REasons why your chameleon might not be eating

1. You just brought them home

Solution: Give them time to get settled into their new home. This can take up to two weeks. Also make sure they have lots of places to hide and feel safe. I know it’s hard, but try not to worry!

2. Your chameleon is sick

Solution: This is obviously a big cause for concern. A common symptom of a parasite is decreased appetite along with significant weight loss. If you think there is a chance your chameleon is sick, I would suggest taking them to an exotic vet with chameleon experience. If you don’t have a vet in your area, you’re welcome to book a video call with me and I will do my best to help. Please also check out the signs of a sick chameleon to see if there are other issues going on that might also help determine if they’re sick.

3. The bugs aren’t moving enough to gain the interest of your chameleon

Solution: Toss more bugs in there! Dubia roaches in particular are notorious for hiding in the corners of feeding cups. So instead of putting 3-5 bugs in the cup, put closer to 15 or 20 bugs so that they’ll move around, bump in to each other, and gain the attention of your chameleon.

4. You aren’t giving them enough privacy

Solution: Chameleons are shy eaters so it’s not uncommon for them to not eat if you’re constantly watching them. This is especially true if your chameleon is settling into their new home. Some chameleons like my cham Luna don’t care and ate in front of me on day 1. Other chameleons like Neptune and Venus took months before they would eat in front of me. It can take time and patience to build that trust with a chameleon. Watch this video for tips on building trust with your chameleon.

5. They’re being picky or are bored

Solution: Sometimes your chameleon will only eat one type of bug (commonly mealworms or superworms) but those are considered treat bugs and should not be fed regularly. In order to get your chameleon to eat the healthier bugs, you should really stop offering them the treat bugs and only offer them the nutritious bugs. This may mean they don’t eat for a couple weeks. A healthy chameleon won’t have issues not eating for a bit. It took Neptune 2.5 weeks before he finally ate his dubia roaches when he got hooked on superworms. Additionally if you’re only feeding your chameleon one type of bug they might get bored and stop eating so be sure to check out what bugs are safe to feed and give your chameleon lots of variety!

6. They’re getting ready to shed

Solution: Just leave them be. They’ll eat again once they’re done shedding.

7. They’re getting ready to lay eggs

Solution: Just leave them be. They’ll eat again once they’re done laying eggs.