We have seen a chameleon in a pet shop. It is £95. It is also a fantastic and very friendly creature. I want it. But I don't want it to die just after I get it home. What is the best way to look after it?
And, yes - it changed colour in front of my very eyes (interestingly only the side towards us changed to the blue of the background. The other side stayed the same colour as that of the background in the vivarium. How does it do this?)
To summerise:
How do I look after it?
How does it change colour?
How long is their average lifespan?
How big will it get?
Thanks.
2007-07-08 05:31:10 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
a lot of the questions you asked depend on what species of chameleon it is. common kinds are the veiled (largest, at 24 in. long), jacksons, and panther.
chameleons are not very hardy. i would suggest an easier reptile first. they can also get very expensive.
chameleons do not change color according to the background, they change according to mood, conditions (heat, humidity), etc.
its good that you are inquiring before you go out and buy it, but i wouldnt suggest a chameleon if you are first starting out.
you shouldnt hold it, as chameleons (among every other reptile) are easily stressed when you handle them. stress can lead to sickness and death, and im sure you wouldnt want it to die just because you felt like holding it... so its best to keep handling to a minimum.
if you ARE experienced, here is a link for a site on chameleon care:
http://www.animalarkshelter.org/cin/
read a LOT before you actually get one. there is a lot of info to know.
2007-07-08 07:02:49 · answer #1 · answered by Marie 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, they're not easy. I have a veiled male. You need a large screened cage--they cannot be kept in aquariums. NO substrate on the bottom. A large safe plant and climbing vines. You need to mist the cage twice a day, and need a dripper system to provide water--they don't drink from bowls. A variety of insects (all gutloaded) must be provided daily. They need a heat lamp and UVB lamp. Requirements and size depend on species. They don't usually live as long in captivity as other lizards.
2007-07-08 08:10:12 · answer #2 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
constant and careful care for chameleons...
NOT FOR BEGINNERS!
environment...
pet free low traffic room
curtain or sheet a few feet from the cage that can be dropped when your in the room doing things
high humidity with cooler temp (hard to do)
chameleons do not generally like people looking at them and touching them.
they need a clean environment, with high places to climb..
they are not to be held in glass cages..
(mesh enclosures)
they need to be misted many times a day to keep water on the leaves..
do not use a waterfall as it can build bacteria and potentially kill the chameleon.
be sure to only use spring water that is treated with repsafe or any other water treatment. distilled water lacks natural minerals which can aid in good health. tap water is too chlorinated.
diet...
they can go on strike if you do not feed them a variety of food. crickets should not make up more than 40% of their diet. bloodworms, waxworms, flies, and many other types of insects should be included (store bought).. also mealworms are not recommended .
you must dust the food with a suppliment once a week for adults or every other day for younger chameleons.
the insects should be fed as well, so that they are overloaded with nutrients.
I suggest getting a separate cage for crickets so you can feed them.
hydration is important for chameleons, when misting the cage, make sure the leaves collect water for them to drink..
you can also hydrate the food it eats with special suppliments (mostly good for crickets)
other things..
humidity should be anywhere from 70-80%
temperature should not be too high, I have actualy air conditioned my chameleons. I keep it about 65-70
and about 60 at night.
should have a night light, day light and day uv light. they should be set on a timer for regularity (12 hours each)
be sure to keep a thermometer/humidity gauge in the cage for monitoring. move it around for accuracy.
they can be about 12-24 inches
they change colors for various reasons. they get mad, try to blend, or some say can get embarrassed and try to blend.
they cannot be with other chameleons.
many other details, but im tired!!
and as I said
NOT FOR BEGINNERS!
2007-07-08 18:00:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
He/she seems high-quality to me, he's seems to be mountain climbing up those branches in basic terms high-quality. do you comprehend who you're identifying to purchase from? in the event that they're breeders tell them I reported "f**ok you," and then postpone and look someplace else.
2016-09-29 07:45:26 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mine died because of bad crickets!! but it in an aquarium with that fake dirt stuff and it can get to be 7 inches i think but idk how to make it channge colors cuz i think they have to do it on its owb! maybe if you make it feel in danger then it will change but thats kinda mean! good luck!! there cool pets!
2007-07-08 05:36:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
You've got to find it first.LOL
2007-07-08 05:48:58 · answer #6 · answered by Crackerjack 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋