Syringe Feeding - Getting Veiled's Mouth Open

[Trace]

Good afternoon Jeremy!

It seems like he's gonna regurgitate sometimes. If he does, would that be a bad sing of illness or just that I am feeding him too much?

Hmmm. Could be either scenario really, but I would suspect that it is because you are feeding him too much at once. Sometimes you can push to much food into his mouth, and it takes them a few minutes to swallow it and it looks like it's coming back up. Obviously if he regurgs say an hour after a feeding, then you've got a problem.

I'm thinking of putting Duke in a smaller cage (65 gallon reptarium) with a few vines and bend-branches for a day or 2 with more than enough crickets in it.

I think this is a fabulous idea, and I don't know why I didn't think of that sooner! Sorry! If he is such a sensitive guy, maybe a smaller enclosure with lots of plants will make him feel more secure. I tend to keep my baby chameleons in a small cage for the first few months of their lives as I think that they would have an easier time locating free range prey insects. You could even go down to a 38gal reptarium as well and I think he would still be comfy in one that size. If you already own the 65gal version, then don't go out buy the 38gal, he'll be fine in that. Let me know how it goes.

Good luck! GO DUKE!

Trace

Oh... and here's an idea... count how many crickets you put in the cage so you know if he's eating or not.

[J-Man]

Yeah I was planning on counting the crix... though there are usually a couple that hide like between the pvc and the screen so it probably won't do much good counting them seeing as how I'm BOUND to lose a few. But if I count 10 - 15 and I come back and there are a couple left then obviously he ate some. Also, I'm going to be observing him to see if I can catch him hunting...not in hopes of seeing him actually eat... as that would be hard because he's probably gonna have to feel as comfortable as possible to eat on his own.

Hopefully this will work. Thanks again Trace! I'lll let you know how it goes.

[choriona]

You could also try putting in some silkworms in a dish, or wax worms. I know when my chams are being stubborn and don't want to eat crickets, they will still go for the big fat juicy irresistable worms. Silkworms are also packed full of goodness!
If they are large worms, I would put in 2 or 3 and see if he goes for them right away or not.

[J-Man]

Chor, thanks for the advice! sorry I didn't respond sooner... I didn't notice that you posted. Unfortunately he's never been introduced to either silks or waxes.

On another note, or update:

I'm going back to force feeding for a while because the day I put him in the new cage is the day HE CLOSED HIS EYES AGAIN! However, it was BEFORE I transfered him so it's not because of that... it's just horrible luck. I'm pretty certain that if he had his eyes open he'd be eating... unless there's something wrong with his tongue.

[J-Man]

another update:

He wasn't eating because his eyes are closed again... so I'm going back with the syringe feeding for a little while and he seemed a bit dehydrated so I'm keeping him in an outside cage... nice and sunny... with a hose set on mist(no chemicals, no worries) directly on the cage so he should be able to drink as much as he wants.

[Trace]

Hey Jeremy!

I haven't been ignoring you or this thread... as you may have read, I have some health issues within my collection that I have to deal with, but I'm still following this thread with great interest.

Well this is a bummer! I hadn't really seen any new posts for a few days so I was hoping little Duke was doing well. I'm at a loss for what to say, or advice I can give and I'm sure you've already called the vets in your area. Outside in the sun is good, lots of water is good as well.

I truly hope he feels better really soon. My heart goes out for him. Keep me posted.

GO DUKE!

Trace

[J-Man]

Yeah I did read about that. That must suck! Good luck with your treatments, I'm sure all of your little buddies will be fine! Don't worry about replying or anything like that, don't feel obligated. Thanks for your help and I think I'm doing all I can.