CHAMELEON checklist:Here is a simple Q and A list to check whether you are ready to bring this marvelous creature home as your pet:
1. Do you have a large space to keep a chameleon?
a. Yes -read the facts and move on to #2-
b. No -this animal is not for you
Facts: Old World Chameleons in general are solitary animals. They do not enjoy 'sharing' their environments with other animals, including their own. Baby chameleons do, however, tolerate their siblings during the age of 2.5 months old or younger. After reaching the age of 3 months, they will start to become aggressive and territorial. The adult old world chameleon will need a cage as big as 24"X24"X48." Some species (such as Melleri and Parsonii) requires larger space than that.
2. Do you have time caring for chameleon?
a. Yes -read the facts and move on to #3
b. No -this animal is not for you
Facts: Chameleon keeping is time consuming. They demand scrupulous attention. Their fairly high humidity requirement requires you to at least mist their enclosure twice a day. Do you have time to do that?
3. Are you willing to spend hefty amount of money?
a. Yes -read the facts and move on to #4
b. No -this animal is not for you
Facts: A recommended species for beginners is a male veiled chameleon or a male panther chameleon, in that order. They are hardy species and can tolerate beginners' mistakes. Veiled chameleons range from 45 dollars to 60 dollars. Panthers range from 129 dollars to 350 dollars. Expect to spend about $300 - $450 (for supplies) + the cost of your chameleon. And, that price does not include a vet visit in case your chameleon is sick.
4. Do you love to be able to pet your chameleon?
a. Yes -this animal is not for you
b. No -read the facts and move on to #5
Facts: A chameleon stresses easily and should be handle as minimal as possible. They are wild animals and behave differently than your dogs or cats. They are, in my opinion, see-only pets.
5. Are you comfortable handling insects?
a. Yes -read the facts and move on to #6
b. No -this animal is not for you
Facts: Chameleons are insectivores and they eat a large variety of species, such as: silk worms, hornworms, crickets, roaches, mantises, locusts, moths, flies, and so on. So, living with chameleons means living with insects. Many people will ask whether they can mainly feed their chameleon veggies. The answer to that is: "NO!"
6. Are you comfortable with reptiles?
a. Yes -read the facts and move on to #7
b. No -this animal is not for you
Facts: Handling chameleons is not recommended. However, it is unavoidable during cage cleaning and so on. Chameleons are wild reptiles. They have strong grips due to the facts that they are climbers. Their claws are sharp and should NOT be clipped. Chameleons do bite when they are cornered. They have powerful jaw and can hurt you.
7. Can you prevent your cats, dogs, and children to have full access to your chameleon?
a. Yes -read the facts and move on to #8
b. No -this animal is not for you
Facts: Cats, dogs, and children (especially infants) are generally curious and will not hesitate to grab or bite anything that is interesting. Allowing them to have full access to your chameleon is a recipe for disaster. Although, it is possible to have chameleon peacefully coexist with cats, dogs, and infants, I would still advised limiting them the access to avoid stressing your chameleons. Better safe than sorry.
8. Do you have vets around your place that can treat exotic pets?
a. Yes -read the facts and move on to #9
b. No -it is advisable for you not to have a chameleon pet
Facts: Be aware that most veterinarians only treat common pets such as cats and dogs. It is best to find an exotic vet who open his/ her practice nearby your area BEFORE you purchase a chameleon. Have the vet's contact # handy for Chameleon emergencies. Develop a good rapport with your vet.
9. Do you have friends or relatives that can cham-sit when you are away?
a. Yes -read the facts and move on to #10
b. No -it is advisable for you not to have a chameleon pet
Facts: Chameleons require a lot of attention. They need to be fed and misted daily (Male Adult can be fed every other day). Leaving them unattended for more than 2 days is irresponsible and a form of animal abuse. Always find a responsible adult to baby-sit your chameleon while you are on a vacation.
10. Do you have experience in keeping reptiles (herp)?
a. Yes-congratulations! You might be the perfect candidate to own a chameleon.
b. No -it is advisable for you not to have a chameleon to be your first reptile pet
Facts: Chameleons, by all means, are not beginner's pets. Their requirements to thrive under captivity are very demanding. I would NOT recommend chameleons as pet for beginners. However, it does NOT mean that all beginners will fail in keeping chameleon as their pet. An extensive research is a good start. Be aware, this does not mean asking questions to your local pet chain store and/or googling info for 15 minutes only. I suggest you go to one specific forum for this. www.chameleonforums.com is a VERY EXCELLENT website that offers vast knowledge of chameleon keeping.
