Chameleon threw up big wad of meal worms?

[Creature44]

I'm a new chameleon owner. We fed my baby veiled chameleon 4 meal worms and he spit them all back up, whole and in a wad. Help!!!

 

[Andee]

Ok throwing up, even though mealworms aren't the best feeder to begin with, is a huge sign that there is something seriously wrong. It may require vet attention, because vomiting is NOT normal at all.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/how-to-ask-for-help.66/

Fill this form out, hopefully it's just some husbandry issues.

 

[carol5208]

Did he throw them up right away, or was it after awhile? I am just asking, as if he ate 4 of them quickly maybe it is possible could have choked. He might have thrown them up because of that. If he ate them awhile ago and then threw up, there could be an issue with digestion or possibly parasites. Could you post a picture of him? How long have you had him? How much does he usually eat at a feeding? Are you feeding anything else besides mealworms?

 

[Creature44]

Did he throw them up right away, or was it after awhile? I am just asking, as if he ate 4 of them quickly maybe it is possible could have choked. He might have thrown them up because of that. If he ate them awhile ago and then threw up, there could be an issue with digestion or possibly parasites. Could you post a picture of him? How long have you had him? How much does he usually eat at a feeding? Are you feeding anything else besides mealworms?

We feed him crickets and only treat him with mealworms. It was just a few minutes after he ate them. We've only had him for a week and he seems to be doing well. He has adjusted well with us and will climb right into our hands when we go to take him out. He hasn't done it again since or done it with the crickets. We give him a little bit of lettuce in his cage as well and he eats that just fine also. I uploaded a picture of the bundle. It almost looks like the outer shells of the meal worms?

 

[Andee]

It sounds like he might've just eaten them too fast, I've noticed even with my adult male panther, larger food items, or foods with a harder shell need more time in between time? He is a big chewer though. I'm not sure though, what is your opinion, Carol?

 

[Onemorecast]

What is on the floor of cage for substrate? Anything other than bare, paper towel or maybe a reptile mat is a no go. They can ingest it and that can be a problem. May have nothing to do with this, just curious.

 

[Creature44]

What is on the floor of cage for substrate? Anything other than bare, paper towel or maybe a reptile mat is a no go. They can ingest it and that can be a problem. May have nothing to do with this, just curious.

We have something called Eco Earth, its a loose coconut fiber substrate. Almost like a mulch but like I said he has only had this issue one time with mealworms. Never with the crickets

 

[Andee]

You shouldn't have any sort of substrate on the ground at all. Often chams with mineral deficiencies or even chams that are completely fine, can be found snacking on dirt. There is also the fact that dirt sticks to their tongue and prey when they eat and all this can cause serious impaction issues. Keep him well hydrated for the next 24 hours after you remove the substrate, and watch for any signs of decline.

 

[MissLissa]

Filling out the "how to ask for help form" would be a very good idea, as well, jus tin case there is something else that might need a bit of an adjustment

 

[Creature44]

Filling out the "how to ask for help form" would be a very good idea, as well, jus tin case there is something else that might need a bit of an adjustment

I'm new to this site so I have no clue what you're talking about but I'll find it thanks.

 

[Creature44]

You shouldn't have any sort of substrate on the ground at all. Often chams with mineral deficiencies or even chams that are completely fine, can be found snacking on dirt. There is also the fact that dirt sticks to their tongue and prey when they eat and all this can cause serious impaction issues. Keep him well hydrated for the next 24 hours after you remove the substrate, and watch for any signs of decline.

That's weird the lady at the pet store picked it out for us.

 

[LindsayG]

That's weird the lady at the pet store picked it out for us.

Unfortunately most times the "ladies at the pet stores" don't know what they're talking about and have been misinformed themselves. Also, they're trying to make a sale. Luckily you found this forum and all the correct information is here for you and plenty of knowledgeable members to help you keep a happy healthy cham .

 

[MissLissa]

I'm new to this site so I have no clue what you're talking about but I'll find it thanks.

Like a previous poster said, you can find the form to fill out at:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/how-to-ask-for-help.66/

The form helps us see your entire care setup, from lighting to hydration, to make sure there isn't anything else it might be. Pet stores are notorious for sending out incomplete or just blatantly incorrect information for chameleons (and other animals). There are a lot of incredibly experienced and skilled chameleons keepers on here- filling out the form will help them help you and your cham

 

[jpowell86]

It looks like you have some dead foliage in the cage as well. Being a Veiled Chameleon, he is going to have a desire to take nibbles off live plants. Being as young as he is, he is going to test just about everything in his cage. I have no idea what kind of tree/shrub you got the branch off of, but if its is not on the safe plant list I would toss it. Not saying that's why he threw up his meal worms...but it could have upset his stomach. Just trying to cover all the maybes!!