Care Sheet: Chameleons...
Veiled Chameleons; Latin name ‘Chamaeleo Calyptratus’ are native to Yemen and Southern Saudi Arabia.
Veiled Chameleons have bold bands of bright gold, green, and blue, mixed with yellow, orange, or black, that circle their body. The males are usually more strikingly colored than the females, which are usually shades of green mottled with shades of tan, orange, white, and sometimes yellow. Male body length can reach between 17 and 24 inches (43 to 61 cm) from head to the tip of the tail and they are usually thin in appearance. Females reach between 10 and 14 inches (25 to 35.5 cm) in length. Male Chameleons have a life span of around 8 years and females live to around 5 years.
Housing
Chameleons are best kept in a temperature controlled vivarium of a minimum size of 32inch square. In the vivarium you will need suitable substrate/bedding, and should be furnished with branches of different diameters so that the chameleon can easily navigate the entire cage. Plants should also be in the vivarium to provide suitable natural hiding places for your chameleon. Either live or artificial plants can be used in the vivarium. As some chameleons are known to eat vegetable matter be sure not to put non-toxic plants in the vivarium if you opt for using real plants.
Temperature/Heating
The basking area of your vivarium should be kept between 90°F and 95°F. The easiest way to keep control of the temperature is by attaching the basking lamp to a thermostat with a heat sensitive probe. Which will maintain a constant temperature for you. Ideally there should be a cooler end of the vivarium away from the basking spot so the chameleon can maintain its own temperature.
Lighting
Lighting is very important for all chameleons. Veiled Chameleons should be provided with a UVA/UVB producing light source and a basking light. UVA and UVB exposure allows chameleons to synthesize vitamin D3 into their skin. The synthesis of vitamin D3 allows the absorption of calcium, which is critical for all chameleons.
Water Dish
Few chameleons will ever learn to drink water from a standing water dish. In the wild, chameleons lick dew and rain droplets off of leaves, or are attracted to moving water.
Feeding
Chameleons primarily live on a diet of live insects, mainly locusts and crickets. Sometimes mealworms and wax worms. Vitamin and/or mineral supplementation is required for growth and proper nerve functions. This can be achieved by sprinkling the supplements over the live food before feeding them to your chameleons.
Sexing Veiled Chameleons
Veiled Chameleons are very easy to sex at any age. The male has a small spur on the heel of the hind foot. A female does not.
Information
There are many good books available, and you can also ask tips and advise from breeders and keepers. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any queries or questions.
