Fattening cham up before travel or no?

[burnedrose]

So, i have my ticket bought to move out to San Diego and I already purchased my SYR kit to ship my male veiled out to San Diego as well.

However, I was wondering if it is a good idea to fatten him up before shipping? Or would that not be a good idea? And by fatten up, I mean get him some bulk, just in case he gets delayed a day or two (doubt it would happen, but I've read horror stories on here!). I bought some silk worms, I have some dubias ready to go and I have a few crickets on their way as well. I was debating buying some hornworms, but I think it might be a bit overkill, as I don't want to overfeed or oversupplement. Is there anything else I should be doing/not be doing?

 

[Alexl]

A healthy adult chameleon has no problem to stay without food for some days (an adult even should not get food every day to prevent overfeeding). You don't need to feed more before shipping. Transport boxes aren't always at the chameleon's optimum temperature. A completely stuffed stomach which can't work due to low temperatures would be not the best idea for your animal.

 

[ferretinmyshoes]

I agree that would not be the best idea. A healthy chameleon will be just fine for a few days without food, and you could actually cause problems trying to fatten it up.

 

[burnedrose]

A healthy adult chameleon has no problem to stay without food for some days (an adult even should not get food every day to prevent overfeeding). You don't need to feed more before shipping. Transport boxes aren't always at the chameleon's optimum temperature. A completely stuffed stomach which can't work due to low temperatures would be not the best idea for your animal.

Thank you! That's why I figured I'd ask - I haven't the faintest idea how to prep my cham for shipping. Any other advice for prepping him for shipping?

 

[ferretinmyshoes]

Good hydration before shipping is very important on the other hand! I don't ship chams so maybe someone else will be able to give you more information on the actual shipping process.