Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone,
I know its a great thing when your chameleon has a ferocious appetite, but Im worried about Cobalt. When I first recieved him, he was shy and timid, and only ate when I was out of the room. Now, I feed him directly from my hand, and he eats...and eats...AND EATS! I honestly don't know if HE knows when to stop. Just today he had: 9 gutloaded crickets, 8 large silkworms, 2 goliath hornworms, and 6 mealworms. After I offered him another worm he went for it, but I pulled it away, for I was afraid he was over-eating. Usually, chameleons will let you know when they are done eating, but his appetite seems to be increasing. He's really fat right now, and has always been a little fat, is this something to worry about...or is he just eating as a normal chameleon??? None of the other chameleons I had ate like this, I tell 'ya that! Thanks so much!
Michele

Cobalt,

Michele.
Since your male is getting large (adult size), I would cut back quite a bit on what you're feeding him. My big males get fed about 3-4 times a week, and are fed as much as they'll eat within about 30 minutes on those days. Don't leave anything in there after the 30 minute (or so) time period. Cutting back their food will keep them eager to eat, and actively hunting as opposed to sitting back waiting to be hand fed. Keep him well hydrated and concentrate on feeding varied foods on the few days a week that you do feed him. Getting "fat" isn't too much of a concern, but getting spoiled is, and realistically, your chameleon isn't going to starve to death unless you're totally neglecting him for a long period of time. Good luck!

-----
Tyler Stewart
Las Vegas NV
www.BLUEBEASTREPTILE.com

Save your self some trouble.
Elvis used to eat everything that walked by him. I fed him every day. Crickets, Silk Worms, Super Worms, Roches, Horn Worms. Soon he refused Crickets, would not even look at them, then it was Silk Worms, he would turn around and walk the other way!!! Then Horn Worms, then Supers. By this point I didn't know what to do. He didn't eat for five straight days. I thought their was something wrong with him. I called Tyler. He gave me the same advice he gave you and it worked. He still will not even look twice at a Cricket. But I got him back on Silk Worms and Supers. He will even take roaches again and Horn Worms. But I only feed him every two or three days. If I try to put something in there every day, he won't touch it.
They are funny creatures. You have to get them to really want their food. At the risk of Anthropomorphasizing, they need to appreciate what you put in there for them.
Hope every thing goes well for you. Your guy is really a stunner!!!

Yeah, I was wondering what would happen if he was fed every single day. Im going to minimize his feedings, and hope for the best!!! Yes indeed, they are "unusual" creatures, and sometimes a little strange, but thats why we love them! Elvis sure is a stunner as well!!! Thanks so much!
Michele