Shooting soil problem

[ricky20]

Hey all

I have a 4.5 month old panther chameleon who has been exhibiting a different behavior for the last few days and I was wondering if it's a problem and what solution there might be for it.

I have noticed the little guy crawling down the stem of my schefflera to the soil and he's been shooting the soil. Once I even tried to put my finger in the way because I have most of the soil covered in paper towel but he managed to dodge my finger and still shoot the soil. I don't want him to become impacted if he continues to do this and I don't want to buy a fake plant as a replacement if I don't have to. Any ideas or suggestions? (I have packed the paper towel over the soil a little better by the way so hopefully that works but in case there's a better idea out there).

Also... why is he doing this now?

Thanks all

 

[LazardLizard]

Maybe try larger river rocks to cover the soil.

 

[Carlton]

Maybe try larger river rocks to cover the soil.

Larger smooth river rocks work, but I've also laid a piece of windowscreen on the surface too. River rocks look nicer, but the soil will stay wet longer so make sure your pots drain well.

 

[Olimpia]

You may want to double check that your supplementing and gutloading are really good, as he may be eating soil in an attempt to meet a nutritional need that he's not getting otherwise.