Worried about Chameleon not eating. Advice please :)

[AdventuringChameleon]

We recently introduced Mowgli (our panther chameleon, ~6months) to large crickets. A couple weeks ago we decided to give him large crickets, so we've been feeding him about 3 to 4 large crickets and 7 small ones. We put them in a cup in his cage that we made out of a plastic milk container and it usually works great!
I noticed today he had a small cricket left over from yesterday, so he probably got full. I added 3 large crickets and 7 small crickets today. Two of the large crickets are gone and the third got out of the container and is roaming the cage. I'm nervous that he didn't eat the other two and they are in the cage too (although I can't find them and I looked everywhere) He may have eaten them but he hasn't touched any of the small ones like he usually does.
I'm concerned because normally he eats everything super quick, but almost all his crickets have been in the cup all day long.
I hope I'm worrying over nothing, but I'm still nervous. Any advice or thoughts? I'd really love to hear what you think.

 

[Chiichan]

Has he pooped??

 

[AdventuringChameleon]

I cleaned his cage this morning and there was a big poop. It was fairly wet and looked new so I think it was from today. It looked regular and healthy.

 

[Chiichan]

Im no expert, but I personally wouldn't worry too much unless he's gone more than a day without eating. My 6 month old veiled hasn't eaten a cricket today yet (and he loves them), but he did eat 5 large mealworms earlier. They'll eat when they're hungry. Make sure he gets enough water too.

There's also the possibility of him needing a little variety in his diet. Try a superworm or mealworm? Sometimes they get tired of the same thing. I've been wanting to try dubia roaches, but no one sells them near me and i'd have to order them.

I'm sure the more experienced will chime in too. I'm just trying to give you some sense of peace of mind responding since I tend to constantly check for a response when I post.

 

[AdventuringChameleon]

That's what I'm hoping. We change the gutload on a regular basis so he doesn't get bored, but maybe we should get him some mealworms or something new.

He looks like he's been getting enough water. With winter here and living in New England, it's hard to keep it humid. I brought him in the bathroom this morning while I showered to get the humidity up and I've been spraying his cage more than usual to make sure he has plenty. But his eye's aren't looking sunken and looks healthy overall (although I'm no expert).

Thanks for responding! I appreciate the advice. Hah I have been checking constantly. Just want to make sure he's doing alright!

 

[melble68]

Is it possible he's getting ready for a shed? That can sometimes effect the amount they'll eat. I wouldn't be to worried. It sounds like he's eating some of them. If you notice he's not eating AT all then there is time to be concerned. He might also be getting bored w/ crickets. Try to mix up your feeders. Phoenix worms and roaches get my guy all excited couple times a week.

 

[melble68]

Ok here it comes. If you really want to know about how his hydration is, his poop is a great indicator. Poop talk is always fun and a pretty good way of knowing how his water intake is going. White urates indicates well hydrated. Orange urates indicates de-hydration. Runny poops needs to be addressed. Possibly to many worms, or problem that needs to be looked at by a visit to the vet.

Check out the stuck thread. Its super educational, includes pictures of the good, bad, and ugly, and is sure to eventually make you giggle.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/poop-101-a-120171/

 

[AdventuringChameleon]

He had his second shed a couple weeks ago. But thanks for your advice! We'll see how he does tomorrow too.

 

[AdventuringChameleon]

Thanks for the link! I have actually already read that His poop has always looked very healthy, and the urates have been white too. So that's a good sign!

 

[melble68]

High five!!!!!!!!