Description
About Veiled Chameleons
Veiled Chameleons are moderately-sized reptiles native to Yemen and the Middle East. They generally prefer to stay in the trees of humid subtropical and tropical forests and rarely come down to the ground. Veiled Chameleons are easily identified by the unique pointed shape of their skull, which is particularly tall in males. Adults develop colourful stripes and spots in green, yellow, and orange, making them striking to look at as well as a popular pet reptile to have.
Traits & Behaviour
Veiled Chameleons are known for their large helmeted feature on their heads also known as casques. These casques allow chameleons to channel water to their mouth to aid in drinking. They are highly territorial and aggressive to other chameleons so they should always be housed individually. They change colour, depending on temperature and mood; they also change colour to camouflage themselves when hiding. They have long sticky tongues for hunting their prey and move slowly. While they are usually quite docile towards people, regular handling tends to be stressful for them. They are pets better suited to being watched rather than handled.
Environment
Housing: A large ventilated screen enclosure designed for chameleons that are moderately planted and have vines or branches for additional perching spots. Branches should be positioned to allow the chameleon to easily move closer and farther from their basking spot. They are arboreal (tree-dwelling) so vertical space is important. Chameleons like to climb high up off the ground so the height is of utmost importance.
Decorations: Plenty of thin branches, vines, and plants (preferably live). Arrange the foliage to create hiding places for the chameleon to use as needed, with an open area under their basking spot. An empty and minimal setup leads to a stressed chameleon.
Substrate: Generally, a substrate is not recommended for chameleon habitats, as it can get mouldy from dripping water. Chameleons are also known for eating bedding that is in particles or chunks and developing gastrointestinal tract obstructions as a result; if bedding must be used, stick to reptile carpeting, coconut fibre, or paper towels.
Lighting & Heating: For Veiled Chameleons, a daytime temperature of about 22 – 27°C should be provided along with a basking spot at 29 – 35°C. As long as your home doesn’t drop below 18 – 21°C at night, heating at night isn’t necessary.
UVA/UVB lights are needed by reptiles to naturally produce vitamin D3, which helps them absorb calcium. Approximately 10-12 hours of light is ideal for them.
Humidity: Maintain less than 50 – 60% humidity; mist plants as needed to provide water for your chameleons to drink, even if you have a dripper.
Nutrition
Staple Food: Veiled Chameleons are omnivorous. They eat calcium-rich leafy greens and insects. In captivity, they are best fed with insects. They need to eat a variety of insects to get the nutrition that they need. How much they need to eat varies depending on age. Crickets, mealworms, roaches, and waxworms are commonly fed. Adults are fed every other day.
When using live plants in their enclosure, Veiled Chameleons will sometimes munch on leaves and flowers.
Supplements: Feeder insects should be coated with calcium powder twice a week for adult Veiled Chameleons, and every day for juveniles.
Water: Chameleons rarely drink from a water bowl. They rely on moisture on plants for water; mist plants so that leaves are saturated and dripping with water, or use an automatic mister or dripper to do the same. Misting systems also help maintain humidity.
Habitat Maintenance
Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled substrate (if a substrate is used in the enclosure). The entire enclosure should be cleaned every couple of months.
Chameleon Maintenance
Chameleons regularly shed their skin; ensure the habitat humidity is at an appropriate level to keep your chameleon hydrated to allow proper shedding. To facilitate shedding, be sure to mist your chameleon (avoiding their face) and the plants in the habitat several times a day.
Supply Checklist
Here are some necessary supplies owners will need to keep their Chameleons happy and healthy~
- Appropriate size and well-ventilated terrarium
- Bedding (optional)
- Vines and branches
- Plants (artificial or live)
- UVA/UVB lighting
- Thermometer
- Hygrometer
- Calcium supplement
- Crickets, mealworms, etc.
Important Notes
- House adult veiled chameleons separately, as they are aggressive when housed together.
- When it comes to veiled chameleons, they’re generally “hands-off” pets that are better to simply admire than to try to play with.
- Uneaten insects should be removed as they can hurt the Chameleon.
And you’re set! All the best to you and your Chameleon!
Have more questions? Contact us at 03-7733 7469 or drop by our shop and speak to our team!