Caring for Jackson & Veiled Chameleons

Chameleons are fascinating and unique pets, known for their vivid color changes and distinct characteristics. This guide is designed to provide essential information on chameleon care, helping you ensure a healthy and enriching environment for your pet chameleon.

4 things to know about chameleons

Chameleons are not just known for their ability to change color; they are also unique in their habitat, behavior and care requirements. Understanding these key aspects is crucial for anyone considering a chameleon as a pet:

• Experience Level: Advanced. Chameleon care requires specific knowledge and commitment.
• Size: Jackson’s Chameleons can grow to be 15-18 inches (38-45cm) long and Veiled Chameleons can grow to be 24 inches (61 cm) long
• Lifespan: Veiled Chameleons can live up to 5-7 years and Jackson’s Chameleon’s can live up to 5-10 years
• Origin: The Veiled Chameleon originates from the Middle East; the Jackson’s Chameleon is from East Africa. Different species of chameleon can have distinct care requirements.

How do I set up a chameleon habitat?

Creating an appropriate habitat is critical for the health and well-being of a chameleon. The environment should mimic their natural habitat as closely as possible to ensure they remain healthy and stress-free:

• Housing: Individual housing in a well-ventilated terrarium or screened enclosure is recommended. The minimum size should be 16 x 16 x 30 inches.
• Substrate: Options: 1. Non-organic habitat liners like reptile carpet or paper 2. Organic soil based substrate, preferably a combination of peat soil, sand, cypress bark or mulch, charcoal, and sphagnum moss. This combination is commonly referred to as an ABG mix or combination substrate. It is used in planted terrarium and vivariums for a variety of tropical and temperate environment species because it provides the most comprehensive and versatile soil profile for plant and animal alike.
• Enrichment: Include sturdy branches and rocks for climbing and basking. Ensure these are safe and non-toxic.

Chameleon heat and light requirements

Like many other reptiles, chameleons are ectothermic, relying on their environment to regulate their body temperature. However, every reptile needs a different climate. Proper lighting is also essential for their physiological well-being. Here’s what you should know for your chameleon:

• Temperature regulation: Help your chameleon regulate its body temperature by keeping the bottom of the habitat cool and the top warm.
• During the day, the cool area should be between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 Celsius),
• The temperature of the warm area will depend on whether you have a Jackson Chameleon or Veiled Chameleon. You should track the temperature of both areas of the habitat with separate thermometers.
• For Jackson Chameleons, the warm area should be between 80 and 85 F (27 to 29 C), or
• For Veiled Chameleons the warm area should be between 90 and 95 F (32 to 35 C).
• At night, the overall habitat temperature should be between 65 and 70 F (18 to 21 C).
• Lighting: Many reptiles, including chameleons, require a 12-hour light/dark cycle; a UVB fluorescent bulb will supply the rays your chameleon needs to properly absorb calcium.
• Humidity: The humidity level in your chameleon's habitat should be between 50% and 80%. Track the moisture level with a hygrometer (a humidity gauge).
• Use a mister or automatic fogger to maintain humidity. Chameleons will often drink while being misted. However, ensure a water dish and/or dripper is available to drink from at all times. This water feature will also aid in maintaining proper humidity.

What do chameleons eat?

A chameleon's diet is a delicate balance that needs to be maintained for their health. Understanding what to feed them and how often is key to preventing nutritional deficiencies:

• Feed your chameleon gut-loaded crickets, dubia roaches, and hornworms; with mealworms, superworms, and waxworms as treats. Only offer as much as the chameleon can consume by the end of the day. Remove any leftovers.
• Dust insects with calcim powder: 4-5 x a week for juveniles; 2-3 x weekly for adults. Dust insects with a high quality reptile multivitamin: 1 x a week for juveniles; 2 x a month for adults or as directed by your veterinarian.
• Veiled chameleons are omnivorous and should also get vegetation, such as kale, collards or mustard greens, once daily. Offer only as much as the Veiled Chameleon can eat in 4 hours, then remove any leftovers. Healthy fruits and hibiscus flower petals are also a nice safe treat for veiled chameleons.
• Chameleons do not necessarily drink from a dish, but it is still recommended to offer one. They often hydrate by licking water from their skin and habitat so be sure to mist the habitat regularly.

How can I keep my chameleon healthy?

Preventive care is vital in maintaining a chameleon's health. This includes regular habitat cleaning, proper nutrition and controlled environmental conditions. Common ailments in chameleons include respiratory infections, metabolic bone disease due to calcium deficiency, and skin issues. Early detection of these problems is crucial. Regular observation and annual check-ups with a reptile-savvy veterinarian can help keep your chameleon healthy.

If you notice any of the following signs during or after your chameleon’s settling-in period, contact a veterinarian or a PetSmart store associate:

• Hiding more than usual, or spending increased time at the bottom of the terrarium
• Runny droppings for more than 2 days
• Decreased frequency of droppings
• Eating or drinking less; weight loss
• Swollen joints or reluctance to move
• Swollen/closed eyes or discharge from the eyes, nose or mouth
• Shedding problems; discolored skin

PET SAFETY TIPS

• Thoroughly wash your hands before contact with your chameleon.
• Use caution when handling pets, and remember they may bite or scratch, especially when stressed. Handle pet close to the ground and your body. Support their entire body weight.
• Supervise children around pets.
• All animals can carry viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic diseases that are contagious to humans. Thoroughly wash your hands with warm, soapy water after contact with any pet, its habitat or aquarium water. Adults should assist children with hand-washing.

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Our vendors meet a high standard in caring for pets and screening them for common illnesses.

PETSMART PROMISE

If your pet becomes ill or if you’re not satisfied for any reason during the initial 14-day period, or if you’re not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price.

FAQs: Chameleon care

How often should I mist my chameleon's habitat for proper hydration?

The frequency of misting required for your chameleon's habitat varies significantly depending on the species, due to their different humidity needs.

For Veiled Chameleons, which are adapted to less humid environments, a focused period of higher humidity once daily is beneficial. This can be achieved by misting their habitat once a day, allowing for a gradual decrease in humidity levels that mimics their natural environment. This approach helps maintain the appropriate humidity without the constant high levels that are not necessary for their well-being.

Jackson's Chameleons, on the other hand, originate from more tropical climates and thrive in consistently higher humidity levels. For these species, misting their habitat 1-3 times a day or using a fogger can provide the constant higher relative humidity they require to stay hydrated and healthy.

An automatic mister can be a valuable tool in regulating this process, especially for Jackson’s Chameleons or other species that benefit from or tolerate constant higher relative humidity. Always ensure that the humidity levels are closely monitored and adjusted according to your specific chameleon's needs to provide an optimal living environment.

What are the signs of stress in chameleons, and how can I reduce it?

Signs of stress in chameleons include excessive hiding, lethargy, color changes (like darkening or pale colors), reduced appetite, and aggressive behavior. To reduce stress, ensure a proper habitat setup (temperature and humidity), avoid overhandling, provide adequate hiding spots, and maintain a consistent routine for feeding and care.

Can chameleons be handled, and if so, how often?

While chameleons are not typically fond of being handled, gentle and infrequent handling can be tolerated. It's important to let the chameleon come to you, support their entire body, and limit handling sessions to avoid stress. Regular, brief interactions can help them become more accustomed to human contact. Be careful to gently remove their feet when gripping onto a surface or allow them to walk off on their own. Their nails can tear out easily resulting in them developing a foot infection.

What is the ideal diet for a chameleon, and how do I ensure it's balanced?

A chameleon's diet should primarily consist of live insects, such as crickets, roaches, and worms. It's important to 'gut load' these insects (feed them nutritious foods) before offering them to your chameleon. Supplementing with calcium and vitamins is also crucial. For Veiled Chameleons, adding fresh greens and occasional fruits is necessary.

How do I set up proper lighting and heating in my chameleon's enclosure?

Chameleons require a temperature gradient. This can be achieved by utilizing a variety of heat bulbs and lamps. They also need UVB lighting to synthesize vitamin D3, crucial for calcium absorption. Ensure the UVB light covers a significant portion of the enclosure and replace the bulb every 6-12 months or as frequently as the manufacturer recommends.