Chameleons are very interesting animals. They make good pets for a couple of reasons. An obvious one is that they are small. That means you do not need a lot of room to keep them.
Chameleons are also quiet, and colorful, but need some special care. There are a few things you need to know about these cute animals before getting a chameleon as a pet.
Before You Get a Pet Chameleon
There are more than 200 species of chameleons around the world. The most recognizable feature of chameleons is their ability to change skin color. This plays a vital role in communication between individuals.
Chameleons come in different sizes. The smallest ones can be as small as 2.5 centimeters. Larger ones can grow up to 68 centimeters long. A chameleon can stretch out its tongue to make it as long as its entire body.
A chameleon's color may change according to different moods, and feelings like fear and anger. Chameleons also change their color in response to changes in light, temperature, and humidity. Males use bright colors to attract females, while females use them to accept or reject a male. Females will also change color when they become pregnant.
Chameleon diet. A chameleon's diet mainly consists of insects, small birds, and other lizards. A few chameleon species will eat some plants. Only the large chameleon species can eat birds and lizards. Chameleons hunt for food using their long sticky tongue. They make up for their slow nature with their fast tongue. Hunting usually begins just a few days after hatching.
Chameleon housing. Most chameleons in the wild live exclusively on trees. In places like Africa’s Namib Desert, they live in holes to escape heat. You should keep this in mind when you decide to adopt a pet chameleon. Put your chameleon in a cage with adequate foliage for climbing. The foliage also provides some privacy for the chameleon. You might need a bigger cage to give them enough space, especially for large chameleons.
Compatibility of chameleons with kids. Due to chameleons’ colorful and unique nature, many kids are attracted to them. However, you should monitor young children when letting them handle your chameleon.
Nesting. Most chameleons will lay eggs on the ground. They nest in preparation for egg laying. A chameleon will climb down to the ground and dig a hole where they lay the eggs. Once they are done, they bury the eggs. They then leave the eggs to incubate and hatch by themselves. Chameleons grow quickly and will mature within a year after hatching.
Caring for a Pet Chameleon
Take good care of your chameleon to limit visits to the vet. The medical costs of a chameleon can be quite expensive.
Common illnesses. Chameleons can get sick. One of the most common conditions that affect chameleons is rachitis (a metabolic bone disease). This condition causes the demineralization of bones. Metabolic bone disease produces bent limbs and trembling. You may notice that your chameleon misses when attempting to grab branches. The condition also causes “rubber jaw,” where a chameleon’s jaw becomes so soft that it can bend as easily as rubber. Rachitis is caused by:
- Calcium deficiency
- Insufficient UV-B radiation
- Calcium-phosphorus ratio imbalance
- Vitamin D3 deficiency
- Congenital diseases
Spreading disease. Chameleons, like other reptile and amphibian pets, can cause some medical conditions in humans. Salmonella is the most common illness-causing germ associated with pet chameleons. These bacteria occur normally in the digestive tract of healthy chameleons, but they will cause infections in humans.
It is crucial that you know how to handle chameleons carefully to prevent the spread of diseases. You should take your pet chameleon for routine veterinary checks. This may reduce the chances of you getting infected when you touch or pet your chameleon.
Socialization in Chameleons
Almost all chameleon species function best when they are alone. Keeping more than one chameleon in the same space can lead to fighting or injuries. In some cases it can result in death, even without the chameleons physically hurting each other. One chameleon may simply die due to the stress caused by the presence of the other. Some African species can survive with other chameleons, but only in a large space.
Keep in mind that taking care of a chameleon can be difficult if you’re inexperienced in having reptiles as pets. If you’re a beginner, consider starting with a different reptile and then adopting a chameleon after gaining some experience.
