best way to feed

[jruss424]

what is the best way to feed is it to have a feeder cup or to free range the crickets

 

[ShortStack]

There is no best way. It is all preference.

 

[Symbiot]

It's all up to the owner and or what the cham prefers. Some think it's better to freerange the feeders as it gets the cham to actually go out and hunt it's food similar to how it would in the wild. If the cham is rather small and is being housed in a big cage he/she may find it hard for it to find it's food. This is why some choose to cup feed. I cup feed myself because it is easier to track how much your cham is eating and no insects can get lost in hiding spots around the cage where your chameleon is unable to find them.

 

[skittles22]

Feeding

It is a personal preference, and I prefer free range. The chameleon will have to be active and hunt for his food. I count the number of crickets i release in the cage and he never misses one. I sealed off the corners of the cage to prevent the crickets from hiding. If there is a problem with the chameleon, such as a tongue issue or something, it may be beneficial to cupfeed to assure he is getting what he needs.

 

[ruru]

i do both
more often then not i cup feed but once a week or so id let feeders free range but keep an eye out for ones that dont get eaten, id take them back out so they dont drown during watering.

 

[ChameleonFan1989]

I do free range sometimes, but I prefer cup feeding, I just find chasing the crickets every where a pain in the backside lol.

 

[sandrachameleon]

what is the best way to feed is it to have a feeder cup or to free range the crickets

I would say the best way is to do both. Having a chameleon that understands that whatever is in a particular bowl is likely to be food can be useful for introducing new foods, and bowl feeding allows you to keep track of all feeders provided and eaten (without you having to hang around and watch). Also handy for feeders that dont climb branches well, such as mealworms. I personally dont like to free-range roaches because the idea of roach escapees in my house fill me with dread. I also like to log exactly how much each of my animals eats.

Free-ranging allows for a more natural hunting experience. I will free range things like crickets if I am there to ensure they get eaten (I dont want these in my house or if not eaten being left in the cage overnight to potentially nibble on my chameleon). I will usually free range silkworms, superworms and butterworms because they will stay on branches and vines well (no jumping).

 

[roxychic3253]

I use a large deli cup on the bottom of the cage for my crickets. I'm feeding 1/8 inch crickets and there is no catching them without squishing! I also like it because it makes it easy to track exactly how much is eaten.

 

[burnedrose]

I do both, but mostly free range. I keep my mealworms and superworms and stuff in a cup for cup feeding because I absolutely hate worms of all kinds and I'd rather keep them contained and not risk one falling out of some unseen hole and finding my cereal box and crawling in it and then becoming my breakfast (true story - actually happened to me lol). I also hate crickets, but I like having the free range benefit. Plus, if they fall out of the cage, I have three cats that looovvveee to play with them.

 

[Pilotman800]

I do both, but mostly free range. I keep my mealworms and superworms and stuff in a cup for cup feeding because I absolutely hate worms of all kinds and I'd rather keep them contained and not risk one falling out of some unseen hole and finding my cereal box and crawling in it and then becoming my breakfast (true story - actually happened to me lol). I also hate crickets, but I like having the free range benefit. Plus, if they fall out of the cage, I have three cats that looovvveee to play with them.

LOL! The same thing happened to me except with lizard! I know how you feel!

 

[fluxlizard]

Bowl feeding is the best way to teach your chameleon to eat vegetables and the best way to prevent escaped food items. Shred veggies to the consistancy of coleslaw and provide a half inch or so at the bottom of the bowl and add insects and pretty soon many chameleons will go for the veggies even when there isn't an insect around. Gutload your chameleon with veggies.

Hand feeding is the best way to teach your chameleon to not be afraid of you so that stress of you being near by is alleviated. A chameleon that moves eagerly to the front of the cage when you approach, looking for handouts is healthier than a chameleon that slinks down and hides in the back. It's a lot more fun to be around too.

Free ranging food is the best way to give your chameleon mental stimulation and physical exercise. Keep his tongue in tip-top form and his aim and timing sharp by feeding this way.

The best way is a blend of all 3 ways.