Heika
New Member
Hello all,
I recently purchased a group of veiled chameleons from a seller. I was told that they ranged in age from appx. 3 months to almost 4 months. When the package arrived two days ago, I was very surprised to see tiny animals that were obviously much, much younger than the seller had claimed. They were shipped in deli cups with wet paper towels in them, and although there was a heat pack in the box, they were chilled. The four smallest were paired up and placed in deli cups together. The smallest animal is only three inches long from her nose to the tip of her tail, and the largest is almost five. The larger chameleons faired much better than the smaller ones. They have recovered nicely. Today, two of them shed.
I am most concerned about the four smallest. Two of them have been very lethargic since I received the box two days ago, and now an additional two don't seem to be able to open their eyes. Honestly, I am very surprised that one of them is even still alive. She is very weak and will die unless I can figure out a way to force this tiny animal to eat. Any suggestions on force feeding an animal so small? I have very serious concerns that I will drown her if I attempt it. My vet is nearly as obsessed with this little group as I am, and has stopped by the house four times in the last couple days. He is at a loss as to what to do for them.. they are so tiny. I am sure that some of you have been in this position before. Is there any way to help these neonates?
Smallest female:
Healthy larger female:
I recently purchased a group of veiled chameleons from a seller. I was told that they ranged in age from appx. 3 months to almost 4 months. When the package arrived two days ago, I was very surprised to see tiny animals that were obviously much, much younger than the seller had claimed. They were shipped in deli cups with wet paper towels in them, and although there was a heat pack in the box, they were chilled. The four smallest were paired up and placed in deli cups together. The smallest animal is only three inches long from her nose to the tip of her tail, and the largest is almost five. The larger chameleons faired much better than the smaller ones. They have recovered nicely. Today, two of them shed.
I am most concerned about the four smallest. Two of them have been very lethargic since I received the box two days ago, and now an additional two don't seem to be able to open their eyes. Honestly, I am very surprised that one of them is even still alive. She is very weak and will die unless I can figure out a way to force this tiny animal to eat. Any suggestions on force feeding an animal so small? I have very serious concerns that I will drown her if I attempt it. My vet is nearly as obsessed with this little group as I am, and has stopped by the house four times in the last couple days. He is at a loss as to what to do for them.. they are so tiny. I am sure that some of you have been in this position before. Is there any way to help these neonates?
Smallest female:
Healthy larger female:
