Moisture/water content

[martyllian]

Are orange pieces and Hornworms a source of hydration/water for a chameleon?

The reason I ask, is since I have started feeding him these two items, he has been drinking less from the dripper.

thanks,

 

[sandrachameleon]

Yes. Hornworms have a fairly high moisture content.

Gutloading any prey with "wet" foods will help get moisture into your chameleon.

Cham Eating "wet" food fruit/veg directly does too, of course

 

[Miss Lily]

How do you offer the orange to your chameleon? I've tried Lily with grape and apple. The grape was too wet and she couldn't get it to stick on her tongue and the apple I had to dry in a tissue before she could zap it!

 

[martyllian]

I cut a small piece off the peel, and put it on the tip of my finger and show it to him. (granted, I put it close enough so he doesnt have far to snap, and last night he reached over and nipped it off my finger witout his tongue) He snaps at it with his tongue. sometimes it drops off but not often. if it drops, I pick it up and give it again. I gave him a large chunk about the size of half a grape last night and he gnoshed on it for a good 10 seconds. I give him a few pieces of orange, and then pieces Kale until he has enough. Morning he gets cricket crunchies. at night after I get home he gets 2 phoenix worms, a small hornworm or a dubia, orange, and kale.

I think the texture in the orange gives his tongue something to grip to. maybe cut some texture into the apple piece?

 

[Miss Lily]

Yeah, that might work! I'll give it a try, thanks! It would be good if she would eat some fruit too.

 

[martyllian]

Actually, I found a way to feed apple, bananna and anything else they cant get with their tongue, without getting your finger chomped like happened to me tonight (good grip, but teeth didnt get in)

Toothpick. put apple or bananna on the toothpick (not all the way through) let the strike at it, and then bring in near their mouth. CHOMP.

IF you want to see a funny face, give them a piece of lime He raised his head pointed straight up and smacked his lips, and went for another piece. hehe

 

[Miss Lily]

Actually, I found a way to feed apple, bananna and anything else they cant get with their tongue, without getting your finger chomped like happened to me tonight (good grip, but teeth didnt get in)

Toothpick. put apple or bananna on the toothpick (not all the way through) let the strike at it, and then bring in near their mouth. CHOMP.

IF you want to see a funny face, give them a piece of lime He raised his head pointed straight up and smacked his lips, and went for another piece. hehe

Ha ha!! You should take a photo of the 'lime face'!! That would be so funny to see!