The chameleon is a reptile and not an amphibian. They are a lizard species that belongs to the Reptilia class and is part of the suborder Iguania. Chameleons are described as old-world lizards that hatch from eggs that are laid on land. They are not amphibians because they breathe air as soon as they are born and have scaly skin. Amphibians, on the other hand, will start their lives in water and will only develop lungs as they transform into adults.
Are Chameleons Easy to Care for as Pets?
Possessing all of the features of lizards, chameleons are reptiles that prefer to spend their time in dense bushes or trees. Amphibians are described as vertebrates with smooth and moist skin that helps them breathe while in water. They need to secrete mucus to maintain the moisture on their skin, or they will dry out and be unable to breathe. Examples of amphibians include frogs, salamanders, toads, and newts.
The next question is whether chameleons make good pets. Chameleons are suited to more experienced reptile keepers who can provide the special treatment these animals require. A chameleon is certainly beautiful to look at, but they don’t make the best pets because they are not very active and don’t like to be handled.
Chameleons need specific temperature and humidity levels to remain happy and protect them from developing reptile diseases, such as metabolic bone disease. These reptiles must have vertical space for climbing and enough plant cover to hide when they want. They are not ideal for children because they don’t enjoy being handled and are slow-moving animals that don’t provide much entertainment.
Preferred Habitats for Chameleons
Chameleons come from all over the world and have adapted to a range of habitats from forests to deserts and savannahs. To keep chameleons as pets, you’ll need to provide an enclosure of at least 2 ft x 4 ft, but this is dependent on the species. These cold-blooded creatures prefer vertical tanks with branches they can climb. It should include some dense plants where these lizards can hide. Most chameleon owners keep their pets indoors and in glass tanks where they easily regulate the temperature. If you are considering an outdoor enclosure, it should consist of mesh with adequate protection against strong wind and rain.
The tank must have UV lighting for reptiles to provide the chameleon with a source of light and heat. UV is particularly important for indoor reptiles because it helps them produce vitamin D. A chameleon can change colors from green and brown to orange and pink. They use this color-changing ability to camouflage in trees and shrubs, making it easier to hide from prey. Males will use their colorful patterns to impress females.
What Do Chameleons Eat?
Every chameleon enjoys a diet of live insects because it allows them to practice their unique hunting skills. They eat locusts, crickets, grasshoppers, and other small lizards. A chameleon uses its small but sharp teeth to grind insects. Some chameleons will eat small amounts of plant matter; for example, the veiled chameleon is known to consume fruits and vegetables.
Most keepers feed these colorful reptiles a cricket-based diet because crickets contain the necessary protein and calcium. For lizards that are lacking calcium, you can add a powdered supplement to their food. What makes a chameleon so fascinating is its ability to use camouflage and its very long and sticky tongue to capture prey. They focus their eyes on their target to judge the distance between themselves and the insect before striking with precision. Breeders will generally feed live crickets or grasshoppers to watch their pet chameleons in action.
How Chameleons Adapt to Their Environment
A chameleon might be as slow as a sloth, but they have another beneficial feature to help them evade danger. These lizards have eyes that can move in different directions, providing a panoramic view of their environment. In addition to their unique visuals, chameleons have special feet to grip onto branches with immense strength and are arboreal reptiles. If you look closely, chameleons have five toes on their feet, which gives them the extra grip needed to balance on all types of vegetation.
What You Should Know Before Getting a Chameleon
A chameleon is an attractive reptile that can put on a display of brilliant colors, but they aren’t for inexperienced owners. Each type of chameleon species has different heating, lighting, and dietary requirements that must be considered before introducing one as a pet. Remember that chameleons are not amphibians, and the only form of water they should be exposed to is a shallow dish for drinking.
If you are interested in a chameleon as a pet, take the time to learn about their diet, habitat, heating, and lighting needs. This way, you can prepare for their arrival and ensure they are receiving the food and care they require. Reaching between seven and 10 years of age, chameleons can become great companions if you have the patience and time to provide for them.
Other Pet Reptiles Like Chameleons
You may be interested in getting a reptile that shares many characteristics of chameleons but is easier to maintain. Some examples include:
- Bearded dragons. These friendly, easy-going reptiles are one of the most popular pet reptiles in the country. They bond with their owners and tolerate handling.
- Crested geckos. Like chameleons, these reptiles spend most of their time climbing. They’re also fairly easy to feed.
- Axolotls. Sure, axolotls aren’t reptiles (they’re amphibians), but there’s a reason why these animals are gaining popularity. They make excellent conversation pieces and can live for several years with proper care.
