![Chameleon on a Branch](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d299e2fd969342c8aab8eb401a2a85e3.jpg/v1/fill/w_460,h_560,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Chameleon%20on%20a%20Branch.jpg)
CHAMELEON CARE
Chameleons are amazing pets and make a beautiful addition to your home. They are however very sensitive and can be high maintenance and generally should be owned by advanced pet owners. Here are some general tips about chameleons. However, you should do additional research about specific species and good practices. Bust out that YouTube and Google!
CHAMELEON HABITAT
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Most Chameleons come from tropical areas. They require usually higher humidity and warm temperatures. They can start out very small but can grow to be 2 to 3 feet long. If you do start with a smaller enclosure, make sure you plan on buying a larger enclosure in the future. They usually live between 5 and 7 years.
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Chameleons require lots of plants and decor to climb up and down the enclosure.
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Chameleons need a light source that provides UVB to absorb calcium. They also need a heat lamp preferably no closer than 8" from where they can climb for basking. They require day temperatures between 70-95 degrees F. At night they need temperatures between 65-70 degrees F. They require Humidity between 50%-80% with frequent misting. They drink from droplets on plants etc.
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If you add live plants to your enclosure, chameleons require specific plants. Learn more from your own research about which live plants to use.
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For the bottom of the terrarium, you can use reptile carpet, paper towels, or coconut fiber substrate. Regular dirt should not be used.
![Reptile Terrarium](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e440874091ae4bf3968459f8f45d5857.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_980,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/e440874091ae4bf3968459f8f45d5857.jpg)
DIET
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Chameleons mostly eat live insects such as crickets, flies, dubia roaches, mealworms, and other worms. Dust insects with calcium/vitamin D3 powder. Feed them 3 or 4 times a week.
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Chameleons should also be fed fresh dark leafy greens, hibiscus, and flowers frequently. Remove leftovers after about four hours.
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Chameleons drink by licking droplets off themselves or their surroundings. You should mist your tank daily or install a dripper system.
![Green Chameleon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7af2b4ffb1d9a6ca7788c9ffee1ed6a1.jpg/v1/fill/w_510,h_343,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Green%20Chameleon.jpg)
CONTACT YOUR VET IF:
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If your Chameleon is hiding more than usual or lying at the bottom of the terrarium, you should get in touch with your veterinarian.
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Also contact your vet if they get swollen joints and are reluctant to move.
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eating or drinking less; weight loss
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swollen/closed eyes or discharge from eyes, nose, or mouth
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shedding problems; discolored skin
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runny droppings for more than two days
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decreased frequency of droppings
![Chameleon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_32e25535c7f1410e8095ad85ea55d79b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_653,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/11062b_32e25535c7f1410e8095ad85ea55d79b~mv2.jpg)