The fascinating creatures are the pheelers.They have several intriguing characteristics, such as the ability to change colors, long and projectile tongues, and eyes that can move independently of each other.A novice reptile owner shouldn't own a chameleon as a pet.Before you buy a chameleon, make sure you know what you're getting into.
Step 1: Determine if you want to buy a chameleon.
There are animals that are high-maintenance.Do you want to make the commitment to own a chameleon?One year of care for a chameleon can cost between $900 and $1200, and you can start learning about it by learning what it costs.If you can add an extra $100 per month for chameleon care to your budget, you should.A cage can take a lot of energy to set up and maintain.On a daily basis, the humidity and temperature of a chameleon's cage should be monitored.The cage needs to have a lot of branches that the chameleon can climb and eat.If you want to have a better idea of what goes into owning and caring for a chameleon, talk to an expert.
Step 2: A pet store or breeder is a good choice.
Ensuring that your pet is healthy is something that can be accomplished by buying it from a pet store.Recommendations on respectable chameleon breeders could be provided by a vet who specializes in exotic veterinary medicine.If there are reptile shows in your area, you could ask for breeder recommendations or visit one of the shows to identify breeders.Information on chameleon breeders can be found in reptile magazines.Do you know if your local pet store has chameleons?The staff at the store could give you information on other quality pet stores that sell chameleons.
Step 3: Purchase a captive-bred animal.
Captive-bred chameleons are less likely to carry a heavy burden of parasites than wild-caught ones.Wild-caught chameleons have more parasites than captive-bred ones.It is against the law to capture and transport wild chameleons.Increased rates of mortality and shortened lifespans can be caused by shipping wild chameleons.A pet store should not be involved in the capture or transportation of wild chameleons.If you purchase a chameleon, make sure that he was bred in captivity and not captured in the wild.The veiled and panther chameleons are most likely to be captive bred.
Step 4: Purchase a young animal.
Most chenas live between a few years and 10 years of age.Buying a young chameleon will give you more time to care for him.
Step 5: There are signs of illness in the chameleon.
A good pet store should be able to give you a full medical history of the chameleon you want to buy.Make sure you look over yourself to make sure he is healthy before you buy him.Sunken eyes are an indicator of dehydration.The eyes are closed in the daytime.The chameleon can be stressed, sick, or cold if his color is dark or drab.A chameleon is likely to have a bone disease due to a calcium deficiency.If you notice a green color in the chameleons mouth, he may have a disease called mouth rot.If you intend to purchase a chameleon, you should expect him to be sick if he resists being held.prophylactic deworming and routine fecal exams can be performed on the chameleon to make sure he is healthy.Don't buy a sick chameleon.
Step 6: You should not purchase a chameleon in the mail.
You should avoid mail-order purchases for a number of reasons.When shipped, chameleons don't fare well.Shipping can cause them to get sick or even die during transportation.You can't see him before he gets to you if you order through the mail.It is too late for you to know that he is sick.
Step 7: Pick a cage type and size.
Before you bring him home, prepare his habitat.You could start on this after you buy a chameleon.You will need to buy a large cage for the lamas to grow quickly.The minimum cage size for a pet is four feet tall.A screened or wire cage, a glass terrarium with a screened top, and a large and tall bird cage are suitable enclosures.If you live in a climate with an ambient temperature above 86F/30C, this is advisable.The chameleon will be too cold if there is no other option.A tall cage is ideal for a chameleon, as they like to climb and perch on branches.The ideal housing solution would be a vivarium.It is made of wood or insulative material and has a glass front.It is good for the environment.You can choose from a variety of cages at your local pet store.
Step 8: The cage should be placed in a quiet area.
Humans can be stressed very easily.It is a good idea to put your chameleon's cage in an area that is free of noise and distraction.To prevent the cage from overheating, keep it out of the sun's path.The cage needs to be positioned so that it gets a good amount of shade.
Step 9: The cage should have something in it.
The bottom of the cage will be lined with the substrate.It should be easy for you to clean up.Butcher paper, newspaper, and paper towels are some of the good substrates.Sand, moss, and wood chips should not be used as substrates.If you have a chameleon, they can cause internal blockage if you eat them.The bottom of the cage should be cleaned with bleach and water.The entire cage should be cleaned every month.
Step 10: Put branches in the cage.
He will want a lot of branches to climb and perch on.The branches should be large.The chameleon will use his feet in different ways if you have a variety of branch diameters.A variety of branches to climb on is what your chameleon will get from having horizontal and vertical branches.Different orientations and diameters of branches can be used for environmental enrichment.The branches in the cage will be secured with containers at your local pet store.
Step 11: Add foliage to the cage.
It is important to choose the right type of foliage.All of the plants are good choices for foliage.The figs, bamboo palms, and philodendrons are good choices.Before placing the foliage in the cage, make sure to wash it.Plastic foliage can be used, but real foliage is better.You can mist the foliage on a daily basis to create humidity in the cage.Water dripping from the leaves can be created by misting.You can buy timed misters at the store.
Step 12: The light bulbs are above the cage.
A source of light and heat is provided by the lights.A basking bulb is the type of light you will need.The recommended temperature is between 90 and 105 degrees.An incandescent light bulb can be used for the basking light, but you may need to try different wattages to determine which will produce the desired temperature.Next to the basking bulb, there should be a fluorescent light.Your chameleon will use the UVB/A light to produce the active form of vitamin D3.There are lights above the cage.Since heated rocks can burn your chameleon, do not use them as a heating source.Since the cage is too warm at night, night lights are not a good idea.It is a good idea to keep the cage at 80 to 90 degrees during the day and 70 to 80 degrees at night.It's a good idea to switch out the bulbs every 6 to 12 months.