How can you feed a chameleon who will not use their tongue and what do you feed them with

[Azure2604]

I’ve owned my panther for about almost a year and maybe a half? Maybe just a year (let’s put assumptions on a year) and well he used to use his tongue but no longer does, considering my husbandry after getting him was terrible it got to a point to where he sleeps too much and doesn’t use his tongue. I’ve provided him with crickets but he lets them die because he can’t reach them, I’ve provided him Dubai’s and he hates those, so I’m lost on how I can provide him with food that he can catch, could anyone provide any advice like feeders or food options for a slow chameleon?

 

[GrannyK]

I would recommend silkworms from frams chams, they are easy to feed, but I also recommend getting to the root of the problem as to why he will not use his tongue. are you supplementing with calcium daily and have the proper uvb for him?
I know you said husbandry wasn’t great when you got him but have you made any adjustments?

 

[kinyonga]

Why are you saying he’s slow?

 

[kinyonga]

See my post in this thread..
https://www.chameleonforums.com/thr...aping-into-the-enclosure.195513/#post-1830900

 

[MissSkittles]

^^^ 100%! I would suggest doing a full husbandry review and see if we can maybe find a reason that your chameleon has stopped using his tongue. If there is a problem, things will only worsen for your cham if they go unidentified and corrected. What uvb did you ever end up getting? Can you post some pics of it?

 

[Azure2604]

I would recommend silkworms from frams chams, they are easy to feed, but I also recommend getting to the root of the problem as to why he will not use his tongue. are you supplementing with calcium daily and have the proper uvb for him?
I know you said husbandry wasn’t great when you got him but have you made any adjustments?

^^^ 100%! I would suggest doing a full husbandry review and see if we can maybe find a reason that your chameleon has stopped using his tongue. If there is a problem, things will only worsen for your cham if they go unidentified and corrected. What uvb did you ever end up getting? Can you post some pics of

I would recommend silkworms from frams chams, they are easy to feed, but I also recommend getting to the root of the problem as to why he will not use his tongue. are you supplementing with calcium daily and have the proper uvb for him?
I know you said husbandry wasn’t great when you got him but have you made any adjustments?

My assumption to these problems was feeding him incorrectly and eventually he just stopped hunting because his tongue wouldn’t work, he does drink and also has the perfect uvb and lamp so I know it’s not the enclosure I believe he just needs to get adjusted to a diet he can catch that won’t hop all over

 

[MissSkittles]

My assumption to these problems was feeding him incorrectly and eventually he just stopped hunting because his tongue wouldn’t work, he does drink and also has the perfect uvb and lamp so I know it’s not the enclosure I believe he just needs to get adjusted to a diet he can catch that won’t hop all over

But this leaves the question of why his tongue isn’t working. Unless he’s much older than about 2, and hasn’t suffered any injury, his tongue should be working without problem.
Let’s do this as simply as possible. What uvb are you using? What is the brand? What is the size (T8 or T5)? What is the strength of the bulb? What is the distance from uvb fixture to basking area?
What supplements are you using? How often are you using each one?
Just know…we are trying to help and there is no judgement. Now, if you say everything is perfect and don’t want/need any help at this time and then come back in some months with a very sick fella or same issue that could have been fixed/prevented here & now…that is when you’ll get some judgement. You’ll probably still get helped as able, but personally, I’m gonna be upset, very sad for your animal and yes, judgy. I’m nothing if not honest.

 

[Azure2604]

But this leaves the question of why his tongue isn’t working. Unless he’s much older than about 2, and hasn’t suffered any injury, his tongue should be working without problem.
Let’s do this as simply as possible. What uvb are you using? What is the brand? What is the size (T8 or T5)? What is the strength of the bulb? What is the distance from uvb fixture to basking area?
What supplements are you using? How often are you using each one?
Just know…we are trying to help and there is no judgement. Now, if you say everything is perfect and don’t want/need any help at this time and then come back in some months with a very sick fella or same issue that could have been fixed/prevented here & now…that is when you’ll get some judgement. You’ll probably still get helped as able, but personally, I’m gonna be upset, very sad for your animal and yes, judgy. I’m nothing if not honest.

I’m using the same lighting you provided me with, I also supply him with food with calcium but he doesn’t always eat it

 

[MissSkittles]

Ugh! I had replied about supplements but then must have gotten called away by work and never posted. Anyhow, just want to FYI - I have PM’d OP and hopefully we can get his guy sorted out.