 2 times(lunch&dinner) and they are not overweight

Really? I am feeding 3-4 crickets a day and I am wondering if he needs more? Not sure how old he is but definately a juvie, prob. 5 inches. Look at my avatar and please someone tell me how old. He eats so fast that is why I am wondering if he needs more?????????? Also do you vary their feeding times because he knows when it is morning and it's time to eat.

 

[sandrachameleon]

I mainly stick with crickets gutloaded and I feed about 5-6 times a week and I would say 3-4 large crickets 2 times(lunch&dinner) and they are not overweight

Try to add other feeder choices into the mix. Sticking with just crickets is not, in my opinion, the best move.

 

[sandrachameleon]

Really? I am feeding 3-4 crickets a day and I am wondering if he needs more? Not sure how old he is but definately a juvie, prob. 5 inches. Look at my avatar and please someone tell me how old. He eats so fast that is why I am wondering if he needs more?????????? Also do you vary their feeding times because he knows when it is morning and it's time to eat.

If less than 6 months, certainly you can feed him more. Heck even if he's 12 months you could feed him more (though at that age they usually dont need so much). Just watch his weight and body condition, to help you determine when to reduce the food provided.

 

[CoppellChameleons]

Feed More

If he is eating three or four put like 10 in his cage at each feeding then check daily and you can get an idea what he's taking in. The crickets will just chill in there untill he is ready for more. He looks to be about 5 months old. When did you get him?