Chameleon not eating - force feeding?

[SilverWolf]

Today is the 11th day that, Tricky my jackson chameleon refuses to eat anything. It seemed he had an impaction but some lactulose helped him get rid of the blockage. I do not think he is too filled up anymore, I saw him defecate quite a large bit yesterday and today. I thought he may have just been picky about crickets but he seems uninterested in super worms too.

I was recommended to cut the head off of a super worm, and squeeze out the contents "like toothpaste" and to put that into the back of his throat. Another recommendation was quite the same in mashing up worms and using a syringe to feed the chameleon. I have never done anything like this before - but so long without food is an incentive for me to try just about anything. Can anyone provide any help or advice for doing this? Perhaps how to go about giving him the mushed up contents of the worm through the syringe; will I have to forcefully open his mouth, or can I try to just squirt some in while he comes over to drink from the spray bottle?

 

[Craigwyatt]

I'm not sure how to help you. But I wouldn't force feed him. It will put a tremendous amount of stress on him and prob make the problem 10 times worse. Putting stress like that on him could kill him all by itself and in a hurry too.
I hope someone else chimes in to lend a hand.

 

[Bush baby]

Since Jacksons don't readily 'gape' like Veilded's do, trying to force his mouth open to get him to eat will do more harm than good.

Since he's pooping now, just keep him hydrated and watch him, give him a day or two as he should start to feel relief since his bowel movement.

 

[Craigwyatt]

You should try hornworms. They are pretty irresistible to most chameleons. Or if it's easier for you try butter or silkworms.

 

[frankpayne32]

In my experience, force feeding a lizard will only yield positive results maybe in 10% of cases. Best to just try as many different types of feeders as possible, especially if you aren't experienced in force feeding. Good luck to you, hope it works out.