Chameleons are fascinating creatures with their long tongues, rotating eyes, and brilliant colors, which is why they make such interesting pets. But with more than 200 species in the world, how do you know which type of pet chameleon is right for you? From the exotic veiled chameleon to the tiny carpet chameleon, each lizard has different care requirements, and not all are suitable for beginners. This guide outlines five types of pet chameleons and what you should know before getting one.
1. Veiled Chameleons Are Popular Pets
The veiled chameleon is a great choice for beginners and more seasoned reptile keepers. Easily identified by the large and flamboyant crest on the top of its head, a veiled chameleon is certainly an eye-catching specimen. While they aren’t particularly friendly, they look spectacular! To keep your veiled chameleons in excellent health, you must be strict with their feeding regimen. Female chameleons are prone to becoming egg-bound, and their tendency to consume large portions of food often leads to obesity. The fat deposits affect regular egg-laying, and many female veiled chameleons die because they cannot pass their eggs.
The best way to care for a veiled chameleon is to manage their diet. These chameleons consume large amounts of food before the dry periods and could be described as genetically predisposed to non-stop eating. Provide a diet of gut-loaded insects, such as crickets, and vegetables, including carrots. As a pet, the veiled chameleon is the most popular because they’re quite hardy and adapt to most types of climates. Be sure to maintain temperatures of between 70℉ and 80℉ with basking light for these chameleons.
2. Panther Chameleons Suit Beginner Reptile Keepers
Another popular pet chameleon is the panther chameleon. These small lizards are favored because of their intelligence and brilliant colors. Hailing from Madagascar, they quickly become accustomed to their keeper’s habits and respond to scheduled feeding times. They’re among the more interactive types of chameleons and have moderate care needs. You can easily find panther chameleons from reputable breeders who have captive-raised them.
To manage panther chameleons, keep their daytime temperatures around 75℉ and reduce their evening temperatures to 70℉. As with any other chameleon, provide basking light as a source of vitamin D and protect your reptile from the possibility of developing metabolic bone disease. The panther chameleon is a resilient little lizard that is considered easy to maintain, so they’re recommended for new reptile owners. They reach between 12 and 18 inches and do best in a tank of 36 inches.
3. Carpet Chameleons Are Sensitive to Temperature Changes
If you’re looking for a very small chameleon, the carpet chameleon could be your next companion. Carpet chameleons only reach 9.8 inches in length, but even though they’re cute, these lizards don’t like to be handled. They’re described as solitary animals that prefer to hide in their enclosures with access to a UV light for basking. Because carpet chameleons are sensitive to environmental changes, you must keep their temperatures consistent. The daytime temperature should remain around 86℉, and the nighttime temperature should be reduced to 68℉.
Carpet chameleons enjoy an insect-based diet of silkworms and crickets. With enough time and patience, you can get these lizards to catch live insects from your hand. But if you notice them freezing or opening their mouths, it’s best to leave them alone. To make your carpet chameleon feel safe, place them in a heavily planted terrarium and provide humidity by misting them at least twice a day. These tiny chameleons are not considered hardy and not recommended for beginner reptile keepers.
4. Jackson’s Chameleons Are Fairly Hardy
Considered the triceratops of the lizard world, Jackson’s chameleon is distinguished by the three elongated horns on its face. It is best to keep these chameleons in pairs because they’re quite shy and easily stressed. The Jackson’s chameleon is fairly hardy because it is more forgiving regarding its conditions. This doesn’t mean that they don’t require special care. These chameleons prefer cooler temperatures of around 75℉ and should never exceed 80℉ as they’re sensitive to heat stress. Only basking areas should reach the mid-80s.
If you are looking for more of a hands-on pet experience, then the Jackson’s chameleon may not be the right choice. Despite their impressive appearance, these chameleons don’t like to be handled. The ongoing stress of handling can lead to reptile illnesses and multiple vet trips. To keep these lizards well-fed, provide a diet of live insects such as crickets, silkworms, Dubia roaches, and mealworms.
Interestingly, the Jackson’s chameleon is invasive in Hawaii, where they feed on small snakes. These horned chameleons are naturally found in mountainous regions and are arboreal reptiles. Be sure to add plants and branches to their tanks, allowing them to climb, camouflage, and hide.
5. Pygmy Chameleons: Small and Straightforward to Maintain
Last on our list of the best types of pet chameleons is the pygmy chameleon. These tiny reptiles are no larger than three inches and are ideal if you simply want to observe your lizard in its habitat. Pygmies don’t enjoy handling, and it’s probably best to keep them in their tanks because of their small size. They’re suitable for beginners as they don’t need a very large tank. To keep these reptiles comfortable, maintain a daytime temperature of between 75℉ and 77℉. Drop the temperature by 10 degrees at night and add plants and branches to help them hide.
A pygmy chameleon does best on a diet of insects, from locusts and crickets to moths and mealworms. Remember, when you choose a chameleon as a pet, they may not be as interactive as a bearded dragon or rosy boa. Chameleons require specific conditions to thrive and will become stressed if temperature or tank size aren’t suited to their needs. On the bright side, chameleons come in all colors and sizes, and they’re a beautiful addition to any exotic tank.
