Smaller lizards are some of the most popular reptile pets because they’re relatively easy to care for. Leopard geckos and bearded dragons are very common, but what if you’d like something a bit different? Cuban false chameleons are a great alternative because of their unique appearance and characteristics. This species isn’t a true chameleon but is a member of the Anolis genus.
Nonetheless, they’re intriguing lizards that bring plenty of fulfillment to reptile lovers. In this guide, we’ll examine everything that a first-time owner must know.
They Are Arboreal: They Love Climbing Branches!
One of the most important things to know about these lizards is that they are arboreal. To put it simply, they hide in foliage and spend most of their time in trees. So, their terrarium should mirror their natural environment in the Cuban rainforest. It should be about 45x45x90cm at a minimum, so that these small lizards have space to climb. Don’t forget to add branches and plants for enrichment! The lizards will use them for climbing and basking. These additions will make them feel much happier and more comfortable.
They Need a Hot and Humid Environment
Most reptiles require an external UVB light source to maintain their body temperature and metabolic function. Without this exposure, they can contract dangerous diseases that commonly affect reptiles. Metabolic bone disease is one of the most common conditions and can be devastating.
A UVB level of 10.0 is typical for Cuban false chameleons. It’s essential that owners also regulate the heating and humidity levels of their false chameleons’ enclosure. These lizards need a daytime temperature of 32°C/89°F. This can drop to 29°C/80°F at night.
Don’t forget that they are from the depths of the Cuban rainforest, which is extremely humid. Try to replicate these conditions in your pet’s enclosure by keeping humidity levels at 70 to 80%. A good substrate can also help to maintain the humidity levels. Use devices like thermometers, thermostats, and hygrometers for consistent regulation. This may seem complex but after the initial set-up, it’s straightforward to manage. Another top tip is to add misting by using a water spray bottle several times per day. These lizards prefer to hydrate by absorption instead of drinking.
They Love Eating Snails
Cuban false chameleons feast on snails and slugs. In the wild, this is their primary source of nutrition. You can feed them other insects and critters like mealworms and crickets as part of a balanced diet. Nonetheless, gastropods like snails should be the main body of their diet. This specialized diet makes these lizards quite different from other reptile pets like bearded dragons and leopard geckos. You should be able to find captive-bred snails at your local exotic pet or marine food supplier.
Gut-load the snails by feeding them greens and fruits. This will add a nutritious boost for your pet false chameleon. Juvenile lizards require daily feeding, but you can reduce this to every other day as they grow older. These chameleons may not drink from a bowl, but it’s still advisable to provide a water source in their enclosure. Don’t forget to change it daily!
They’re More of a Display Animal
Getting a reptile is inadvisable if you expect to have an intrinsic bond with your pet. The reality is that they are more of a display animal, like fish in an aquarium. They see their owners as a food source and can’t form emotional bonds. However, they are fascinating creatures, which is why many reptile lovers find them so enthralling. Cuban false chameleons are no different. It can be very entertaining and interesting to watch them go about their lives.
The bad news is that they don’t love handling. First-time lizard owners must take care when doing so because it can cause severe stress. Always approach these lizards gently, and never grab their tails because they may detach. It’s crucial to supervise children because they may not understand the lizard’s sensitive needs. For some people, it may be advisable to visit these false chameleons at a wildlife center instead of owning one.
They’re Relatively Docile
One of the advantages of this species is that they have calm personalities. They spend most of their days lounging under a light source. If you pick them up gently, they’ll usually tolerate it without an adverse reaction. However, don’t grab them from above because they associate this with predators.
Unlike other reptiles, they’re unlikely to bite. Still, it’s inadvisable to get two male Cuban false chameleons because they will fight. These creatures are very territorial and can severely injure each other.
Their Terrarium’s Hygiene is Very Important
Some new reptile owners underestimate the importance of hygiene. It’s important to clean a reptile’s enclosure a little bit every day. Remove leftover food and old skin. Perform a deeper clean when necessary and change the substrate. You should own a kit with several brushes and anti-bacterial solutions. Cuban false chameleons should live relatively healthy lives if you look after them properly. Most health conditions arise from negligent care, so they’re usually avoidable.
Hygiene is also crucial for their human owners. Salmonella is rife amongst reptile pets of all kinds. Many people catch this intestinal disease from turtles and lizards because they don’t wash their hands properly after handling them. Some owners even kiss their reptiles, which is a big mistake.
Always use soap and hot water to kill germs after handling your Cuban false chameleon. Don’t forget to wipe down external surfaces if you take it out of its enclosure. This will drastically reduce the risk of salmonella and other bacterial infections.
