Are Chameleons Good Pets?
Chameleons can make interesting and unique pets for the right owners. However, they have very specific care requirements that potential owners need to be prepared for. This article will provide an overview of chameleon basics, their care needs, the costs associated with owning one, and the pros and cons of having a chameleon as a pet.
Chameleon Species and Sizes
There are over 200 species of chameleons found throughout Africa, southern Europe, and southern Asia. Some of the most commonly kept species include:
– Veiled chameleon – One of the largest and most common pet chameleon species. Can reach up to 24 inches long. Native to Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
– Panther chameleon – Large chameleons with distinctive horns. Reach up to 20 inches long. Native to Madagascar.
– Jackson’s chameleon – Small to medium-sized chameleons, reaching 8-10 inches long. Native to Kenya and Tanzania.
– Pygmy chameleon – Tiny chameleons that only reach 2-3 inches in total length. Native to Africa.
Choosing the right size chameleon for your needs and experience level is important. Larger chameleon species require more space and can be more challenging for beginners. Smaller chameleon species like pygmy chameleons make better pets for inexperienced keepers.
Chameleon Housing
Chameleons are arboreal lizards that spend their time climbing and perching in branches and leaves. Their enclosure needs to be large enough to accommodate this and make them feel secure:
| Chameleon Species | Minimum Enclosure Size |
|---|---|
| Veiled chameleon | 2ft x 2ft x 4ft tall screen enclosure |
| Panther chameleon | 2.5ft x 2.5ft x 4ft tall screen enclosure |
| Jackson’s chameleon | 18in x 18in x 3ft tall screen enclosure |
| Pygmy chameleon | 12in x 12in x 24in tall screen enclosure |
The enclosure needs ample live or fake foliage for the chameleon to climb on and hide in. The sides should be screened to allow proper ventilation. Glass terrariums do not provide enough airflow.
Chameleons are solitary and should be housed alone – no other chameleons or species in the same enclosure.
Chameleon Lighting and Temperature
Chameleons require specialized lighting and heating:
– UVB light – Needed for chameleons to produce vitamin D3 for healthy bones. A linear/tube UVB bulb that spans the length of the enclosure is best.
– Basking bulb – Provides a 90-95°F basking spot for chameleons to warm up. Use a 50-100 watt incandescent or halogen bulb.
– Ambient temperatures – The cool end of the enclosure should be 70-80°F. Nighttime temperatures can drop to 65°F.
The basking area, cool end, and nighttime temperatures are all important for maintaining a chameleon’s health. Proper lighting and heating accessories are essential.
Chameleon Humidity and Water
Chameleons come from tropical environments and need relatively high humidity around 50-80%. This can be maintained by:
– Mistking/reptifogger system – Automated misters are ideal for maintaining consistent humidity.
– Hand misting – Manually misting the enclosure 1-2 times a day.
– Place water glass near heat lamp – Evaporates some water into the air.
Chameleons get most of their water from droplets on leaves. Provide fresh drinking water in a drip system or small cup, changed daily. Proper humidity is also critical for hydration and shedding. Low humidity can quickly lead to dehydration.
Chameleon Diet
Chameleons are primarily insectivores and eat:
– Crickets
– Dubia roaches
– Waxworms
– Mealworms
– Grasshoppers
– Superworms
Young, growing chameleons should be fed 2-3 times a day. Adults can be fed daily. The insects should be gut loaded with nutritious foods. Dust insects with calcium + vitamin supplements for adequate nutrition.
Some chameleon species can occasionally eat small amounts of vegetation. But the bulk of their diet should be live insects. Without proper nutrition, chameleons can develop metabolic bone disease and other health issues.
Handling Your Chameleon
Chameleons generally do not like being handled frequently. Limit handling to occasionally transferring to a different perch or enclosure cleaning. Never grab your chameleon by the body – let them walk onto your hand instead. Signs of stress include hissing, mouth gaping, body inflation, and color changes. Return chameleons to their enclosure if showing stress. With slow movements and infrequent handling, you can prevent excessive stress.
Chameleon Health
Common health issues to watch for include:
– Metabolic bone disease – Caused by poor nutrition and insufficient UVB light. Symptoms include rubbery legs, bumps on limbs. Requires vet treatment.
– Respiratory infections – Usually caused by inadequate humidity or temperature. Can be treated with antibiotics from a vet.
– Parasites – Chameleons can suffer from roundworms, pinworms, coccidia, and other parasites if pet store animals are contaminated. Have fecal tests done and use vet prescribed parasite control.
– Egg binding – Female chameleons that have trouble passing their eggs. Requires vet assistance.
Annual exams with an exotic vet are recommended to monitor for parasites, infections, and other issues. Have a proper exotic pet veterinarian ready in case your chameleon gets sick or hurt.
Chameleon Lifespan
With proper care, chameleons typically live 4-8 years depending on the specific species. Females tend to live a bit longer than males. Providing excellent nutrition, temperatures, humidity, housing, and limiting stress can help maximize your chameleon’s lifespan.
Costs of Pet Chameleons
Chameleons and their habitat requirements are more expensive than a basic lizard setup. Here are some estimated costs:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Chameleon purchase price | $50 – $300 depending on age, species, color |
| Enclosure | $100 – $300 for screen cage |
| Lighting – UVB bulb, basking bulb | $40 – $80 for setup |
| Branches/plants | $50 – $150 for live or silk plants |
| Misting system | $50 – $150 for hand mister or reptifogger |
| Temperature/hygrometer | $20 – $60 for digital monitors |
| Vitamin supplements | $20 for 6 month supply |
| Insects | $20 – $40 per month depending on appetite |
| Vet costs | $100 – $300 for checkups and medical issues |
As you can see, the startup costs are around $500 – $1000 to setup a proper chameleon habitat. Then expect around $100 or more per month in recurring expenses like food, utilities, and supplements. Exotic pet vet bills are also pricey.
Chameleon Legality
It is legal to keep and breed chameleons in most areas. However, Hawaii has restrictions on reptile ownership due to concerns about introduced species. Some municipalities may have rules regarding reptile ownership as well. Check your state and local laws before getting a chameleon.
Finding a Pet Chameleon
Purchase chameleons from reputable breeders or specialty exotic pet stores, not big chain pet stores. Reptile expos and shows are also places to find captive bred baby chameleons from ethical breeders. Avoid wild caught chameleons, which have high risks of parasites and health problems. Do research to pick species suitable for your skill level.
Pros of Chameleon Pets
Here are some advantages of owning a pet chameleon:
– Unique appearance – Chameleons are famous for changing colors and having independently moving eyes. They have a distinct look among lizards.
– Diurnal habitats – Unlike many nocturnal reptile pets, chameleons are active during the day which allows more observation.
– Arboreal enclosures – Their treetop habitats are fun to decorate with plants and vines. Nice display pet.
– Insectivore diet – Easier to find feeder insects than supplying rodents or other whole prey items.
– Long lifespan – With proper care, chameleons live 4-8 years allowing long term enjoyment.
Cons of Chameleon Pets
Here are some of the disadvantages:
– Delicate health – Chameleons have specific temperature, humidity, lighting, and nutrition requirements. Deviation can cause illness.
– Habitat costs – Buying or building a proper screened enclosure with lighting and furnishings isn’t cheap.
– Short handling tolerance – Chameleons stress easily when handled often or for long periods. Need to limit interactions.
– Husbandry expertise – Need experience setting up the lighting, heating, humidity, plants and other habitat components properly.
– Vet bills – Like other exotic pets, vet care costs for chameleons are higher than basic pet checkups.
Conclusion
Chameleons can make fascinating pets for owners who are able to meet their particular needs. Their unique attributes like color changing and unusual body structure are definitely appealing. But chameleons are generally better suited for intermediate to advanced reptile keepers who can provide the precise enclosure conditions and care they require. Chameleons also tend to be more of a “look but don’t touch” pet since frequent handling stresses them. For someone looking for an active pet to cuddle and play with, other types of reptiles or animals may be a better fit. But an experienced herpetology hobbyist will surely enjoy the rewards and challenges of keeping one of these exotic lizards.