Help! Neonate Jackson's not eating

[elvinbross]

I bought a female Jackson's and 4 days later she had 10 babies. I seem to be doing everything right but they won't eat. I didn't expect the surprise, and advice on the internet as to feeding is everything from good to horrible. Some sites liker Yahoo and EHow have people giving bad advice just to hear themselves talk. I am really worried, and am ready to mash up fruit flies and make a soup for them. I have the temp right, basking light, the usual glass sided screen top cage, humidity, and so on. They just don't seem interested. I watched one snap a fruit fly two days ago and since then, nothing. I am pretty bummed about these cuties not making it. Is there anything that can be done to get them nutrients?

 

[Miss Lily]

Welcome! Take a look at the caresheet here, it was written by members of the forum: https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/jacksons/

What is the temperature and humidity level in their cage?

 

[elvinbross]

78 - 80 max degrees, 50 - 70% humidity. At least 5 mistings as dry climate here.

 

[Miss Lily]

Do you have live plants in the cage? These help retain humidity. Also, whilst keeping humidity fairly high you must allow the cage time to dry out between misting too. When my Jackson's were tiny I used a really fine spray mister so I could mist for longer before everything got dripping wet. The longer you mist, the more likely they are to drink. A chameleon that isn't well hydrated will not want to eat.

Do you have a photo of their set up that you could post at all? Sorry for all the questions, but the more info that you can provide will help us to help you.

 

[elvinbross]

I realized I should be letting things dry out more, but other than that, I can't figure out what to do. I initially avoided pinhead crickets as I read they shouldn't be fed for a short period, better to just use fruit flies.

 

[elvinbross]

I didn't let stuff dry out enough and maybe they haven't warmed up enough. I am not home to take pictures, but am using a 10 gallon upright glass cage with a screen top, have plants, and am home all the time, so I am probably overdoing it with the water. What sucks is that I may lose them and it is really sad. I can try pinhead crickets. I screened some fairly small crickets from my "smalls", but they won't go for them.
If I think they are too damp, should I run home and carefully bask them? Should I run for piheads? I was so stoked when they were born and I am not too happy that things aren't working out.

 

[elvinbross]

And they are not dehydrated. Is it worth trying to make a fruitfly soup for them so when they get thirsty they will get some nutrients. What about electrolytes, like 50/50 Gatorade? I am stressing as I think it is too late.

 

[Miss Lily]

I got my first Jackson at 7 weeks and he weighed just 2g. I fed him on fruit flies and mini mealworms (the white newly moulted ones). They can be quite active, and it wasn't until he started eating small crickets that he really started to gain weight. There are other Jackson owners on here who may be able to offer other ideas for you. Sadly, as you only just got her she may have given birth a bit early due to the stress of being moved to a new environment.

 

[elvinbross]

They seemed healthy at birth and I don't think she was premature. I will let them dry out and keep my fingers crossed. Thanks. This is really bumming me out.

 

[CarlC]

What are your night time temps dropping to? A minimum 10 degree drop is essential.

Also as was mentioned stress drops are very common. Babies come out and look great for a couple of days but slowly fade away.

Are you able to keep the door open without them getting out? Keeping the door open will promote better air exchange.

So many things have to be just right for livebearers to survive. Don't beat yourself up if they don't make it. Get your female into great shape and in 6 month's or so start preparing for her next clutch.

Carl

 

[Juliaf3]

What are your night time temps dropping to? A minimum 10 degree drop is essential.

Also as was mentioned stress drops are very common. Babies come out and look great for a couple of days but slowly fade away.

Are you able to keep the door open without them getting out? Keeping the door open will promote better air exchange.

So many things have to be just right for livebearers to survive. Don't beat yourself up if they don't make it. Get your female into great shape and in 6 month's or so start preparing for her next clutch.

Carl

I agree with Carl 100% I've never bred my chams because of just how perfect things have to be for a good survival rate. ESPECIALLY with Jacksons. How she was cared for plays a large part in the babies survival just as much as how they are cared for after birth. Like Carl said, get her taken care of and she'll be able to give birth again. I'm not saying give up on your babies. I can't imagine what it would be like to have a surprise clutch! Stressful for mom and you.
Good luck!

 

[elvinbross]

Thanks for the tips. Some have pulled through so far. I was shocking them with too much misting, not enough bask and dry time. Tough lesson.