Chameleon Pet
Some Important Facts For The Chameleon Pet Owner
A chameleon pet may seem like the perfect choice for a child - after all, chameleons are small, fascinating creatures. They don't take up much room, and they do interesting things like change colors and stick out an extremely long tongue. However, chameleons are not a good choice as a pet for young children. They are easily stressed, dislike being handled, and have specific care requirements that must be met in order to keep them healthy. But if you or your child are ready to put the necessary effort into caring for a chameleon pet, they can be wonderful animals to own.
Chameleons start as a grayish brown color, but at around five months old a chameleon will develop its well-known ability to change colors, which include turquoise, green, and black. You will notice that chameleons have interesting feet, designed specifically for holding on to branches - they have three toes pointing one direction, and two more pointing the opposite direction. They also have large eyes that are able to move independently of one another, which give them a unique appearance.
When you are ready to choose your chameleon, look for one that is brightly colored, as this is a sign of good health. Other signs of a healthy chameleon include straight legs, alert eyes, and a strong grip on branches. It is best to choose a captive-bred chameleon; pet stores should be able to tell you whether the chameleons for sale are captive-bred or wild caught. Wild chameleons are not a good choice for a variety of reasons. The process of catching and shipping a wild chameleon is quite difficult on the easily stressed reptile, and it will often have trouble adapting to captivity. Wild chameleons will also often have many parasites, which makes them more susceptible to illness. If you are a first time chameleon owner, a veiled chameleon is a good choice. You may also wish to choose a male chameleon, as their dietary requirements are a bit simpler than the females'.
Chameleons grow to a variety of sizes depending on species type, ranging from just a few inches in length to over two feet long. Even though your chameleon might be quite small, it will require a mesh cage that is at least two feet long, two feet wide, and three feet tall. To make the cage more like the reptile's natural environment, it is imperative to include live plants that are sturdy enough for the chameleon to climb, and which provide hiding places. The temperature should be kept between 60 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, with spots of varying temperatures. Your chameleon will enjoy being able to move from a shaded area to a warmer spot for basking. If you can provide your chameleon pet with natural sunlight, that is ideal.
Chameleons also have specific requirements when it comes to food and water. Because most chameleons will not drink from a water bowl, you will need to mist the cage's plants several times per day. You can do this yourself with a spray bottle, or you can buy a misting system that will keep the plants misted. The chameleon will drink the droplets that form on the plant leaves. For food, you will need to provide your chameleon with live insects to eat, and possibly supplement with vitamins and even small amounts of fruits and vegetables. Insects will form the basis of the chameleon's diet, and can include mealworms, crickets, waxworms, and grasshoppers. You can buy these feeder insects at a pet store.
A chameleon needs to be carefully cared for, but has the ability to live up to a decade long. If you are willing to put in the time and effort necessary to own a chameleon pet, you can enjoy his company for years.