Substrate eating

[cham gr]

We are worried about our 4-month old cham that came to eat a bit of the substrate we had in its enclosure, during an accidental fall. We are putting it out at the moment, as we didn't know by that time that it could be harmful, as it could cause impaction etc.
He seems all right and he is feeding properly. But is it something that we should check in particular, like its excreta (we are not sure if or how often he puffs up) or its colour? Also, what is the normal order of their defecating, with a 4-5 cricket meal per day?
Thnx!

 

[carol5208]

Chameleons at that age will probably poop once a day or maybe every other at most. what was the substrate made of?

 

[Gensen]

Feeding?

Yes, I beleive you are saying that you are getting rid of the subtrate right? That is a good thing! Best to leave the cage floor bare. This way there is nothing for them to eat down there and also no additional place for bacteria to grow... and it's easier to clean when left bare.

You said your Cham is 4 months old right? But I noticed that you said they are only eating 4 or 5 crickets a day is that right? Seems very light on feeding for a Cham that age. They should eat more liberally when young and then get cut back as they get older....

Of course as foor the poop intake will affect output.... just keep an eye on him and make sure he is pooping, and if he is than he should not be impacted.

Goos luck!

 

[carol5208]

Yes, I beleive you are saying that you are getting rid of the subtrate right? That is a good thing! Best to leave the cage floor bare. This way there is nothing for them to eat down there and also no additional place for bacteria to grow... and it's easier to clean when left bare.

You said your Cham is 4 months old right? But I noticed that you said they are only eating 4 or 5 crickets a day is that right? Seems very light on feeding for a Cham that age. They should eat more liberally when young and then get cut back as they get older....

Of course as foor the poop intake will affect output.... just keep an eye on him and make sure he is pooping, and if he is than he should not be impacted.

Goos luck!

yes, Gensen is right about the food intake, sorry I missed that!

 

[cham gr]

Well, usually eat more than 4 crickets, but they also eat plenty of mealworms!
Here is the substrate we have used:
http://www.reptile-food-direct.co.uk/acatalog/lucky_reptile_humus_brick.html