Pet Chameleon FAQ answers every possible question you may have about your pet chameleon. There are over 202 species of chameleons in the world. In USA alone, almost 4.6 million households own pet reptiles. Well, here goes:
What is a Pet Chameleon?
A pet chameleon is an old school lizard that has a prehensile tail, zydogactylous feet and stereoscopic eyesight. They have diverse colors and can also change their color (well most species can).
The brow, horns and snout of a chameleon have crests and they sway as they walk. In America, Chameleons are found in Florida, Hawaii and California.
They can live in desert and rain forests and are great at adapting. So, when you bring home this prehistoric lizard from the wild, it becomes a pet chameleon.
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How is a Chameleon Classified?
In the year 1986, Clover and Bohme divided chameleon into two broad categories. The first is Chalameleoninae and the second category is Brookesiianae.
>>> The Chalameleoninae category consist the following sub-categories. These are Archaius, Triocerus, Bradypodion, Rhampholeon, Calumma, Rieppeleon, Chamaeleo, Nadzikambia, Furcifer and Kinyongia.
>>> The Brookesiianae sub-category contains the following sub-categories. These are Palleon and Brookesia.
Can A Pet Chameleon Change its Color?
Yes, pet chameleons can change the color of their skin. The superficial pigments present on the skin of this reptile enables a chameleon to change it original color.
The following colors are most common – purple, blue, red, turquoise, orange, yellow, green, blue, brown and black. The guanine crystals underneath a chameleon’s skin are responsible for this change. They change the wavelength of the light that falls on their skin.
Why do Chameleons Change their Color?
>>> Chameleons change their color to camouflage themselves and also to adjust to the surrounding temperature.
>>> Emitting certain social signals is also the reason behind these reptiles changing their color.
>>> When they are aggressive, chameleons tend to brighten their skin color.
>>> On the contrary, when they are submissive, they emit dark colors.
>>> In Madagascar, chameleons emit social signals with the change in their color (with special regards to mating). The most common color is blue florescent.
>>> The Smith’s Dwarf Chameleon tends to change the color of its skin as per the vision detected in the predator’s eye.
>>> The pallet of a chameleon changes its color as per its environment. Chameleons residing in tropical jungles have a more colorful pallet as compared to their counterparts staying in arid regions.
How Old is the Chameleon Species?
>>> The oldest fossil of Chameleon is found in China. It dates back to 58.7 to 61.7 mya (Middle Paleocene).
>>> Remains have also been found in Germany & Czechoslovakia. These remains are 12 to 23 mya old (Lower Miocene).
>>> In Kenya, remains of Chameleons date back to the Upper Miocene period (5 to 13 mya).
Where did Chameleons Originate?
>>> As per the historical records, chameleons originated in mainland Africa.
>>> More than 50% species of chameleon are found is Madagascar.
>>> These old word’s lizards usually live in open grasslands such as the Savannah and Heathland.
Where are Chameleons Found in the Present Day?
>>> Chameleons are usually found in Mainland Africa and the sub-Saharan Africa.
>>> They are found in abundance in Madagascar.
>>> Chameleons are also found in India, the Middle East, Southern Europe and the United States of America.
What is the Best Climate for Pet Chameleons?
>>> Chameleons are known to adapt to most weather conditions but they prefer rain forests, savannas, deserts, tropical areas and steppes.
>>> They are both arboreal as well as terrestrial. They reside in trees, bushes and areas that are densely vegetated. So, if there are a lot of leaves or dense shrubs around, you can expect a chameleon hiding in them.
How do Chameleons Reproduce?
>>> The female Chameleon lays eggs after copulation (usually within 3 weeks and sometimes even 6 weeks post copulation). They dig a hole in the ground (anywhere between 4 inches to 12 inches deep).
>>> The hatch size varies from 2 eggs to as many as 200 eggs (depending on the species). These eggs tend to hatch in as soon as 4 months and as late as 24 months.
>>> The size of the egg depends on the amount of water and temperature of the surrounding area. A single gestation may produce as many as 30 young chameleons.
How Many Eggs does a Female Pet Chameleon Lay?
>>> A female Panther chameleon lays anywhere in between 10 eggs to 40 eggs.
>>> A female Veiled chameleon lays anywhere from 20 eggs to 200 eggs.
>>> A Brookesia chameleon lays 2 to 4 eggs.
>>> The hatching period may vary from four months to 12 months. In the case of Parson’s chameleon, the hatching time is 24 months.
>>> Few species have been known to give ‘live births’ as well.
What are the Most Common Pet Chameleon Types?
There are six species of chameleon that make for good pets. These can be as small as 15 mm (0.59 in) to 68.5 cm (27 in). Here are the top 6 Pet Chameleon Types:
Veiled Chameleon:
Also known as Chameleon Calyptratus, veiled chameleons are usually green in color (some are of light colors). They live for about 5 years in captivity. The female veiled chameleon is between 25 – 33 cms in length while the male veiled chameleon is between 35 – 60 cms in length.
Usambara Pitted Pygmy Chamaleon:
Also known as Rhampholeon Temporalis, this species has a grey or brown color. The Usambara Pitted Pygmy Chameleon has a life-span of 5 years to as long as 11 years, when kept in as a pet. The female is between 5 – 9 cms in length while the male Usambara Pitted Pygmy Chameleon is between 6 – 10 cms in length.
Jackson’s Chameleon:
Also known as Trioceros Jacksonii, Jackson’s Chameleon is often considered the best chameleon pet. It is of green and light colors. Jackson’s Chameleon in captivity has a lifespan of 5 – 10 years. The male is usually 23 – 33 cms in length while the female is 25 – 33 cms in length.
Spectral Pygmy Chameleon:
Also known as Rhampholeon Spectrum, this pet lizard has a tan or grey color. The Spectral Pygmy Chameleon has a lifespan of 3 – 5 years. The male is 8 – 10 cms in length while the female is 5 – 10 cms in length.
Panther Chameleon:
Also known as Furcifer Pardalis, this pet chameleon has darker shades. The lifespan of Panther Chameleon is usually 5 years. For a female that gives birth, the life-span can reduce to 2 to 3 years. Having a Panther Chameleon as a pet is great as males are usually 38 – 53 cms in length. The females are usually 23 – 33 cms in length.
Bearded Pygmy Chameleon:
Also known as Rieppeleon Brevicaudatus, the Bearded Pygmy Chameleon is usually found in brown, beige or green colors. The lifespan of this pet chameleon is between 3 to 5 years. The male as well as female Bearded Pygmy Chameleon is usually 5 – 8 cms in length.
How are the Feet of a Pet Chameleon?
>>> Pet Chameleons are either arboreal or terrestrial by nature. Each foot of a chameleon has 5 toes.
>>> Each toe is fortified with a sharp claw that helps the lizard to grip a tree or branch.
>>> The outer, lateral group of the front toe of a chameleon contains two toes whereas the medial group contains three toes.
>>> The rear feet of the medial group contain two toes whereas the rear feet of the outer (lateral) group contains three toes.
How are the Eyes of a Pet Chameleon?
>>> If you have chameleon for a pet, you can be rest assured that it has good eyesight.
>>> With the upper and lower eyelids joints together, pet chameleons can focus on two different locations at the same time.
>>> Pet Chameleons have 360 degree view.
>>> They observe an object using monocular depth perception.
>>> Their eyes are blessed with the highest magnification ratio (in reptiles).
>>> Your pet chameleon can glimpse a small fly as far as 10 meters away.
How are the Ears of Pet Chameleons?
>>> Chameleons do not have an ear opening or an ear drum. They detect sounds via frequencies.
>>> If the sound waves have a frequency of 200 – 600 Hz, your pet chameleon can detect the source easily.
>>> There is no middle or outer ear development in a chameleon.
What is the Role of the Tongue of a Chameleon?
>>> The tongue of your pet chameleon plays a major role in allowing your veiled chameleon to feed. They can project their tongue twice the length of their body.
>>> The chameleons tongue consists of collagen, hyoid bones and muscles. It launches its tongue towards the prey, captures it and retracts it.
>>> The thermal insensitivity of a chameleon’s tongue allows it to catch prey in relatively cold weather conditions as well.
>>> The tongue has a cup-like structure to capture the prey.
Does My Pet Chameleon Have Bones?
>>> Almost 31 species of chameleons have bones. They all live in the Island of Madagascar.
>>> When studied under a florescent light, the bones of this pet lizard can be detected underneath its four layers of skin.
What is the Natural Diet of a Chameleon?
The food intake of a chameleon in the wild can range from small insects to small birds. Here is a better way to explain what you pet diet can eat in the wild:
>>> The Veiled Chameleon from Arabia usually feeds on crickets. It can also eat leaves but crickets are its favorite meal (as many as 49 large crickets each day).
>>> The Panther Chameleon usually derived its vitamins from sunlight and eats very few insects. It is a native of Madagascar.
>>> Jackson’s Chameleon is a native of Africa. It feeds on a variety of insects. These include but may not be limited to chameleons, butterflies, ants, worms, caterpillars, waxworms and crickets. It also loves to eat leaves, berries, banana, tender shoots, apples, lettuce and tomatoes.
>>> Common Chameleons found in Europe and Northern part of Africa consume wasp, anthropods and mantis. They can also eat fruits, berries, flies, waxworms, fruit and earthworms.
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How can My Pet Chameleon Save itself from Predators?
>>> Chameleons have anti-predatory characteristics that enable it to escape danger.
>>> Adult chameleons are under threat from snakes and birds. Young chameleons are under threat from ants.
>>> As they are not fast on their feet, chameleons tend to change their physical appearance to ward off attackers.
>>> They change the color of their skin and body shape to camouflage themselves with the surrounding nature. The change in color is often mood driven.
>>> If a chameleon is detected, it takes a defensive stance by laterally flattening its body to become large in size, hiss with an open mouth or use the claws on its feet to fight back.
Can My Pet Chameleon Suffer from Parasite Infection?
>>> Yes, pet chameleons suffer from threadworm, roundworm and nematode worm infections.
>>> Protozua parasites also infect chameleons.
>>> Bites received from mosquitoes and ticks infect a chameleon with threadworms.
>>> These worms lay their eggs in the intestinal area of your beloved pet.
How do I Raise Baby Chameleons?
>>> Baby chameleons start walking within seconds of taking birth. The mother does not care of her babies.
>>> So, the young ones become independent from the day they are born.
What Should I feed my Baby Chameleon?
>>> Baby chameleons can be fed hydei fruit flies.
>>> You can also feed them pinhead crickets.
>>> To ensure that they have ample calcium and minerals and vitamins, you can rub the crickets with SuperCal NoD and Repashy SuperCal LoD.
What are the Best and Worst Baby Pet Chameleons?
>>> The best baby chameleons to breed, feed and raise are Veiled chameleons, Oustalet chameleon and Panther chameleon.
>>> The worst baby chameleons to keep as pets are Johnston’s chameleon, Meller’s chameleon and Jewelled chameleon.
How to Set up a Cage for My Baby Pet Chameleon?
>>> Baby chameleons should be kept in a small enclosure so as to help them hunt small prey easily and also to maintain optimal humidity standards.
>>> To keep baby chameleons from dehydrating, mist the cage for 15 seconds, six to eight times daily. An ideal enclosure should be 17” x 17” x 21” in dimension.
>>> Include foliage (branches, vines) inside the enclosure, so that the baby chameleon can climb up and down the branch easily.
How do I Stop One Pet Baby Chameleon from Bullying Another?
>>> You should sort out chameleons according to their size and weight to avoid clashes over food and other issues.
>>> If you leave a large baby chameleon with a small one, clashes might happen. So avoid these by placing them in separate cages.
What do Pet Chameleons Eat?
>>> Cockroaches are ideal to feed your pet chameleons. You can opt for Sahara or Madagascar roaches.
>>> Superworms and Mealworms are also a good option. They are large in size and climb up the cage, enabling your pet chameleon to catch them with ease.
>>> Crickets are the favorite food for chameleons. They are easy to pick off the cage walls and taste delicious.
>>> Waxworms are a good choice for baby chameleons or pregnant females. These have high fat content and hence, should not be given to your pet on a daily basis.
>>> Tobacco worms or hornworms are also a great option. These worms are high in moisture, rich in calcium and low in fat content.
Can I Feed my Pet via a Chameleon Food Dish?
>>> Yes, you certainly can.
>>> You should attach the food tray on the side of the fencing of your pet chameleon cage.
>>> It should appear to your pet as though it is attached to a tree.
>>> The food tray should not have any sharp edges. This is similar to a cat food dish.
>>> The sides of the food tray should be solid and the tray should have some weight to it.
>>> You do not want the tray crashing to the floor when your pet chameleon takes a pick at it (via its tongue).
Can I Catch Food for My Pet Veiled Chameleon?
>>> Yes, you can catch insects for your pet chameleon by visiting a field that has not been infested by pesticides.
>>> Simply take a full-length towel and hold onto one end while the other end is with your companion.
>>> Walk across the field and gather as many insects as you can in between the towel.
>>> Fold it and find the best insects for your chameleon.
>>> You can use insect catching devises as well. They work rather well for catching small insects.
How Often Should I Feed My Chameleon?
>>> Baby Chameleon falls in between 0 months to 6 months in age. You should feed a baby pet chameleon three times a day for a period not exceeding 6 minutes per meal.
>>> Young chameleons fall in the age bracket is 6 months to 1 year in age. You can feed them once every day with the meal time not exceeding 6 minutes.
>>> Adult chameleons are 1 year of age and older. You should try and feed adult chameleons every alternate day. The meal time should not exceed 6 minutes.
Why has My Pet Chameleon Stopped Eating?
There could be a myriad of reasons behind your pet chameleon to stop eating food. Here are the most common reasons:
>>> It is possible that if you have a female chameleon, she would be getting ready to lay eggs. Usually, she stops consuming food a few days prior to laying eggs. This is normal and there is nothing to worry about.
>>> Your pet chameleon stops eating if he/she has worm (parasite) infection. You need to get it treated by giving the correct medicines. Worm infection is very common in pet chameleons.
>>> If you give your chameleon only crickets, they would most probably stop eating. Add variety to the food by including roaches, silkworms, locust etc.
>>> In case you are mixing vitamins and minerals into your chameleons food in excessive quantities then, your pet may stop eating. It is because supplements taste different. You need to use very little amount of supplements to ensure that your pet eats food regularly.
Can I Feed My Pet Chameleon Vegetarian Food?
>>> Although chameleons love to eat insects, you can add fruits and vegetables to their diet.
>>> Squash, peas, berries, lettuce, cucumber, rocket and carrots are a good example of the same.
How Can I Keep My Pet Chameleon Moist and Hydrated?
>>> Keeping your pet chameleon moist is vital for his/her health and well-being. You can use automatic misting systems or plant drippers.
>>> You should use the automatic spray system for a period of not more than 1 minute. Do so twice a day on your pet chameleon cage.
>>> If you use a fogger then, doing so shall increase the existing humidity levels. These may not assist in keeping your chameleon hydrated.
Why is My Pet Chameleon Licking the Ground?
>>> Your chameleon licks sand because it is deficient in minerals.
>>> You might need to compensate the current diet with magnesium and calcium to stop your pet from licking the ground.
Is Human Water Safe for Pet Chameleons?
>>> Yes, it is safe for your chameleon.
>>> Nonetheless, if your drinking water contains high levels of chlorine then, you might have to remove it before giving it to your pets.
>>> There are several chlorine removers available in the market. So, it should not be a problem for you to get hold of these.
What are the Biggest Chameleon Species in the World?
It is important to make note of the fact that the longest chameleon is not the largest. To analyze the largest chameleon, you need to consider its size and body mass index.
>>> Parson’s Chameleon:
@ Also known as Calumma Parsonii, Parson’s Chameleon is undoubtedly the biggest one around on this planet. It grows to a length of 28 inches.
@ Parson’s is found in the island of Madagascar and can grow as big as a small kitty. The most common colors of the Parson’s chameleon are yellow, green and turquoise.
@ They change the color of their skin while mating, fighting or adjusting to the surrounding temperature.
@ A female mates once every two years and lays about 25 to 50 eggs.
@ Parson’s Chameleon eats lizards, small birds and a variety of insects. It is also fond of fruits and vegetables.
@ It can live up to 14 years in captivity. Adults can weight 700 grams and above.
>>> Oustalet’s Chameleon:
@ These are known as Furcifer Oustaleti and are found in the Island of Madagascar.
@ Oustalet’s Chameleon can grow as long as 28 inches in length and weight almost 1.5 pounds.
@ Oustalet’s Chameleon is known to make good household pets.
@ They come in brown, blue and green colors.
>>> Giant Spiny Chameleon:
@ Also known as Furcifer Verrosus, the spiny chameleon lives in Madagascar. It is also known as crocodile chameleon.
@ These can grow to a length of 22 inches. They can live for upto 5 years in captivity.
@ The average weight of a spiny chameleon is 1 pound but can exceed to 1.25 pounds as well.
>>> Meller’s Chameleon:
@ They are second to only Pasron’s when compared via the size and body mass index.
@ Meller’s chameleon can grow 30 inches in length. They are also called Chamaeleo Melleri.
@ They come in various colours such as white, green, black and yellow.
@ Meller’s Chameleon can weigh anywhere in between 1 pound to 1.5 pounds.
@ Meller’s chameleons have an average life span of 8 years.
How Long do Pet Chameleons Live?
On an average, a pet chameleon can live anywhere in between 1 year to 20 years. It all depends on the specie and how well it is kept by its owner.
Let me divulge the lifespan of the most common chameleon pets:
@ Spiny Chameleon has a lifespan of 3 to 5 years in captivity.
@ Jackson’s Chameleon pet can live anywhere from 3 years to 5 years.
@ Rudis pet chameleon has a life of 2 to 4 years in captivity.
@ Veiled Chameleon can live anywhere from 3 to 6 years when kept as a pet.
@ Fischer’s Chameleon is a sturdy specie that lives 3 to 5 years in captivity.
@ Oustalet’s Chameleon lives 3 to 7 years in captivity.
@ Senegal Chameleon as a pet lives for not more than 3 years.
@ Panther Chameleon lives from 3 to 7 years in captivity. Males tend to outlive their female counterparts.
@ Meller’s Chameleon as a household pet can live anywhere from 5 to 10 years.
@ Four Horned Chameleon cannot last more than 5 years. The average is 3 years.
@ Carpet Chameleon tends to live anywhere in between 2 to 4 years in captivity.
@ Parson’s Chameleon when kept as a pet, has the highest lifespan. They last 15 to 20 years.
How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Pet Chameleon?
>>> The female chameleon starts to reproduce at a very young age. Hence, the females face more stress and live less than their male counterparts. So, you need to stop your female to mate before she reaches adulthood.
>>> Avoid placing two or more chameleons in the same pet chameleon cage. They may fight with each other and cause stress. This reduces their lifespan.
>>> If your chameleon is not hydrated, it might die owing to kidney failure. To avoid this, keep the cage moist.
>>> Keep the chameleon pet cage hydrated via misting. These reptiles need humidity in order to thrive. So, do not deprive them of the same.
What are the Best Pet Chameleons You Can Keep in Your Home?
There are almost 200 species of chameleons in the wild. While you cannot hope to keep all of these as pets, there are a few that can thrive in captivity.
Here are the top picks:
>>> Pet Panther Chameleon: These are by far the most suitable pet chameleons you can keep. They are docile, non-aggressive and easy to rear. Panther chameleons are colorful and are good to look at.
>>> Pet Rudis Chameleon: They are small (about 6 inches in length) and easy to manage. Male Rudis can be kept with a female and they get along pretty well.
>>> Pet Veiled Chameleon: These are colorful pet chameleons with colorful skins and a docile temperament. They are usually home bred species reaching 18 inches in length.
>>> Pet Oustalet Chameleon: These species tend to get very long – up to 28 inches. Easy to keep as a pet and not difficult to handle, Oustalet makes for a good home pet.
>>> Pet Jackson’s Chameleon: These species of chameleons are about 12 inches in length. They are non-aggressive and kept in pairs. These could be your ideal reptile partners at home.
How to Take Care of Pet Chameleons?
While pet chameleons do not require upkeep, they do need a certain level of maintenance if they are to thrive in captivity. Here are a few pet chameleon care tips:
>>> Pet Chameleon Cage Specifications:
@ Small chameleons should be kept in a cage with 16” x 16” x 20”.
@ Medium size chameleons should be kept in a cage with dimensions 16” x 16” 30”
@ Large chameleons should be kept in a cage with dimensions 24” x 24” x 48”.
The UV Lighting:
@ To protect your pet chameleon from the dreaded metabolic bone disease, you need to include florescent UV bulb in its cage.
@ By placing a UV bulb, your pet thinks it is enjoying natural sunlight. This helps them absorb calcium, which is so vital for the bone development of your beloved pet.
@ You may use a basking bulb as well but they are not mandatory.
@ Test with a variety of wattage options to get to the best (65 watt/80 watt etc.)
@ When your pet veiled chameleon or pet panther chameleon gets adequate heat, he/she is able to ward of infections easily and vice versa.
Avoid Substrates:
@ The inclusion of dirt and soil placed at the bottom of the cage tends to make things messy within the enclosure.
@ The filth that is created by substrates tends to get stuck in the digestive tract of your pet.
@ When a pet chameleon sticks its tongue out to catch its prey, it tends to get laden with filth (created by the substrates). This can cause severe infection in the digestive tract of your beloved veiled companion.
Maintain Ideal Pet Chameleon Cage Temperature:
@ It is important that your pet needs to be kept at a temperature that is ideal for you.
@ Room temperature is considered the most appropriate for a pet chameleon.
@ Do not use infra-red lighting or heated mats if your room temperature is around 70 degree Fahrenheit.
Maintain Optimal Humidity Levels:
@ As your pet chameleon cage has a screen guard, maintaining optimal humidity levels is a daunting task indeed.
@ If you cover the screen, the humidity within the cage remains a shade longer as compared to an open fence. Nonetheless, doing so shall be fatal for your pet chameleon.
@ You can add plants within the cage to maintain ideal humidity levels. A classic example would be Ficus Benjamina.
Maintain Ideal Misting in Your Cage:
@ If you are giving water to your pet veiled chameleon or pet panther chameleon in a small dish, you can confuse your pet.
@ A chameleon recognizes water placed at a natural source – such as water derived from leaves, foliage or branches.
@ Mist the cage three to five times daily to achieve this goal.
@ You have the option of purchasing a chameleon mister from the market.
@ You can also take a small disposable cup, make a tiny hole at its bottom and allow water to drop onto the tree/branch/leaf in a drip-wise manner.
Pet Chameleon Cage Essentials:
@ When you get a cage, simply place some vines or branches for your pet to climb onto.
@ The angle of these vines should not exceed 50 degrees; else the reptile may fall off.
@ Tie the wines to the edge of the cage using blunt wires. This stops the vine or branch from falling into the cage.
@ These vines or branches need to be thicker that the grip of your pet chameleons feet. This shall help your pet climb with ease without the claws tearing into its skin.
@ Include live or artificial plants (made from silk or plastic material) to make your pet feel safe. Pet chameleons love to hide underneath plants to feel secure.
Pet Chameleon Diet:
@ You need to ensure that you feed your pets adequately.
@ Include crickets into its cage as this is their favorite food.
@ Roaches as well as horm-worms should also be included in the cage to add the missing variety to the diet.
Pet Chameleon for Sale – How to Buy a Pet Chameleon in USA?
This is not an easy one to answer. In order to buy a pet chameleon, you need to first understand where they come from. Chameleons are spread across the world. They live in Africa, South India, Central Europe and the Middle East.
>>> The Sahara African Region:
@ Africa is home to over 200 species of chameleons.
@ In the Sahara desert, several species are known to live and thrive in this dry and arid land.
@ These chameleons have adopted themselves to the heat and no longer need humidity to survive.
>>> Cameroon & Senegal African Region:
@ There are several species of chameleons found in Senegal.
@ Some of the common ones are chameoleo senegalensis and Chamaeleo dilepis.
@ Cameroon has several species such as the Four Horned chameleon, the Two-Horned chameleon, Created chameleon and the Pfeffer’s chameleon.
@ You can find the rare Kinyongia xenorhina chameleon in Congo.
>>> Tanzania, Kenya & Mozambique Area of Africa:
@ In these areas, you have the dwarf chameleon as well as the pygmy chameleon.
@ In the mainland of the Southern African region stay the Meller’s chameleon.
@ The Jacksons Chameleon is also known to reside in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique regions of the southern African areas.
@ Mt. Kenya and Mt. Meru are two mountains wherein these chameleons are known to reside.
>>> The Island of Madagascar:
@ The Madagascar region of the African subcontinent is home to over 150 species of chameleons.
@ The most popular pet chameleon species in Madagascar include Parson’s, Elephant Ear, Panther, Antimena, Oustalet’s, Pigmy Leaf, Giant Spiny. The list is endless.
>>> Pet Chameleons in America:
@ In Hawaii, there are countless veiled chameleons present in the jungle.
@ Jackson’s Chameleons are also widespread in the Hawaii area.
@ In Florida, you can find Oustalet’s Chameleon as well as Veiled Chamelon in large numbers. They are located towards the southern region.
>>> Pet Chameleons in Saudi Arabia & Europe:
@ You have pet chameleons living in Saudi Arabia.
@ The most common species is Veiled chameleon found in Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries.
@ The Common chameleon is found in Spain.
@ In Portugal, it is easy to spot the African Chameleon.
>>> Pet Chameleons in India:
@ The Indian Chameleon or the Chamaeleo zeylanicus is the only species found in South India. It is also found in Sri-Lanka.
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Lesser Known Facts on Chameleons
>>> Most chameleons love to live in trees and branches. Very few tend to stay on the ground amidst thick foliage.
>>> An adult chameleon can be as small as 2 inches in length to as large as 30 inches in length. The length of a chameleon depends on which species it belongs to.
>>> When a chameleon changes the color of its skin, it is owing to its mood swing. Anger, submission, fear etc. determine the color a chameleon would take-on.
>>> These reptiles love humidity. Hence, you should maintain adequate humidity levels in a pet chameleon cage.
>>> As per statistical data, over 200 species of chameleons are in the world. Most of these are native to Madagascar.
>>> A chameleon can live as less as 1.5 years and as high as 21 years in captivity. Pet chameleon lifespan depends on the specie.
>>> The topmost layer of a chameleon’s skin is transparent. The skin color changes when the cells present within the 4 layered skin decides to do so.
>>> Chameleons make use of their tail to move from one branch to another.
>>> Chameleons are one among the very few reptiles that chew food.
>>> In Madagascar, chameleon is supposed to be inauspicious. The locals (malagacy tribals) never have a pet chameleon and avoid even going close to one.
>>> Chameleons lay eggs (in most cases) but a few also give live births.
>>> These reptiles are active only during the day and not during night time.
>>> The tongue of a chameleon is usually 1.5 times the size of its total length. Some smaller chameleons have a tongue length that is 2x the time of their total body length.
>>> In 20 milliseconds, the tongue of a chameleon can achieve speeds to to 20 feet per second.
>>> While chameleons are present in America, there are no species that are native to USA. All of these have been brought from other countries (especially from Madagascar).
>>> Chameleons move around very slowly. They lack active bodily movement.
>>> Each eye of a chameleon is independent and can view in a 360 degrees angle.
>>> Chameleon is a Greek word, which stands for earth lion.
Can I Breed Chameleons at Home?
Yes, you can do that. Nonetheless, you need to follow a few simple steps in order to become a successful breeder:
Step # 1:
You should get one male and one female of the same species and keep them in separate cages. Avoid getting imported species and opt for ones that a popular breeder sells.
Step #2:
You need to then allow them to mate only when both have achieved adulthood. So, you introduce them to each other and keep a careful eye on the female. If she is receptive, all is good but if she is not, remove her from the cage.
Step # 3:
If the female is comfortable in the male’s presence then, allow them to stay together in the cage for a day. The mating process usually takes 25 minutes to complete.
Step # 4:
The gestation period lasts 35 days and after a period of two months the female lays eggs. You need to feed her with a wide variety of insects. Vitamins such as calcium can be given additionally (3 times a week).
Step # 5:
When the female is on the ground, it means she wants to lay her eggs. You need to prepare a small tray laden (10” deep) with peat moss and sand.
You can then lay the pregnancy chameleon on the tray and cover her with moss and sand till only one thirds of her body is visible. Leave on a dim light so that she can see. Immediately vacate the room thereafter leaving your pet alone.
Step # 6:
You can monitor the female via a camera and watch for the time when she gets ready to lay her eggs. Once the eggs are laid, they would be 4 to 8 inches deep in the soil.
Step # 7:
Dig them with your fingers and place the eggs inside an incubator. Yellow and stained eggs are bad and white/bright eggs are good.
Step # 8:
Take a rectangular box and cover it with perlite (about three fourth). Add a cup of water. Leave the eggs there and within 3 to 8 months (depending on the chameleon species) the eggs shall hatch.
Step # 9:
The eggs shall emit tiny droplets of water when they are about to hatch. When that happens, the eggs hatch and the little ones come out. Allow them to roam free for a day or two within the incubator.
Step # 10:
After a day or two, you can take the baby chameleons out of the box and shift them to a pet chameleon cage.
Are Chameleons Good Pets for Beginners?
>>> Yes, they are comparatively easy to keep as chameleons do not require a lot of upkeep. You can opt for females as they are less aggressive and buy from home bred stores.
>>> Doing so shall reduce the chances of getting home a pet chameleon that has parasite infection. Avoid getting home old chameleons and do not fondle them.
>>> Pet Panther Chameleon, Pet Veiled Chameleon and Pet Jackson’s Chameleon are the top 3 home based pets that you can keep.
How Much Does a Pet Panther Chameleon Cost in USA?
The cost of the panther chameleon depends on the species, the age and breeder. Ideally, you should get one home within a price range of $250 to $500.
How Much Does a Pet Veiled Chameleon Cost in USA?
The cost of a veiled chameleon depends on the species, the age and breeder. Ideally, you should get one home within a price range of $100 to $500.
How Much Does a Pet Jackson’s Chameleon Cost in USA?
The cost of a Jackson’s chameleon depends on the species, the age and breeder. Ideally, you should get one home within a price range of $125 to $180.
What are the Best Pet Chameleon Names?
This is a tough one to answer. Every pet owner has a different mind-set when it comes to naming his/her pet chameleon. Nonetheless, here is a list of the top 10 trending pet chameleon names:
@ Aster
@ Dino
@ Avatar
@ Charlie
@ Dexter
@ Buzz
@ Cosmo
@ Pepper
@ Rex
@ Spike