In addition to changing color, chameleons can move their eyes independently of each other and catch prey with their long, sticky tongues.
People are fascinated with these exotic reptiles so it is no wonder how many people want to keep them as pets.
Keep in mind, if you are considering offering a home to a chameleon, that these animals have unique habitat and food requirements making them more difficult to care for than some other small or exotic pets.
Before purchasing a chameleon, let us look at five important things to consider.
1. Chameleons Require Specialized Housing
The reptile needs specific conditions in order to be healthy and happy, so setting up the cage correctly is not an easy task.Chameleons live in trees, so tall enclosures must include a large number of branches and plants to provide the dense foliage these reptiles are used to in their natural habitats.
Providing these opportunities minimizes stress, improves security, and offers opportunities for exploration and hiding.
Setups with a typical size of 3 x 3 x 4 feet are recommended. Instead of being placed on the floor, a cage should be placed high on a table. A chameleon with an elevated vantage point has a better chance of catching prey.
It is not enough to have branches and plants. A UV light source, thermometer, humidity gauge, and mister or drip system are also required for chameleons.
Be sure to calculate the cost of extra supplies, because they can easily add up. Many of these items cost rather a lot.
2. Chameleons Need Live Foods and Regular Misting
This exotic pet will need more than just a simple food dish and water bowl. Their food and water supply must be as near to their natural habitat as possible, just as their cage must be.The diet of Chameleons is made up of live gut-loaded insects. In order to do this, you will need a supply of mealworms, crickets, or waxworms on hand.
In addition, dusting your chameleons with supplements is a good idea to make sure they are getting all the nutrients they need to be healthy.
Regarding water, chameleons drink drops of water from leaves that condense on them. Therefore, your chameleon requires regular misting in order to stay properly hydrated. This can be done by hand or with an automatic mister.
3. Chameleons Are Not Cuddly Pets
A pet like this is best kept for observation - not for handling. Chameleons tend to be solitary creatures that prefer their own company.
The most important thing is to only house one chameleon at a time to prevent fights and stress. It is not unusual for men to be violent with other men.
When in a solitary setting, Chameleons tend to be quite calm. They are slow-moving creatures that are fascinating to watch.
Chameleons rarely express how much they dislike a particular situation. Stressed chameleons may freeze or open their mouths, but they do not lash out or squirm.
Many inexperienced chameleon owners confuse this behavior with acceptance rather than stress when they try to handle their chameleons.
You can tell the difference between happiness and distress by learning the habits and behavior of a chameleon.
4. The Cage Should be Cleaned Routinely
The chameleon has the same cage cleaning requirements as any other caged animal.To keep your chameleon healthy and happy, simple cleaning routines can be done daily as well as deeper cleanings at weekly and yearly intervals.
The best method of daily cleaning is removing any dead insects and picking up any poop.
The cage should be cleaned more thoroughly once a week, including fresh leaves and branches.
Ideally, you should move your chameleon at least once a year to a safe, secure area where he or she can be taken apart so you can thoroughly clean the cage.
5. Chameleons Can Become Stressed Easily
Chameleons are highly susceptible to stress, but their signs of anxiety can be easily missed or misconstrued.
Any signs of anxiety should be dealt with as soon as possible because elevated stress levels can lead to illness or diseases. You should also limit handling and changes in the environment.
A captive chameleon will adapt much better to captivity than a wild-caught chameleon. Chameleons that are caught wild not only do not adapt well to captivity but also are forced into a captive environment.
On the other hand, wild-caught chameleons may also have parasites.
Female chameleons are more likely to be stressed from the egg-laying process and may be more prone to sicknesses. Male chameleons live longer.
Chameleons may also suffer from calcium and vitamin A deficiency, stomatitis, and metabolic bone diseases.
Conclusion
Chameleons require more care than many other pets. Therefore, it is important to evaluate carefully before bringing one home.Chameleons can be very enjoyable pets if you have the proper knowledge and setup.
