Teething?

[SilverWolf]

So I've read of some chameleons biting branches, but what about biting metal? There is a metal hook on the pothos plant in his enclosure. The first time I saw him biting on it it seemed like was liking on it, like he does with the leaves to drink drops of water on them. But then I noticed even when there is obviously no water on the hook, he still sort of chews on it. And after analyzing this closer recently, he isn't licking it at all either. And when he drinks, he is licking.

If this isn't "teething" then what is it? He doesn't do this to branches, he only bites that hook every so often, once every day or two. This hasn't caused any damage to his teeth, or jaw or anything as far as I can tell. In fact, he seems quite healthy to me.

 

[Psychobunny]

All my panthers and veileds chewed on stuff when they were little.
They find a favorite stick (branches from my backyard doogwood tree) with a nub sticking out, and chew it until it's gone!!

I have never learned the real reason for this behaviour, and I have come to the conclusion it's exactly what you said; teething!
Maybe it helps build jaw mussles!?

Some have said it's a vitamine/mineral difficency, but that just doesnt wash with me, since they all did it when they were babies, then completly stoped when they reached 4 months.

Never seen a jacksons do it.

I would not let him chew the metal. It there something safe you can put around it, or remove it?

 

[Carlton]

So I've read of some chameleons biting branches, but what about biting metal? There is a metal hook on the pothos plant in his enclosure. The first time I saw him biting on it it seemed like was liking on it, like he does with the leaves to drink drops of water on them. But then I noticed even when there is obviously no water on the hook, he still sort of chews on it. And after analyzing this closer recently, he isn't licking it at all either. And when he drinks, he is licking.

If this isn't "teething" then what is it? He doesn't do this to branches, he only bites that hook every so often, once every day or two. This hasn't caused any damage to his teeth, or jaw or anything as far as I can tell. In fact, he seems quite healthy to me.

Chams are often attracted by shiny objects. It could be he tries to lick the shiny surface hoping it has water on it, but when there isn't any, he bites it instead. I once had a cham who shot at and chewed shiny flecks of mica on my carpets. Doubt very much he's teething as he already has all his adult teeth most likely. Chams don't get "baby" teeth anyway.

 

[SilverWolf]

Chams are often attracted by shiny objects. It could be he tries to lick the shiny surface hoping it has water on it, but when there isn't any, he bites it instead. I once had a cham who shot at and chewed shiny flecks of mica on my carpets. Doubt very much he's teething as he already has all his adult teeth most likely. Chams don't get "baby" teeth anyway.

That makes more sense as I think initially the reason he did it several months ago was thinking that there was water there. And for whatever reason he just likes to bite it now. While I have not noticed any damage to his teeth (or any other part of him for that matter) I will probably just remove the hook as I am not even hanging the plant no anything. It is just easier to remove the plant for cleaning that way. I may also try to putting something over it as the psychologically unstable rabbit suggested.

 

[Psychobunny]

as the psychologically unstable rabbit suggested.

LOL!! we like that, theres a little bit o' kwazy wabbit in all of us, I just have a double-dose

P.S. and all the doctors agree

 

[ChameLIonLover]

Do chams like little baby rabbits? It seems likely; as I enjoy them immensely.

 

[SilverWolf]

Do chams like little baby rabbits? It seems likely; as I enjoy them immensely.

The first time I took my chameleon outside on a plant, the little rabbit (Thumper) was running around him and me over and over. He likes attention I guess. My chameleon though showed no signs of stress when he was near though.