There are three basic ways to feed your chameleon: Hand feeding, Feeder run, and Controlled release. We will cover each in detail. Here are some guidelines:
Pinhead crickets
In most cases, a chameleon’s diet consists mostly of crickets. However, you can supplement its diet with other invertebrates, such as earthworms. You can begin by feeding your chameleon crickets in a specially-designed box, and gradually increase the number of insects offered. During this initial phase, you should first offer your chameleon nutritious food that is high in calcium. Fruits, veggies, and whole fruits such as apples, pears, and bananas are excellent choices.
When first feeding your baby chameleon crickets, you should give them small amounts of cricket food at a time. They should swarm in a few weeks. Make sure you feed them in small portions to prevent them from developing any allergies to the food. You can also use plastic packing tape to secure the housing. As long as you feed them in small amounts, they will grow quickly and will not try to climb out.
Controlled release
When feeding a chameleon, you should be very careful about its environment. If you are unable to control the environment in which they live, the chameleon will probably attempt to escape. If it can’t, it will be difficult to handle it. Ensure that your living space has a variety of insects. Chameleons will also need lots of food and insects in order to survive.
If your chameleon gets bored with its feeder, you should stop giving it food. Most likely, it’s already too much. However, some species have an automatic eating response, which is beneficial to humans. Nonetheless, this method is harmful to chameleons. If you’ve noticed that your chameleon has become bored with feeding, it’s probably a sign that it is overfed.
Feeder run
Baby chameleons are usually well-fed, but sometimes they can get bored eating food in a bowl. This is a common symptom of overfeeding and should be treated as an opportunity to cut back on feeding. Fortunately, feeding chameleons in a feeder run is a simple and affordable way to give them the best care possible. It will also make them happier and more energetic, which is what you should aim for!
A feeding station with a plastic takeaway container or a glass bowl is a great way to provide a supplementary food source for a chameleon. Ensure that the food is fresh and clean before you leave it in the chameleon’s enclosure. Place a carrot slice in the cage if you want to discourage poop, but do not put too much in there.
Hand feeding
Hand feeding your chameleon is an excellent way to get used to your presence and get it comfortable with human contact. It is important to open the cage door, present the food and wait for it to reach out. If your chameleon shoots its tongue at you, hold the insect up with one hand while using the other to feed it. Your chameleon will walk onto your arm without realizing it, and you should remain close to it at all times.
Keep in mind that Chameleons need plenty of room to move around and are not adapted to handling, making them vulnerable to disease and stress. In addition, you need to provide the proper habitat for them to thrive, including humidity and temperature. Hand feeding them isn’t an option for first-time chameleon keepers, as they do not like the handling. For beginners, providing the right habitat and proper food are the most important things to do.