Having A Chameleon As A Pet: What You Need To Know
Today, more and more people are choosing to adopt a chameleon as a pet. In addition to their exotic beauty, these peculiar reptiles are independent and do not require constant attention from the master. In this article, we will reveal some tricks for having a chameleon as a pet.
However, although they do not require constant attention, chameleons should receive specific care to ensure that they maintain their good health and that they have a balanced behavior. Read on for our tricks for having a chameleon as a pet.
Chameleon as a pet: what to know
As with any other pet, there are a few things to consider before adopting a chameleon to ensure responsible adoption and upbringing.
Adopt with awareness
When considering adopting a chameleon, many people turn to an exotic pet store. However, the sale of pets usually encourages the breeding of animals as a commodity.
In many pet shops, the ultimate goal is not animal welfare, but profit. As a result, it is common to find overloaded aquariums, where several species live in unsanitary conditions.
Nor is it advisable to buy a pet, independent of its species, from a private individual. Remember that trafficking in exotic animals is a sad reality that condemns thousands of species to prison and mistreatment.
In order not to encourage these practices, one should not acquire a pet online or on inadequately approved websites.
The best way to adopt a chameleon as a pet is to go to an exotic animal rescue center. At these institutions you will find reptiles, birds and other exotic animals waiting for a new home and a keeper who can offer them the love they deserve.
In addition, in these places you can also count on the guidance of volunteers and professionals specialized in the care of a chameleon as a pet.
Learn about the different species of chameleon
Although they may look similar to the naked eye, there are more than 160 recognized species of chameleons, all belonging to the Chamaeleonidae family . Each of them has specific characteristics and needs, and knowing them will allow you to offer the necessary care for a healthy and balanced life.
Once you are aware of these data, it will be necessary to adapt the house to offer your reptile the optimal conditions for its development. Moreover, by knowing better the behavior and the character of each species, it will be possible to choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and your times.
Make sure you have time
While chameleons don’t require the same attention as a dog or cat, adopting one does require some commitment. In particular, these exotic lizards need a complete and balanced diet, as well as optimal terrarium hygiene and a warm environment with controlled humidity.
Basic care for having a chameleon as a pet
The ideal environment for the chameleon
Your chameleon will spend most of the day in its terrarium, so it is essential to prepare it properly. Before the reptile arrives in its new home, you will need to go to a pet shop.
It is important to choose a large terrarium. Ideally, it should measure at least 60cm wide and 120cm long.
The next step will be to think about the atmosphere of the terrarium to recreate the natural habitat of the chameleons as much as possible. On the ground, you will need to recreate a gravel or earth base, in which you will need to place some solid branches and vegetation, such as small ferns, climbing ficus, etc.
So it will be essential to provide optimal lighting for your little lizard’s terrarium. In general, it is recommended to opt for fluorescent or compact tubes suitable for terrariums or aquariums. When placing them, you will have to choose the top of the terrarium, where the animal cannot touch them to avoid burns.
It is essential to ensure that the temperature is always between 27 ° C and 29 ° C during the day, dropping to 20 ° C or 18 ° C at night. In addition, the ambient humidity should be between 50% and 100%, so you need to spray the terrarium with fresh, clean water 3-4 times a day.
Chameleon diet as a pet
In nature, chameleons are important predators that basically feed on insects. To have a chameleon as a pet, it will be essential to provide him with a fresh, complete and balanced diet.
In fact, these reptiles hardly accept to consume feed or dead animals. Therefore, you will need to obtain live and fresh insects, such as locusts, mantises and crickets, with the guarantee of their origin. The best way to achieve this is to go to an exotic pet store.
To supplement your chameleon’s nutrition, you will need to regularly offer calcium-rich foods and periodically those with vitamins . To find out the appropriate quantities based on the age and specific needs of your chameleon, we recommend that you consult a specialized veterinarian.
Finally, we remind you of the importance of providing adequate preventive medicine if you choose to have a chameleon as a pet. Visits every six months with an experienced veterinarian will be essential to check the lizard’s health and prevent any disease.
