There are several different species of chameleon that are popular as pets.
- Veiled chameleons are large — reaching up to two feet in length — but also relatively hardy.
- Jackson’s chameleons are smaller and have three horns on the head. These lizards do well in lower temperatures.
- Panther chameleons are also large and exhibit striking colors. Males are much larger than females.
Chameleons are solitary and easily stressed. In the wild, they live exclusively in trees — so the habitat you create must provide plenty of branches for climbing and foliage for hiding. The more space you can provide, the better. Large chameleons like the veiled and panther varieties will need a minimum of three feet in length and width and four feet in height.
Ventilation is important. Your best choice is a cage screened on three sides with mesh or coated wire. Your chameleon’s toes can become injured on uncoated wire or mesh that is too small, so make sure you pick screening of appropriate size and material. Fill the space inside with branches of varying diameters and plenty of live foliage. Your chameleon may sample the leaves, so be sure your plants aren’t toxic.
The cage floor should be covered with a large-particle substrate. Small substrate like gravel or sand can be accidentally eaten!
Every type of chameleon has its own requirements for temperature and basking heat. Do your research before you bring your lizard home! Your chameleons will appreciate access to natural sunlight, but this may not be enough to provide necessary UVA and UVB radiation.
Feed your chameleon a variety of insects, gut loaded and dusted with a vitamin supplement. Chameleons can be susceptible to overdosing on vitamin A, so be careful with your supplements. Fruits and veggies will be a nice occasional treat, but avoid spinach, lettuce, and cabbage. Most chameleons will not drink water from a dish. Instead, use a drip system to get water onto leaves for your chameleon to drink. Regular misting can also help provide water.
Chameleons do not like to be handled. If you’re looking for a lizard that you can tame, keep looking — try the blue tongued skink instead. Keep your habitat in a low-traffic area of the house, so your chameleon is sheltered from household activity. Move slowly when you are observing or feeding your chameleon, so it does not become stressed. These lizards are very sensitive.