Sick Chameleon Absolutely Refusing Food

Pierce21

New Member
My Nairobi Jackson’s Chameleon got sick about 2 weeks ago and hasn’t been doing well at all. He went ill so fast that honestly I thought he wouldn’t last more than a day. But, after he was still alive my wife and I ran him to a vet and thankfully got a lot of help. The vet told us it looked like possibly a calcium problem and/or a respiratory issue (after more research I am thinking it could be MBD) so he got a calcium shot and we are now giving him oral calcium as well as baytril every 12 hours. The last time we saw him eat on his own was Thursday the 2nd. Since taking him to the vet, we’ve been force feeding a mixture of crushed worms and either egg yolk or pediasure through syringe as recommended by people on the forums. We’ve been trying this once a day as it has been so hard to force feed him. Every time, he clamps his jaw shut so hard it’s nearly impossible to pry open. We’ve tried everything from q tips to guitar picks to water droplets to get him to open and have ended up resorting to tugging on the skin under his chin. Every time we do it, he seems so dejected.

Earlier today, we got some phoenix worms and I decided to try placing a live one in his mouth to see if he’d eat that at least. He bit down, but didn’t seem to chew so we just put him back in his cage. After getting him out again just now for more calcium and baytril, we noticed that he didn’t eat it at all, just let the thing die and turn black in his mouth. I feel like at this point we’ve tried everything. We’ve put small crickets in his cage, let worms crawl right in front of him in close enough reach to bite, and even put a worm directly into his mouth. It would appear that he just simply will not eat unless we make the crushed bug mixture and force it in.

Here’s my awful question. He’s making it clear that he absolutely will not eat and has no desire to. Is there ever a point to follow his cues and stop forcing the food? And what if he decides to never eat again because he is hurting so much and he dies? I absolutely want him to live and we’ve been trying so hard to save him, but it seems he really doesn’t want to. I don’t want to cause him undue distress all the time by forcing his mouth open twice a day forever. What should I do? I am so at a loss right now. I really don’t want to lose him, do I keep up with the force feeding?
 
Hey Pierce. I’m sort of new to the Cham thing. I have a veiled but I’ll try to help as much as I can.

My Cham wasn’t eating, it seems that they go on a hunger strike sometimes. I brought her to the vet and got a supplement to give her. I know if you VERY, VERY VERY gently hold the sides of their jaws they will open their mouth. I’d look it up on the internet to make sure you hold in the right place and don’t apply too much pressure.

There’s also info for you to fill out so the pro’s can give the most accurate non vet advice. Here it is:

Chameleon Info:
  • Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
  • Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
  • Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
  • Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
  • Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
  • Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
  • History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Cage Info:
  • Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
  • Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
  • Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
  • Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
  • Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
  • Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
  • Location - Where are you geographically located?

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.

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Please Note:
  1. The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
  2. Photos can be very helpful.
I certainly hope your Jackson is still ok.
Good luck.
 
@LulaJune This person hasn't been seen since April 12th. I would guess the chameleon didnt make it.

Even if it did, this is probably not just a hunger strike as it seems like the chameleon was very ill from how they described him. But thank you for trying to help :)
 
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