Last Updated on September 18, 2022 by ellen
Wondering about the easiest chameleon to take care of? Learn more about pet chameleons and which is the best pet chameleon for beginners.
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Easiest Chameleon to Take Care Of
Chameleons make great pets because of their exotic nature, but they are not for everyone. They require more care than most other reptiles and have very specific husbandry requirements. If you are thinking about getting a chameleon as a pet, do your research first to be sure you can provide the proper care.
There are many different species of chameleons, and they vary widely in size, color, and personality. Some are more docile than others, and some are easier to care for than others. If you are a beginner, it is best to start with a species that is on the easier side.
Learn more about keeping reptiles and amphibians as pets.
Are chameleons lizards?
Yes, chameleons are lizards. They are part of the reptile family, which also includes snakes and turtles. Chameleons are different from other lizards because they have the ability to change color. This is done for a variety of reasons, including camouflage, communication, and temperature regulation.
Do chameleons lay eggs?
Yes, female chameleons lay eggs. The female will lay a clutch of anywhere from 2 to 100 eggs, depending on the species. The eggs are usually laid in a hidden location, such as in a tree hollow or under a rock.
Once the eggs are laid, the female will abandon them. The eggs will hatch anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months later.
What do chameleons eat?
Chameleons are carnivores, and their diet consists mainly of insects. In the wild, they will eat whatever bugs are available. Some chameleon species even eat small birds.
In captivity, however, their diet needs to be carefully planned in order to provide the nutrients they need.
Most species will enjoy feeder insects that you can get from the pet store. Do not catch them yourself as wild insects tend to carry diseases.
What do I need for a pet chameleon?
If you are planning to get a pet chameleon like a veiled chameleon or panther chameleon, there are a few things you will need. First, you will need an enclosure. This can be a terrarium, vivarium, or even a screen cage.
The size of the enclosure will depend on the species of chameleon and how many you plan to keep.
You will also need a heat source, such as a heat lamp or basking lamp, and a way to regulate the temperature. Chameleons come from tropical environments and need warm temperatures to stay healthy and chameleons love laying under their heat source.
Finally, you will need to provide a place for your chameleon to climb and hide. Live plants are a great addition to the enclosure, as they provide both of these things.
Do chameleon need calcium powder?
Yes, the chameleon species needs calcium for strong bones and healthy growth. You can provide this for your pet chameleons by dusting their food with a calcium supplement or providing a cuttlebone or mineral block in their enclosure.
Should chameleons be housed individually?
Yes, chameleons should be housed individually. They are not social animals and do not do well when kept with other chameleons.
In fact, they are known to be quite aggressive towards each other. If you house them together, there is a risk of injury or even death if they feel threatened.
If you have more than one chameleon, it is best to keep them in separate enclosures. This will allow each chameleon to have its own space and avoid the stress of competition.
Can I keep a wild caught chameleon as a pet?
No, you should not keep a wild caught chameleon as a pet. They are not used to being in captivity and will likely not do well.
They also may carry diseases that can be passed on to you or your other pets. It is best to get a chameleon from a reputable breeder.
Captive bred panther chameleons or veiled chameleons are great choices. See more below.
Here are a few great choices if you want a chameleon pet. Any of these chameleon species would be the best chameleons for newbies.
Veiled chameleon
The veiled chameleon is one of the most popular pet chameleons. They are medium-sized species that can reach lengths of up to 24 inches. They have yellow markings on their skin.
Veiled chameleons are native to the Arabian Peninsula, but they have been introduced to other parts of the world and are now common in the pet trade.
Veiled chameleons are relatively easy to care for, but they do have some specific requirements. They need a large cage with plenty of hiding places and branches to climb on.
Veiled chameleons also need a humid environment, so you will need to mist their cage regularly.
Generally speaking, veiled chameleons make excellent pets.
Jackson’s Chameleon
The Jackson’s Chameleon is a good choice for a beginner. They are one of the smaller species, reaching a length of only 10-12 inches.
They are also one of the more docile chameleons, and they are not as prone to stress as some of the other species.
Jackson’s Chameleons come in a variety of vivid colors, including green, yellow, and brown. They are popular chameleons for this reason.
You can find Jackson’s chameleons and other pet reptiles at a pet store for your new pet. I really think that this chameleon is the best species for pets.
Panther Chameleon
So, Panther Chameleons are another good choice for a beginner. Panther chameleons are a bit larger than Jackson’s Chameleons, reaching a length of 18-24 inches.
They are also fairly docile, although they can be a bit more aggressive than Jackson’s Chameleons. Panther Chameleons come in a variety of bright colors, including blue, red, orange, and yellow.
Most pet stores will have a panther chameleon for reptile keepers to buy.
Should I get a Senegal chameleon?
The Senegal Chameleon is a good choice for a beginner. They are small, reaching a length of only 6-8 inches.
They are also one of the more docile chameleons, and they are not as prone to stress as some of the other species. However, they do not do well with a lot of handling so this may not be a good pet chameleon for younger children.
Senegal Chameleons come in a variety of colors, including green, yellow, and brown. They are popular chameleons for this reason. They make better pets for older kids or adults.
You can find many lizards and chameleons at a pet store for your new pet.
Are pygmy chameleons good for a first chameleon?
No, pygmy chameleons are not good for a first chameleon. They are one of the smallest species of chameleon, and they are very delicate.
They also have very specific husbandry requirements, so they are best left to experienced keepers.
No matter what species of chameleon you choose, be sure to do your research and purchase from a reputable breeder. Chameleons are delicate creatures, and they can be easily stressed by improper care.
Learn more about how to properly care for your pet chameleon with this guide.
A healthy chameleon is a happy chameleon, so make sure you are prepared to provide the best care possible. I recommend you start with one of these pet chameleons for the best pet.
- Veiled chameleon
- Panther chameleon
- Jackson’s chameleon
Now that you know more about the easiest chameleon to take care of, check your pet stores for these types of captive-bred chameleons as well as a cage and other supplies.
Ellen runs a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont. She has experience with a variety of small animals, dogs and cats. She has also cared for ducks, chickens and rabbits. Combined, she has over 20 years of experience in pet care and pet sitting.