Stubborn Jacksons

[veiled66]

Hey guys, I currently have a jacksons chameleon that will only eat black soldier flies...any suggestions on getting him to eat anything else? I breed roaches, hornworms, superworms, and waxworms, as well as phoenix worms. Thank you!!!!

 

[Bush baby]

More info is needed. How old is he. Is he wild caught, or captive bred?

While gut loaded crickets are probably the best staple diet item (in my opinion, of course) Jackson's are extremely fond of Blue Bottle Flies, and snails.

Jackson's have slower metabolisms than that of Veileds or Panthers, so they don't eat as much, or as often. Don't feed him for a day or two to elevate his appetite, then try one of your different food items.

 

[veiled66]

More info is needed. How old is he. Is he wild caught, or captive bred?

While gut loaded crickets are probably the best staple diet item (in my opinion, of course) Jackson's are extremely fond of Blue Bottle Flies, and snails.

Jackson's have slower metabolisms than that of Veileds or Panthers, so they don't eat as much, or as often. Don't feed him for a day or two to elevate his appetite, then try one of your different food items.

I believe he is an adult. I bought him classified as a medium to large jacksons. He is captive bred as well. Will blue bottle flies or snails have any decent nutritional value? I definitely did not know that about their metabolism that explains things haha. The only reason I am trying to get him to eat all the different insects I breed is because I absolutely hate crickets and having to go buy them as well haha. Thank you Bush Baby!

 

[Bush baby]

I believe he is an adult. I bought him classified as a medium to large jacksons. He is captive bred as well. Will blue bottle flies or snails have any decent nutritional value? I definitely did not know that about their metabolism that explains things haha. The only reason I am trying to get him to eat all the different insects I breed is because I absolutely hate crickets and having to go buy them as well haha. Thank you Bush Baby!

You can gut load snails with dark green leafy veggies, carrots,etc to increase their nutritional value. They're a good source of calcium, moisture and low fat protein. Flies can also be gut loaded with fruit, baby food, etc.

Since you hate crickets, gutload and try to get him to eat the roaches.

How are your temps? My Jackson's HATES any temp over 75 degrees and won't eat. Mine is most comfortable (his neutral light green color) when the temps are between 65-72 degrees.

Also, mine won't eat unless he's hydrated. If his tongue is dry/he's thirsty his appetetite decreases, so make sure your's drinks..alot. They love water. In nature, the leaves are usually covered in dew first thing in the morning that allows them to hydrate / moisten their tongue before they begin to hunt.

 

[veiled66]

You can gut load snails with dark green leafy veggies, carrots,etc to increase their nutritional value. They're a good source of calcium, moisture and low fat protein. Flies can also be gut loaded with fruit, baby food, etc.

Since you hate crickets, gutload and try to get him to eat the roaches.

How are your temps? My Jackson's HATES any temp over 75 degrees and won't eat. Mine is most comfortable (his neutral light green color) when the temps are between 65-72 degrees.

Also, mine won't eat unless he's hydrated. If his tongue is dry/he's thirsty his appetetite decreases, so make sure your's drinks..alot. They love water. In nature, the leaves are usually covered in dew first thing in the morning that allows them to hydrate / moisten their tongue before they begin to hunt.

What is the nutritional value of flies? Do you have any recommendations of good places to acquire snails? My temps at night get down to 64-65 ambient, and during the day can be up to 80 degrees ambient although the temps dont seem to bother him I have seen him at his basking spot when temps at the spot were 85. He eats very readily its just he doesnt want to eat anything else other than black soldier flies...I am sure he is hydrated although his urates havent necessarily been white so ill try and get him sprayed more. I have a mister that comes on in the morning to wet the leaves so that should create a dew type look to the leaves. I am starting him on strictly roaches in a feeder cup thats within his view 90% of the time in an effort to get him to switch to those. Thank you!

 

[Bush baby]

What is the nutritional value of flies? Do you have any recommendations of good places to acquire snails? My temps at night get down to 64-65 ambient, and during the day can be up to 80 degrees ambient although the temps dont seem to bother him I have seen him at his basking spot when temps at the spot were 85. He eats very readily its just he doesnt want to eat anything else other than black soldier flies...I am sure he is hydrated although his urates havent necessarily been white so ill try and get him sprayed more. I have a mister that comes on in the morning to wet the leaves so that should create a dew type look to the leaves. I am starting him on strictly roaches in a feeder cup thats within his view 90% of the time in an effort to get him to switch to those. Thank you!

I purchased my 'Helix snails' off ebay and bred them. Now i have a good supply as they multiply like rabbits under the right conditions. Do a search on the forum for 'snails'.

Not sure on the nutritional value of flies.

Also, cup feeding might be an issue. Mine love snails, super worms, etc but if i put them in a cup he won't touch them. However, if i place that same superworm or snail on the enclosure screen, or on a leaf, he immediately goes for it. Presentation is everything. Just think about it; when you go to a restaurant, the way the food is laid out on the plate makes it more appealing. Seeing insects crawl on leaves seems to trigger a natural response. Seeing it in a cup is not natural - just some food for thought.

 

[veiled66]

I purchased my 'Helix snails' off ebay and bred them. Now i have a good supply as they multiply like rabbits under the right conditions. Do a search on the forum for 'snails'.

Not sure on the nutritional value of flies.

Also, cup feeding might be an issue. Mine love snails, super worms, etc but if i put them in a cup he won't touch them. However, if i place that same superworm or snail on the enclosure screen, or on a leaf, he immediately goes for it. Presentation is everything. Just think about it; when you go to a restaurant, the way the food is laid out on the plate makes it more appealing. Seeing insects crawl on leaves seems to trigger a natural response. Seeing it in a cup is not natural - just some food for thought.

I was thinking the same but I guess I was just too hopeful the cup method would catch on. My veiled worships the cup haha Ill try and place some feeders on leaves, but this is always frustrating beccause the feeders hide somewhere forever until you clean the cage and find them all. Hopefully these snails work I cant even get him to find hornworms appetizing but sure enough he sees a fly and he gets crazy excited. Thank you so much for the snail leads!