Sand hoppers

[CluelessJoe]

I'm trying to introduce some variety to my panthers' food. They really like the little snails I catch in my garden. I thought about trying to give them sand hoppers from a river beach near my house. Could there be any risks?

Thoughts?

 

[ChamelaChameleon]

There"s always risk feeding wild caught bugs. They have more exposure to parasites and bacteria. Personally, I wouldn't risk it.

 

[Steve A]

I'm trying to introduce some variety to my panthers' food. They really like the little snails I catch in my garden. I thought about trying to give them sand hoppers from a river beach near my house. Could there be any risks?

Thoughts?

I would refrain from doing this.

Do you use ANY chemicals in your garden? How close are you to your neighbors? Do they use ANY chemicals in theirs? Bugs travel. Aside from the bacteria and parasites already mentioned, IMO, this is way too risky to be worth it. I buy all my feeders online.

They come from safe breeding meant specifically for our reptile pets. You definitely have the right idea to introduce a variety in general. That's good. But I would 100% refrain from feeding wild caught bugs around your home.

 

[jamest0o0]

Sand hoppers are the little crustaceans found on beaches right? I’m not sure how those would be as a feeder, but I’d be concerned about them being exposed to polluted water.

In regards to wc feeders, I am mostly for it if you know the area is untouched by chemicals. I used to let my Cham’s eat wild insects all through the summer and my parsons lived outdoors spring through fall. Never had issues. Parasites aren’t really a concern and in most cases are species specific. Bacteria is normal to be exposed to, especially for an insect eating animal. The problem is when bacteria gets in wounds and such where it can go wild. With that said, snails/slugs should not be fed wild caught as they can carry rat lungworm which is not species specific. Probably other parasites they carry too, but that’s the main one. If feeding snails, breed them, separate the eggs into new substrate, raise those babies. They are a great feeder in this case!

 

[Steve A]

I would also like to point out that sand is VERY problematic when it comes to bacteria.

Feeding your chameleon something that hangs out in sand locally sounds like a death sentence to a chameleon to me personally.

 

[jamest0o0]

I would also like to point out that sand is VERY problematic when it comes to bacteria.

Feeding your chameleon something that hangs out in sand locally sounds like a death sentence to a chameleon to me personally.

I get the concern and can’t say I disagree that it’s better avoided. Many Cham’s are found on and around beaches/sandy areas though.

 

[Steve A]

I get the concern and can’t say I disagree that it’s better avoided. Many Cham’s are found on and around beaches/sandy areas though.

Yes but I am assuming you live in the US. IDK if that is really comparable. But I honestly have no idea, personally

 

[jamest0o0]

Yes but I am assuming you live in the US. IDK if that is really comparable. But I honestly have no idea, personally

yup lol, I agree with the overall point though. I’d pass on them, beaches in general are filthy and polluted.

 

[Ghostbirb]

I see that no one has shared this so I’m just going to post this here just in case, here is our safe food list for chameleons