Stuffed on crickets

[clancy]

Hi all - first time poster here, and recent new owner of a veiled chameleon that is between 3 and 4 months old.

Today we had a little accident where a lot (a very very a lot) of crickets were put into his cage and he gorged himself on them. They were small baby crickets, but there was still a LOT of them. Right now it seems as if the little dude is drunk. Very slow, back legs are not working 100% and seems a little aggressive, which he has never been up until this point. He often has his mouth open as if breathing heavily, and he seems to be having trouble pooping (although admittedly I've never watched him poop before so I'm not sure what he looks like when he is trying to take a poop).

Anyone seen this before or had it happen to them? Any pointers or tips as to what we could do to help him out? Or does he just need time and rest to clear out his tummy from the giant meal?

Any advise is very welcome - thanks up front

 

[Theveiled]

Can you post a pic of him and your setup please?

 

[clancy]

Sure - here he is - trying to climb up the side of his cage, but the lil guy is tired!

 

[Theveiled]

Bought the chameleon kit at petco??

You need some more plants and vines for him.
What is your supplement schedule?

 

[Theveiled]

Has he drank anytime soon?

 

[clancy]

he gets a dusting of calcium and a dusting of 'reptivite' on his crickets between days of just crickets

 

[clancy]

Has he drank anytime soon?

he has been misted and drank some.

 

[Theveiled]

His schedule should be:
calcium with d3 2× a month
Vitamins 2× a month
Calcium w/o d3 most feedings

Do you have any other feeders? Has he eaten any others?

 

[clancy]

His schedule should be:
calcium with d3 2× a month
Vitamins 2× a month
Calcium w/o d3 most feedings

Do you have any other feeders? Has he eaten any others?

He has only eaten baby crickets up to this point. more concerned with the fact he stuffed himself silly on them today though...

 

[Theveiled]

About how many has he eaten?

Has he pooped cince?

 

[clancy]

About how many has he eaten?

Has he pooped cince?

A lot - they were babys so small but I'd bet there was 50 to 100 in the cage at one point. My son says that he did see him poop around 7'30ish EST and it looks like he is still trying to poop now between taking breaks - some liquid was seen coming out.

 

[Theveiled]

I have not dealt with a chameleon eating this much so hopefully someone else will chime in. Im thinking possibly impaction?

 

[clancy]

I have not dealt with a chameleon eating this much so hopefully someone else will chime in. Im thinking possibly impaction?

Is there anything that can be done to help with that? Or only time will help?

 

[Theveiled]

Is there anything that can be done to help with that? Or only time will help?

I think you can give him a warm bath/shower

 

[KapitalJ]

Just curious as to why you would dump 100 crickets in there?

 

[clancy]

Just curious as to why you would dump 100 crickets in there?

My youngest thought he would try and help out and feed him without us around....

 

[KLowery88]

Since he gorged himself so much, his stomach could be pressing against his lungs and spine, causing the issues with the legs and open mouth breathing. Crickets are a lot of roughage, so keep an eye on his poop to make sure everything is moving through him. Make sure you're heavily misting, or even better the shower method as previously recommended. If you're doing the shower, since he's smaller, be careful that any heavy spray isn't hitting him and knocking him around.

If he stays bloated and you stop seeing poop, then it might be time for a vet visit. They can give you fluids and something to lube his insides to help him out.

 

[KapitalJ]

My youngest thought he would try and help out and feed him without us around....

Trying to teach my 3 little ones that the cham is off limits unless Mom and/or Dad are around. Easier said than done!!