[Zoodulcis]

Congratulations!! It’s a girl 🤣 She may still have some growing to do, a little at a time.

[Zoodulcis]

I can understand that. The animals we have as pets as children inform our preferences later iin life. Not making that up, sociologists have looked at this. I assume you were a little kid when you guys got you first chameleon?

[Zoodulcis]

Here is the male foot for comparison.

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[Zoodulcis]

There is another indicator of gender, and that is the appearance of the front feet. In your photo, this indicator is impossible to see either way but with clean feet, you might be able to use the guidance below to make a determination.

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[Zoodulcis]

He seems to be scanning the terrain right now for those crickets. What made you decide that a chameleon was the right first pet for you?

[Zoodulcis]

I so agree with the other posts about the world. These animal companions are so much nobler and more tolerant of differences than humans right now.

[Zoodulcis]

Not your fault! I have covid, but I am trying to keep up with folks on the forum anyway. Likely my blunder. In a nutshell, for such a youngin’ bear in mind that they have a very short digestive tract. True of all leos. But at this tender young age, a beginning diet of soft bodied worms is great. In a few weeks, crickets and dubia roaches will be fine. Mealworms should be avoided. Substrate, when not using paper towels, should be organic and fine grained, so any accidentally ingested material can easily pass through and not lead to impaction. No sand, ever, but I’m sure you know that.

For handling, placing a hand underneath him several times per week, not exceeding 5 days per week, will be a good way to start. Just handle him/her in the terrarium at first, not clutching her or lifting her out. Do this habituation with the hand for 7-10 days. This gentle treatment will build trust and prevent stress or alarm.

Eventually, you will be able to lift the little one out of the tank. Maddeningly slow with each step is the best course of action, until at least 3 months of age. Trust is everything here with their developing brains. But once that trust has been established, reptiles are not prone to reversing it. Their brains are not that nimble. That doesn’t mean they are stupid, but that they encode threats and safety in different ways than mammals.

I hope that is helpful and I am available for further advice as needed.

[Zoodulcis]

Greetings,

I sent a lengthy response to you question about husbandry and handling, yet I don’t see it posted here. This has never happened before. You should have received it early yesterday. Please let me know if nothing showed up.

[Zoodulcis]

Wow, that’s quite the ‘tail,’ pun intended. Seriously though, thank you for sharing that follow up experience. The details concerning this dilemma, how long it lasted, what finally worked, the animal’s actions and reactions, are extremely valuable. It seems as though this problem is all too common. Some paccies, never experience and some seem to be prone. Knowing the details of what one owner did that resulted in a happy outcome ‘in the end,’ pun intended again, is incredibly valuable. I have learned that the honey bath works great, but for some tough cases, a longer soak may be required and my advice will reflect that in the future. So glad he is better. And since you mentioned croaking even in the midst of some pretty severe constipation misery, I’m assuming a male. Is that your take on it at this time?

[Zoodulcis]

Ah I see…and just how many of these lovelies are there?

[Zoodulcis]

Well congratulations!! You did what so many pet owner’s will not do, researched in advance. Too many spontaneous purchases ‘cuz I saw it at the pet store and it was just so cute’ end in tears for the owner the death of the pet. Yes, you do seem knowledgable and I think you will find that raising reptiles is a hoot, when done correctly and carefully. Beardies are of course an awesome next choice, and if you like snakes and all, I think ball pythons are the way to go.

What gut load product do you use, or do you make your own?

[Zoodulcis]

When out of burrow, does Mochi sit upright, or pancake out a lot? Are there very many vocalizations at night. If the answer to those questions is yes (sits upright mostly and croaks a lot), think male.

[Zoodulcis]

Howdy Ares, what sort of ladies are you bobbing your head at? Two footed or four footed?

[Zoodulcis]

Awesome post. What was in that bowl earlier that made him need to scour it and then turn it into an astronaut’s helmet this way?

[Zoodulcis]

Gosh, the little one above will certainly be able to claim older brother/sister points. Sounds like you have been breeding Leos for a while. When did you get started and why?

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