Questions about gravid chams...

[Vinyonga]

I'm hoping to breed some chameleons soon - probably t.j. jacksonii - and I was wondering several things.

Would the gravid female need extra feeding?
Would it be better to handle her less?
How long is the gestation?
How many offspring could she have?
Would a gravid female be a different colour from normal?
Are the neonates very fragile?
Should they be moved away from the mother?
`
Thanks

 

[Vinyonga]

bumping up...

 

[Chase]

I'm hoping to breed some chameleons soon - probably t.j. jacksonii - and I was wondering several things.

Would the gravid female need extra feeding?
Would it be better to handle her less?
How long is the gestation?
How many offspring could she have?
Would a gravid female be a different colour from normal?
Are the neonates very fragile?
Should they be moved away from the mother?
`
Thanks

I wouldn't say she needs more food, rather better nutrition through supplementation and better gutloading of the feeders. Generally, chameleons are more of a hands off pet. Gestation is about 7-10 months. It's hard to say how many babies she would have, because there is a possibility of her having slugs (undeveloped yolk sacks) or the babies never make it out of their surrounding membrane. In my experience they are either a darker color or have no color change at all. The neonates are easily to care for, if you set them up correctly. Some people have very bad luck with jacksonii (all species) neonates. Shortly after they're born you can move them into their own cage.

Here is a good article- http://chameleonnews.com/10JulManchen.html
Chase

 

[Vinyonga]

That's very helpful, thank you!
If a baby did get stuck in the membrane, could you - and how would you - help it out...?