Is this normal?

[coffeeguy89]

Recently I've noticed Yoshi's ribs sticking out the sides of his body more and more, and I'm worried he's getting too thin. He's coming up on 11 months old, and I'm aware chameleons usually look a little thin and lanky before they fill out as adults, but he seems still seems too thin to me. He really only eats 2-3 times a week, and it's usually only one medium dubia roach or a large superworm. Also what are good feeders for putting on weight? I've heard hornworms or even pinky mice once a month can do the trick, but are there any others?

 

[Ricardo]

waxworms are contain lots of fat, but can cause addiction. really!!! maybe some well fed locusts. Are the mineral supplementation eligible? lights ect..?

 

[Carlton]

Recently I've noticed Yoshi's ribs sticking out the sides of his body more and more, and I'm worried he's getting too thin. He's coming up on 11 months old, and I'm aware chameleons usually look a little thin and lanky before they fill out as adults, but he seems still seems too thin to me. He really only eats 2-3 times a week, and it's usually only one medium dubia roach or a large superworm. Also what are good feeders for putting on weight? I've heard hornworms or even pinky mice once a month can do the trick, but are there any others?

Ribs are not the most accurate thing to look at for proper weight. I like to look at the base of the tail. If you can see the long tendons along the tail prominently, he may be thin. Consider the cross section of the tail. It should be oval from top to bottom, not round. Also look at his casque. If he's well hydrated and has normal body fat his casque should be full and rounded.

Feeders that help put on weight include waxworms, silkworms, hornworms. Eating every other day is OK, but see if you can get him interested in other feeders. What do you gutload with? Sometimes changing the gutload changes the flavor of the feeder and can stimulate feeding response.

 

[coffeeguy89]

I gutload with dry mix of brewers yeast, dried kelp and bee pollen along with fresh carrots and sweet potatoes. I also dust with calcium w/d3 and herptivite once a week and calcium without D3 every other feeding or so.

Carlton, Ive attached some picks of his head and tail. I know you've given this advice to me before, but I would rather you take a look and see what you think.

 

[chameleon884]

i dont see what the matter is?! he looks fine.....maybe one of the senior members can help you out.

 

[warpdrive]

I think he looks normal to me and I see nothing wrong and doesn't look too fat at all or too thin.

Harry

 

[Carlton]

Carlton, Ive attached some picks of his head and tail. I know you've given this advice to me before, but I would rather you take a look and see what you think.

Oh, have I? I think he looks gorgeous! I don't see anything of concern either. Better a bit lean than obese (most of us overfeed our chams anyway).

 

[sandrachameleon]

I think the picture of his head shows a healthy chameleon. Adding a silkworm or hornworm wouldnt do any harm though.

 

[coffeeguy89]

Thanks everybody. I'm new to chameleon husbandry so I just wanted to make sure. He's my little buddy

 

[cantgetagoodsn]

youll find that youll end up worrying about every possible thing that isn't "typical", we all do it.

 

[HecticZ]

They slow down eating once they get to be around that age, my Veiled is doing the same thing. But he is eating and drinking.

Teenagers go figure.