[Zoodulcis]

That is one of my biggest complaints about pet stores. Their employees are seldom well trained in animal care. Pet stores also purchase their pet offerings from mega-farms that breed their reptiles, amphibians and small rodents in the equivalent of concentrated animal feeding operations, rife with disease and misery. Patty is lucky to end up with a caring and informed owner. Many are not so lucky.

[Zoodulcis]

Just returned from morning goat walk. Had to get out there early to beat the heat here in western Colorado.

Big family! So nice that they are close to you and each other. What do the grandkids think about the reptiles?

[Zoodulcis]

There seems to be such a wide variety of personalities in chameleons. Some really are grumpy, but some forum members have reported that their’s are so friendly that they desperately try to cling to their owner’s arms when it’s time to go back into their enclosure. Some others can’t wait to get back in, and make a threat display every time they are handled. I was just curious. Is your guy out and about in your house most days?

[Zoodulcis]

My grown daughter lives several states away, so it is just me now, so too much work to milk. I do all of the hoof trimming though! Nowadays I write more about goats than anything else. Some info on that can be found at my website laurenhallruddell.com.

Any of your children still involved in agriculture?

[Zoodulcis]

I used to sell milk and cheese. Now I just enjoy their company on hikes. We all go on daily hikes for about 45 minutes, and a 1/2 day hike once per weak weather permitting. They earn their keep by getting me out of the house and away from the computer for a while. Some people have dogs for this, but I am mad about goats, so it all works out. 😏 Did you ever have goats at your place, or dairy cows only?

[Zoodulcis]

Holy Mackeral! You really do. I have more of a farm, with 7 goats and 2 cats. I used to have Ball Python’s and Knight anoles.

From the sound of it, crickets would come in really handy. Were Peony and Marigold lockdown acquisitions?

[Zoodulcis]

That’s funny, I was asking about the age of the beardie 🤣 But since you asked, I turn 65 in July.

[Zoodulcis]

I’m not sure about baby food, but I have heard that canned pumpkin works wonders across most species. Even dogs and cats. Other forum members have had some luck with that.

[Zoodulcis]

Until he poops, I wouldn’t worry about the number of bugs. Sounds like it’s time for a vet check for sure. Then you may want to use worms as a source of protein for a while. Avoid mealworms though, too chitinous. Hornworms would work. Then up his intake to about 20 crickets per week and see if he consumes them all promptly. If he does, it’s OK to give him a few more until he starts to refuse to eat the whole meal within 1/2 hour or so. Please let us know what the vet says.

[Zoodulcis]

At this age it’s hard to be sure, but I’m sticking with extreme. Did you get her/him from a local breeder as a lockdown buddy?

[Zoodulcis]

Party On Norbert! Have you had him his whole one year of life to date?

[Zoodulcis]

Gotcha. How long have you had this grumpy faced boy with the gentle manners?

[Zoodulcis]

Peony, you are a lovely girl and I hope you win. Get all of your friends to give you a critter gold. How old are you?

[Zoodulcis]

He looks fairly comfy. Have you had him long?

[Zoodulcis]

She seems to be responding on a behavioral level that is separate from anything physical, as in sickness. Sick geckos don’t behave in a frenetic manner. She is enacting separation and new habitat anxiety behavior. As an experiment, you might try putting her back in with the male, under supervision to prevent breeding. If she seems noticeably calmer, you may have your answer. If so, and you want to keep them separated, you should place her enclosure right next to his. That way she can still see him. Over the course of several days, pull the enclosures further apart. When this frenetic behavior has subsided, that is the time to take her back to your house. She may not want to play with you, only with him, until she is weaned away from his constant company, so when she back in your house, give her at least a week before attempting to handle her. I hope this helps.

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