Care and Housing for Chameleons

General Information

There are four main genera and over 150 species of chameleons. About half of the species occur only in Madagascar; another large locality to find chameleons is in the sub-Saharan area of Africa. Two species occur in Asia. The Indian chameleon, Chamaeleo zeylanicus, is found in southern India and Sri Lanka, while the European chameleon, C. chamaeleon, is found from the Middle East to the southern coast of Spain.

Chameleons live in a variety of habitats, from rainforests and lowlands to deserts, semi-deserts, scrub savannas, and even mountains. Many inhabit trees, but some live in grass or on small bushes, fallen leaves, or dry branches. The most kept pet chameleon species are the veiled, panther, Jackson's, and Meller's chameleons.

Most chameleons, like the veiled chameleon, are strictly insectivores, meaning they only eat insects. The European chameleon will dine on wasps, beetles, and flies, as well as worms. Jackson's chameleon resides in northern Tanzania and eats a wide variety of small animals, including ants, butterflies, caterpillars, snails, worms, lizards, geckos, amphibians, and other chameleons, as well as plant material such as leaves, tender shoots, and berries. (Photo credit: Gregory Rich, DVM, 2023)

"Most chameleons, like the veiled chameleon, are strictly insectivores, meaning they only eat insects."

Chameleons in the Brookesia genera are known as pigmy chameleons and, as adults, only grow to be 2.3 cm (0.9 inches) long. The Parson's chameleon is considered one of the largest chameleons in the world, growing to 69.5 cm (27 inches) long as adults.

Most species are egg layers, but the Jackson's chameleon bears live young. Some chameleons lay only 2 to 3 eggs, yet others, like the veiled chameleon, may lay between 20 and 70 eggs in each clutch.  

Cage Environment

Most species of chameleon do well in a tall, mesh cage. Depending on the adult size of your chameleon, the mesh should be ½” x ½” to ½” x 1”. The cage dimensions will vary, depending on the size of your chameleon. Small chameleons do well in a cage sized 12” x 12” x 24” (30 cm x 30 cm x 60 cm). Medium-sized pets do better in a cage sized 18” x 18” x 30” (45 cm x 45 cm x 75 cm) and large species, like a Jackson's chameleon, should have a cage sized 24” x 24” x 48” (60 cm x 60 cm x 120 cm).

Rope and natural and artificial branches are a must for climbing and exercise. Live and/or artificial plants may be placed in the cage to help retain moisture from spray misters or drip sets. 

The bottom of the cage should be flat, and can be made of artificial turf, indoor/outdoor carpet, or paper. Dirt or particulate bedding should not be used, as these items may be ingested as the chameleons search for and strike at insects on the cage floor. 

Diet

Insectivorous species (veiled, panther, Meller's) do very well on a diet of “gut-loaded” crickets, mealworms, and waxworms. It is recommended to lightly dust the insects with a “phosphorus-free” calcium powder, two to three times a week. Place insects in a separate container in the cage to prevent them from hiding in the bedding or escaping the enclosure. 

Baby and juvenile chameleons should be fed daily and will need pinhead or small crickets as a food source. Jackson's chameleons eat a wide variety of insects, mealworms, superworms, and waxworms. In the wild, they will eat other lizards and sometimes leafy green plants and flowers.

Several companies offer a commercial “gut-loading” product for insects. Mazuri®, Repashy, and   Flukers® are excellent products for this purpose. A second option is to offer the insects carrot/vegetable slices or leafy greens (not iceberg lettuce) for 12 hours before offering the insects to your chameleon.

Lighting

Chameleons, like all reptiles, require UVB lighting to properly absorb calcium from their food. Most chameleons do well with a 5.0 UVB bulb. Larger chameleons with larger cages or cages with an abundance of plants, perches, and light-blocking material require a 10.0 UVB bulb.

"Chameleons, like all reptiles, require UVB lighting to properly absorb calcium from their food."

Full-spectrum lights or day lights are extremely beneficial for enrichment and will help your chameleon's vision when hunting insects in the enclosure.

Heat and Humidity

Most chameleons are native to low-lying areas and do best with daytime temperatures 70ºF-90ºF and nighttime temperatures 70ºF-75ºF. Jackson's chameleons tolerate daytime temperatures of 70ºF-80ºF and nighttime temperature of 60ºF-75ºF.

Tape thermometers or temperature probes are essential to ensure you know the temperature at both the top of the cage and the bottom. A chilled chameleon will lose energy and may not be able to hunt or properly digest food.

Humidity is a critical need for all chameleons. Drip sets, misters, or humidifiers can be purchased for this purpose. You can also manually spray the plants and perches several times a day. Proper humidity levels are essential to prevent dehydration, which may lead to severe kidney disease. Most chameleons do well with a cage humidity range that rests between 60% and 90%.