Eating potting soil

[Chamdog]

I recently changed up some plants in my baby Ambilobe Panthers cage. I know i should put rocks on the potting soil of the plants but have not done it yet. it has only been a couple days the new plant with no rocks has been in the cage but i walked in today and saw my panther actually eating the soil . I know this isnt good but has anybody else ever dealt with this or know why? there is plenty to eat just a bit confused. thanks.

 

[SaintJimmy]

They either do it

1) because of a mineral deficiency they are trying to repair (supposedly)
2) they are curious and will eat it...

It's a good idea to get some rocks to cover it ASAP

If he is small, watch him for a good while and make sure nothing's wrong.

If he is nice and hydrated then I wouldn't worry, but you need to get some nice big rocks so he cannot swallow any more X

 

[oblgobl]

I've read a few times that chameleons will sometimes eat dirt when they're not supplemented properly and are deficient in something. I'm not sure if this is true however it's never a bad idea to look up gutloading and supplements if you're not sure. Someone else will know. Cover the soil for now If you havn't already you seem to know the danger so I wont go into it.

Just to add are you sure he was eating it, my babies are always licking branches I think they do this to pick up scents. Perhaps he was just checking the area out wich could still be harmfull if he's licking and consuming soil.

 

[Carlton]

I've watched a male veiled seek out and eat shiny flecks of mica in soil. Chams are also attracted to those little white chunks of perlite. Something attracts their attention and we may not understand exactly what. Easily fixed. Cover the soil.

 

[Rango3d]

Yep seen it. Experienced it.
Gut load your crickets with other fresh foods
Such as banana and coconut. Foods that are high in minerals that help absorb water.
It did the trick with me and after that no more dirt eating.

My guy would move big rocks just to eat the dirt.

Hope that help.

 

[fleetwoodchams]

Yep seen it. Experienced it.
Gut load your crickets with other fresh foods
Such as banana and coconut. Foods that are high in minerals that help absorb water.
It did the trick with me and after that no more dirt eating.

My guy would move big rocks just to eat the dirt.

Hope that help.

Just saw my new baby eating dirt this morning. YIKES Have repti-vites on the way and he gets gut loaded crickets . I'll try the banana and coconut gutload and cover the soils with large stones. Sounds like they are looking for potassium? Thanks