Feeding stages?? by age??

[ChamNovice]

This is a great site, plenty of interesting things to read and learn. This is my first of many posts to come I'm sure.

I was wondering the age ranges on various feeding stages... I understand the "mouth size to feeder size ratio". I was told by the breeder I should not feed my baby veiled mealworms, and that later they will eat "greens", and can have superworms. I have noticed on several posts that people do feed with meal worms. Is this an age issue? Only babies should not have meal worms? About what age should I try feeding "greens". What other food items can I feed a baby. I'm not 100% sure on an his exact age currently. Any guesses on that would be appreciated as well. Just looking for some general feeding tips and at what ages they tend to be when they are able to eat these things. there is a pic included on this for trying to reference the age. The same as my avatar, just larger.

 

[sandrachameleon]

Welcome!

You can start introducing greens around three months, but when he starts eating them will depend on him
mealworms are not a very good feeder option. This is because of the chinton to meat ratio and also they're just not all that nutritious. I do offer them periodically, but not often. I gutload them as much as possible and also try to only use freshly moulted (soft and white, freshly shed) ones, as these are easier for the cham to digest.

Other options: silkworms (being soft, these can be slightly larger than the crickets youre offering), butterworms, superworms (of an appropriate size), roach nymphs, small moths, flies, etc.

 

[ChamNovice]

Thanks for the welcome and reply. I've seen these things called phoenix worms also, are they a better option than superworms? as far as size? Should I just stick with the types already listed? I would just like to provide a more varied diet than crickets currently..... even though that's what I was told to feed him. If that is the best option to feed right now, i will stick with the crickects though.

 

[sandrachameleon]

I personally think variety is important, or at least desirable.

Pheonix maggots are okay for small chameleons. If your chameleon does not chew his food, you will want to take a pin and pierce the pheonix worm prior to the chameleon eating it, to ensure it gets digested.

 

[ChamNovice]

I've been feeding 1/4 crickets so far, but as mentioned before I want more variety. I got some waxworms today for a treat, he seemed really excited by these. He wont eat from my hands, or while I'm in the enclosure, but as soon as I closed it up and backed awat a littel, he was after them.I only gave him a couple.
I think I'm going to order some different types of feeders from some of the sites sponsers. I'm thinking hornworms, and superworms, silkworms?? maybe..... roaches, I still dont like the idea of them being in the house in case of an escape..... I would like some ideas on the size of the feeders I should get. As far as hornworms, does the horn on the worm cause any issues?
There is a pic attached to show his size, he's a little smaller in the pics because he's curled up sleeping, and about 3" from the ruler,sorry about the bad quality of the photo.

 

[Chamero]

For any new cham, silks, crix, and superworms are more than enough variety. Make sure you pay attention to what each feeder has to offer... Crix and silks, (phoenix) are great protein sources, whereas Supers, (butters and horns) are great fat sources. As said...to get enough fat and protein, crix, silks, and supers are enough.

 

[ChamNovice]

Thanks, I'm kind of looking for information on what sizes I need to order?? I'm assuming the smallest I can get right now??