chameleon trying to eat reflection?

[dasher]

So basically, sometimes when I'm feeding my veiled with tongs, like mealworms, etc, my chameleon sees the tongs in the reflection of the glass and focuses on the glass, and then tries to eat it. It's pretty unusual, but is it normal? Do I need to get that checked out?

 

[Lindasjackson]

so you mean your Cham tries to eat the bugs reflection in the glass? If so I don’t think that’s a problem, you just need to redirect him to the real food. I’m no expert and I’m sure one of them will be around soon.

 

[kinyonga]

Welcome to the forum, @dasher ...I wouldn't want my chameleon to be shooting his tongue at the glass....but then I don't like them to hit the tongs either....so I free range everything.

 

[redhorse]

Welcome! Sorry no input here- never had chameleons with glass.

 

[MissSkittles]

Hi. So tong feeding isn’t really the best of ideas. There is always a risk of your chameleon hurting his tongue that way. Feeding cups or ‘stations’ are much better. For a glass enclosure, something like this would work well. https://www.fullthrottlefeeders.com/ I believe it can attach with magnets.

 

[CasqueAbove]

I agree with @MissSkittles . Cup feeding is much safer.
As far as normal yes it is. They don’t understand the difference between reflection or real. Also he will relate tongs or cup to food and come to it.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

+1

I was thinking glass shouldn't be a problem for his tongue, but then it occurred to me he'd be aiming at the reflection, which would be beyond the distance to the glass, so yeah... that might sting.

I finally got my panther to take a worm from my open palm, and the strike was an interesting sensation. It wasn't sticky or anything—just felt like striking the opposite index finger against the palm.

I use 2 feeders at present; a feeder run cup for crickets, and an open feeder bowl for roaches & worms. I may try more hand feedings as I can.