What are chameleon's special features?
The chameleon, a unique and bright specie, is called the “master of disguise” in nature, which is also one of the most popular reptile pets. Do you know about the three main characteristics of a chameleon? First of all, the chameleon can change its body color according to the environment condition, when chameleons are faced with threats and dangers, they would camouflage themselves by changing their color to the color of their similar surrounding. The reason why chameleons can have a small adjustment in color is that they have special skin cells called chromatophores. Another purpose to change color is to communicate with mates, similar to human language, chameleon would be able to signal for attracting mates or communication as well.
Secondly, chameleons have unique eyes which provide them with 360-degree vision, so chameleons can see their environment carefully and has a great reaction mechanism. Apart from the eyes, chameleons also have an incredible tongue which is around 19cm and sticky to help them catch the insects.
What live plants and reptile terrarium are best for a chameleon?
The chameleon is a typical arboreal reptile animal, except for the reason of laying eggs and attracting mates, chameleon barely stays on the land, so live plants probably are the most important place that they usually live. Attraction and safety are the prime factors to consider when you choose live plants. According to Elle (2021), golden photos, yuccas, rubber trees, hibiscus, Ficus Benjamina, and Ficus elastica are the recommended live plants for the chameleon. According to chameleons’ living behaviors, they usually stay at the top of the tree in their reptile habitat, there is no doubt that you need to get a tall vertical terrarium for a chameleon. Besides, the chameleon can grow faster than some other reptile pets, so it is best to choose a suitable reptile terrariums for their growth. REPTI ZOO recommends the reptile terrarium size below according to the different sizes of a chameleon.
|
Baby |
45x45x60cm |
|
Sub-adult |
60x45x60cm |
|
Adult |
60x45x90cm |
What decor is best for a chameleon?
Concerning chameleons staying on the tree the most of time, decorating a rainforest terrarium is a great way to improve the chameleon’s well-being and mental health. Except for the live plants mentioned above, some artificial plants can also be included in the terrarium to provide shelter. Adding driftwood allows the chameleon to stand at various locations to get more exercise and a larger living space. Decorating a vine that is full of moss is not only good for improving the humidity level in the enclosure but also looks good as a natural habitat. A cork bark background is a must too, which can meet the needs of the chameleon’s climbing habit.
What substrate is best for a chameleon?
Due to this reason, chameleons are an arboreal animal that usually lives in the trees so there is a few times that they would stay on the land. Chameleons require a high level of humidity for their habitats, misting system is a must every day, so a good substrate should be something that good at absorbing that moisture without the need to install a drainage system. Soil substrate, reptile terrarium carpet, and coconut fiber substrate are all recommended to use as chameleon’s bedding. However, a substrate with small particles, corn cob bedding, and cedar should be avoided using because the chameleon might eat them by accident.
What heat and light are needed by chameleons during day and night
The same as other reptiles and amphibians, chameleons are cold-blooded, they need to have a sun bath every day to heat their bodies to get energy. Reptiles and amphibians need both UVB and UVA light to have healthy lifestyles, the same as chameleons too. UVA light can provide the heat needs of chameleons during the daytime, and prevent illnesses such as cold and sick, just be careful to make sure the wattage is suitable. Using UVB light on chameleons can enable the chameleons to properly absorb calcium and strengthen their bones, otherwise, they would develop a serious metabolic bone disease. Chameleons are not nocturnal animals so the chameleons, night lights with color can disturb their sleep, so it is necessary to get night lights for chameleons, but if you would like to maintain the heat at night, a reptile ceramic heat emitter can be considered. REPTI ZOO recommends keeping the indoor terrarium temperature around 28-35℃ by day and 18-25℃ by night.
How much humidity do chameleons need?
The humidity needs might be different among different types of chameleons. On average most chameleons require a humidity level of between 50% to 80%. Soaking your chameleon once to twice per week for 10 minutes is also a good way to increase hydration to their skin. Chameleon’s special eyes make them can only recognize moving water, and chameleons usually drink the water drops on the plants or terrarium glass, a reptile humidifier can provide sufficient moisturize and water with chameleons, and an automatic reptile drinking fountain would provide clean water with them as well.
What does a chameleon eat?
Fruit flies, blaptica Dubai, cricket, mealworms, barley pest. The chameleon grows more quickly, so the feeding frequency is important, when the chameleon is still a baby, you need to feed them every day. For the sub-adult and adult chameleons, you can feed them once per 1 to 3 days.
Chameleon Feeding Equipment List
Step1: A vertical reptile chameleon enclosure:
|
Baby |
45x45x60cm |
|
Sub-adult |
60x45x60cm |
|
Adult |
60x45x90cm |
Step2: Reptile Terrarium Decoration
Live or artificial plants: golden photos/ yuccas / rubber trees/ hibiscus/ ficus benjamina/ ficus elastica
Tank Landscape Decoration: driftwood, moss vines, cork bark background, and more
Reptile Terrarium Substrate: Soil substrate, reptile terrarium carpet, coconut fiber substrate
Step3: Reptile heating, lighting, and accessories
Reptile Food dish
Reptile drinking fountain
Cleaning pincer
UVA/UVB/Ceramic Heat Emitter
Reptile misting system
Live Insects/ Calcium Powder/ Vitamin Supply