Tips for raising a big ol' Chameleon.

[Jamire]

Hey guys,

Just wondering if some of the experts can chime in and let me know what it takes to grow my Ambanja Panther to a LARGE full size. I would say fat, but I want him to be healthy too.

I also want him to live a long life, but I have heard these two qualities don't mix. You can feed lots, and get him big but it will decrease their lifespan.

Whats your thoughts on this? do they live a lot less if they are big guys?

Id like to see him get really big, his sire was really big too. Would that include lots of protein in the diet and exercise by free range?

How do make your Chameleon grow up big and strong?

 

[oblgobl]

While your cham is growing I dont think overfeeding is much of an issue, and if you feed him too much when he is an adult it wont make him bigger (longer) he will just get fat. Genetics play the biggest part I imagine so if his sire is big there's a good chance he will be aswel if he is having good care.

 

[Olimpia]

Size has more to do with genetics than diet, although the latter definitely helps. If your chameleon comes from large genetic lines there are good odds that with good care he'll reach his maximum size potential.

An overweight chameleon will certainly live less than a svelte one, yes, so you have to focus more on a well-rounded diet vs. just over-feeding crickets until he's rotund. Invest in good gutload, read up on what foods and vitamins/minerals matter, always provide a variety of feeders, and get him outside in some sunshine if you can. All these things will get him to his full potential.

You can have a large panther without him being overweight.

 

[Jamire]

Great, great information. Ill make sure to provide a nutritious gutload to all my feeders. Im currently in stock with 2 week crickets, Mealworms, and Butterworms. Im in order for slikworm eggs as well. I can usually get Hornworms from my local store, but wont feed until he is appropriate size. I can get my hands on dubia's of various sizes.

IS feeding a very exceptional diet as juvenile an important factor to his overall growth? Im assuming it is.

I hope that If I provide him with an exceptionally nutritious diet as a youngster(Lots of variation and the best gutloads) as well as proper supplementation, give him lots of sunshine and exercise, he can handle a bit more food. Then make sure to not over feed, just to the the normal every other day feeding to make sure he doesn't get fat as he gets old.