Hand Feeding

[Thorbjorne]

How do I hand feed crickets? Tearing off their back legs seems to work so that they do not jump off my hand but my chameleon does not seem to attack them very often. The first time I tried hand feeding (which was a few days ago) he ate all ten of the crickets I offered him! I tried again today and he only got 2 and then kind of backed away. Also, he only seems to like to hand feed outside of his main cage, like a nice ficus outside in the sunlight. He even ate a few flies that landed on my hand, normal house flies and white flies. Is that okay for him? Also, I know it is not the best way to handle a chameleon but I kind of wait until he walks over my hand and then slowly lift up and he comes with it but a little reluctantly. He is 1-2 moths old (I believe) and i have had him for almost 2 weeks. Am I going at this too fast?

 

[junglefries]

his decision

If he comes to you, then it's not too soon according to him. Respond to him, rather than him responding to you. Mine always eat more when they are outside. They also will eat more when i feed from my left hand, rather than right. Both hands look the same to me, don't know why they prefer left. I do have more control with left, maybe it sits still more? Just remember, he will have good and bad days. Sometimes 'hey how you doin'?' others 'get the %-&* away from me'.

 

[CLP]

I always believe it's better if they come to you. You have to respect their wishes and if you grab them when they don't want to be picked up, they could eventually get aggressive with you as they know you might be about to pick them up when the don't want to be. It sounds to me like you are doing a good job. As for the crickets, the only way I "hand feed" them is by putting them in a cup and holding the cup while the eat. I would suggest worms as an easier method as they are easier to control when on your hand. Also, chameleons tend to see worms as tastier vs. crickets, so it's always good if they see your hand as the source of the best treats.

 

[Thorbjorne]

He does not seem to like super worms too much, maybe because they are too big? I also heard that hornworms are a favorite of chameleons but I cant seem to find a good place to get them. Maybe I will try online. Cup feeding is something I know he is good with. He cup fed on the first day I got him! Going back to the super worms, how do I hand feed those? They squirm around a lot and eventually escape my grip and crawl off my hand. Not exactly the smartest bug

 

[Tyaeda]

How do I hand feed crickets? Tearing off their back legs seems to work so that they do not jump off my hand but my chameleon does not seem to attack them very often. The first time I tried hand feeding (which was a few days ago) he ate all ten of the crickets I offered him! I tried again today and he only got 2 and then kind of backed away. Also, he only seems to like to hand feed outside of his main cage, like a nice ficus outside in the sunlight. He even ate a few flies that landed on my hand, normal house flies and white flies. Is that okay for him? Also, I know it is not the best way to handle a chameleon but I kind of wait until he walks over my hand and then slowly lift up and he comes with it but a little reluctantly. He is 1-2 moths old (I believe) and i have had him for almost 2 weeks. Am I going at this too fast?

I wouldn't feed your cham anything if you don't know where it's been, or what it's eating. Especially houseflies - they get into a bunch of crap that isn't good for your chameleon, and can also carry a slew of bacteria and parasites.

If your chameleon is that young, he should have access to small crickets at all times. Give him as many as he will eat. If hand feeding doesn't work, try cup feeding at first.

You should really allow your chameleon to settle into his enclosure, and try not to handle him too much, even if he is used to you.

 

[CLP]

He does not seem to like super worms too much, maybe because they are too big? I also heard that hornworms are a favorite of chameleons but I cant seem to find a good place to get them. Maybe I will try online. Cup feeding is something I know he is good with. He cup fed on the first day I got him! Going back to the super worms, how do I hand feed those? They squirm around a lot and eventually escape my grip and crawl off my hand. Not exactly the smartest bug

Any feeder needs to be the proper size for him. As he is a baby, then he needs baby feeders. If you are getting superworms at the pet store, then I assume they are full grown and way too big. However, many online sellers will sell you baby worms. As for hornworms, again, you will need baby ones. The full grown ones would only be suitable for large adult chameleons. However, you can buy hornworm eggs and hatch them. The hatchling size would be good for a baby. Same goes for silkworms.

 

[Thorbjorne]

Any feeder needs to be the proper size for him. As he is a baby, then he needs baby feeders. If you are getting superworms at the pet store, then I assume they are full grown and way too big. However, many online sellers will sell you baby worms. As for hornworms, again, you will need baby ones. The full grown ones would only be suitable for large adult chameleons. However, you can buy hornworm eggs and hatch them. The hatchling size would be good for a baby. Same goes for silkworms.

What is a good place to get baby worms online?