by Dennis Stein

Created on: June 30, 2008   Last Updated: July 04, 2010

Caring For Your Veiled Chameleon:

Veiled Chameleons are fascinating reptiles, originating from Southern Saudi Arabia and Yemen, and like most other Chameleon species, are adept at camouflage. I have owned several Veileds, mostly males, and have always enjoyed their peculiar characteristics, and bright colors. Males typically are larger, and have a high, v-shaped casque on the top of their heads, as well as vertical stripes of yellows, oranges or light green to set off their green scales. Females exhibit a more muted green coloration, and have a lower casque on their heads.

A proper enclosure for these animals should have screen on at least two sides providing air flow, being large enough for your Chameleon to have adequate room. The larger, the better. A tall cage is preferred, as these reptiles love to climb. Lots of sticks and branches should be provided, of varying girth to exercise your pet's unique split feet, and provide places to climb and bask.

A heat lamp should also be provided, along with a UVA/UVB emitting bulb, to simulate natural sunlight. Many compact fluorescent bulbs are available from your local pet store, which will do the job for UVA/UVB. These two lamps should also be on a timer, providing between 12 and 14 hours of photoperiod, and simulate a proper day/night cycle.

Natural plants can be planted within the enclosure for your Chameleon, but be sure that they are not toxic to your animal. Day lilies, African violet, and palms are all good choices. Now that you have your enclosure or terrarium, you need to provide food and water. Chameleons most often will not drink from standing water, instead preferring to lick droplets from leaves or branches around them. A misting bottle, sprayed on them and surrounding leaves for 2-5 minutes twice daily will accomplish this easily, and help maintain a high humidity level in their new home.

Food in the form of crickets, and occasional offerings of mealworms for extra fat will work food wise, offering 2 dozen insects per day or two. Sprinkling the insects with a calcium and phosporous powder supplement in the ratio of 2:1 will ensure that your Chameleon will maintain a strong skeletal structure, and avoid Metabolic Bone Disease...

Chameleons can tolerate cool nighttime temperatures in the mid 60's to low 70's, and daytime temps should be 78-84 degrees, with a basking spot that reaches 95-105 degrees. This will help your pet's metabolism, and allow the animal to thermoregulate its body temperature. A high humidity is also good, especially during molting of the animals skin, as the moisture levels help them in shedding...

An important note is that chameleons are very territorial animals, and males should never be kept together, even in a very large enclosure. Fighting over territory will ensue, and can result in serious injury to the animals. Housing a male and female together will almost certainly result in breeding, as chameleons readily reproduce in captivity. Only do this if you have read a great deal about these animals, and are prepared to care for large clutches of eggs, having to be incubated for 6 to 8 months.

Owning a veiled chameleon is a rewarding experience, and watching these slow moving reptiles with their orbital eyes will bring any owner hours of pleasure. A properly cared for Veiled Chameleon is brightly colored, and a joy to see.

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