The chameleon is one of the most requested pets lately. The chameleon is exotic, beautiful and has the famous characteristic of changing the color of its skin to blend in with its surroundings, making it one of the rarest and most extravagant pets you can have.
The vast majority of chameleons come from southern Africa, where there are more than 80 different species, such as the calyptrate or Yemen chameleon, or the panther chameleon. Their sizes are very variable and we can find from small species of 25 centimeters in length to giants of almost one meter.
It is not common to have a chameleon at home, although the number of people willing to care for one is increasing, the vast majority of people have no idea of its special characteristics, its diet or its care.
For this reason, we are going to offer a series of good tips for caring for a chameleon.
What do you need to take care of a chameleon?
- Large glass cage or metal mesh (terrarium).
- Organic soil for the terrarium.
- Plant with thick branches for the terrarium.
- Crickets.
- Drinking water.
Instructions for caring for a chameleon
- Properly choose the species: You must buy your chameleon in authorized and legalized stores for it. There are many chameleons on the black market we advise against buying them there. As for the species, check with the owner of the store and choose the species that best suits what you are looking for.
- Create the terrarium or cage: After getting the metal mesh or glass cage large enough for our species, we must start to leave it in good condition for our chameleon. Get some organic soil in a planter box and get to work creating a presentable habitat for your chameleon to live in. Once you place the land, proceed to put the plants, they must be species that can withstand. If you do not have time to wait for their growth, you can transplant plants that are already developed into your terrarium.
- Food: Chameleons catch insects with their tongues; the most nutrient-rich and cheapest animal to give our chameleon is the cricket. You can get it at any pet store; also if you want to give it a little variety you can feed it a fly from your home or silkworms that are also rich in nutrients.
- Temperature: The first thing is to put the cage in the sun, so that the chameleon gets the sun from time to time as it is good for him. If you do not have much sun you can replace it with a lamp. As for the temperature, we must be between 22 and 26 degrees inside his cage during the day, so use your thermometer to monitor compliance.
- Drink: The chameleon must drink water like any living being, to give it water use a running bowl or spray water on the leaves of your plant. You should also hydrate the chameleon by spraying water on it.
- Cleaning: The cleaning of the habitat is necessary, clean the cage often, collect their droppings and take care of the plants in the terrarium. Also make sure that your chameleon is also clean and also change the soil from time to time to remove all dirt. A chameleon with a clean habitat is free of infections and diseases, as well as germs and bad odors.
- Care: The chameleon is usually solitary, so it will not be necessary to be too much on top of it. If you want, you can touch him little by little so that he gains confidence in you, so the chameleon can end up climbing on your shoulders. That is if you don’t abuse or you will take a bite.
Tips for caring for a chameleon
- A chameleon per terrarium: If you are thinking of having more than one chameleon, it is better to prepare a terrarium for each one, since they are solitary animals. The exception might be if you have a male and a female and you want to mate them. Once the female has laid eggs, introduce the male for fertilization and remove him, after a few months new pups will be born.
- Patience: A chameleon is as such a wild animal, it may be difficult for him to gain confidence in you, and so you must be patient with the animal and leave him his space. If you follow the advice sooner or later you will grow fond of it.
