Help & suggestions: Kale

[toosde]

This thread may be misplaced and mire suited for the Cages/Enclosures caregory, but I decided that it is applicable for 'food'
Regarding vegetation consumption, I have read that kale is one of the suggested plants for chameleon feeding. Please correct me if I'm wrong because I don't want to offer it to our veileds if it is not safe/beneficial.
My question: Are the potted kale plants, like the ones they sell at the nursery that have pink and purple coloration, safe to add to the chameleon habitats as a live plant serving a dual purpose? More specifically, is it harmful if they eat on the leaves?
Help, please.
Auraya

 

[ridgebax1]

Actually Kale is not a plant you want to give your chameleon frequently. It is OK once in a while. It has a high oxalic acid (I think) content. It interferes with the absorption of calcium. Check out Sandrachameleon's blogs. I believe there are links there to help you pick out good foods for your cham. I used to give my beardie kale all the time until I read this, now she gets collards, mustard greens, and turnip greens.

 

[toosde]

ridgebax1

Thank you for the response and the information, ridgebax1. I suppose that there are other dual duty plants that can be placed in their habitats, such as the hibiscus plant. From what I've read, chameleons enjoy eating the blooms. Hibiscus plants are safe, correct?

 

[ridgebax1]

Yes they are and Omar likes his. He ate a couple of the flowers this summer. Here are two websites that list safe plants.
http://www.flchams.com/safe_plant_list.asp
http://www.cleanlinechameleons.com/safe-plant-list