CHAMELEONYour First

by Bill Strand

A Publication of the Chameleon Breeder Podcast

Welcome! Thisbookwasspecificallywrittenforthosewhowouldlikeano-nonsensecrashcourseinchame-leonhusbandry.Thegoalofthisminibookistopresentthebasicsinaformthatcanbeabsorbedwithin30minutes.Thiswillgetyoustartedontherightpath,butonlygetsyoustarted.Thereisalottoknow!Thepurposeofthisbookisnottogiveyoualltheanswers,buttoletyouknowtherightquestionsyoushouldbeasking.Allphotosarebytheauthorunlessotherwisecredited.

The Chameleon Breeder Podcast In 2015 the first podcast dedicated to keeping andbreeding chameleons was launched. This weekly infusion ofchameleontalkcontinuestogainmomentumandpopularity.Whenit launched,itspentanumberofweeksontheiTunesNew&Noteworthychartsandhasbecomeafavoritecompan-ionforlongcommutesandcagecleaningdays.Withtutorials,discussions,andinterviews,thispodcastseekstostrengthenthechameleoncommunitythroughsharingwhatweknowandbringingupdiscussion of the thingswedon’t yet know!Weexploreallaspectsofchameleonshere.JoinusasweeveryFridayaswe“Learn,Understand,AndPassitOn.”Thisbookisacompaniontothepodcastandgivesaquickshotofthebestbasicchameleoninformationtogetyoustarted!TheChameleonBreederPodcastcanbefoundoniTunesandonlineathttp://www.chameleonbreeder.comorvia thededi-catediPhone/iPadChameleonBreederPodcastApp.

The Author BillStrandisthehostoftheChameleonBreederPodcastandhasbeeninvolvedwithchameleonhusbandryinsomeformoranother foralmost fourdecades.HehasenjoyedthequietsimplicityofhavingasingleJackson’sChameleontotheinvigo-ratingpaceofrunningalargescalebreedingfacility.Hewasanoriginalco-founderoftheChameleons!eZine(www.chameleon-news.com)andleadstheSouthBayChameleonKeepersgroup(SBCK)inSouthernCalifornia.In2013hefoundedtheDragonStrandcagingcompanythatspecializesinenclosuresthatmeettheneedsofchameleons.BothDragonStrandandtheChame-leonBreeder Podcast reflect his continued involvement in notonlythekeepingandbreedingofchameleons,buttobuildthechameleoncommunity.HemaybereachedatBill@chameleonbreeder.com.

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INTRODUCTION

Dragon Strand Chameleon Cages All expenses involvedwith the creationof this book inmultipleformatswerecoveredbytheDragonStrandchameleoncagingcompany.DragonStrandspecializesinchameleoncagingfromstandardscreentodisplayqualityclearsidestorackcom-patiblebreedercageswithopaquesides.Everycageisrustproofandhasadrainagetrayavailable.Theproductlineincludeswideformatcagingandtheunique,patent-pendingDragonLedgeswhichallowthemountingofbranchesandpottedplantsonthescreenside.LearnmoreaboutDragonStrandathttp://dragonstrand.com

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CHAMELEON FAQS

Let’s start with some Frequently Asked Questions!

How hard is a chameleon to keep?Onethingtofaceupfrontisthatchameleons takeabit of setupexpense,preparation,and requiredailymaintenance.Butifyougetsetupproperlyandgetpluggedintothecom-munityitreallyisn’tthathardtokeepachameleonhealthyforalonglife.Theyrequiremoreexpenseandtimethantheaveragereptilepetsogetachameleononlyifonlyachameleonwilldo!

How long do chameleons live?SmallerchameleonssuchasCarpetChameleonsandPygmyChameleonsmaylivetwotothreeyears.MediumsizechameleonssuchasVeiled,PantherandJackson’sChameleonsmaylivefivetosevenyears.LargeChameleonssuchasMeller’sandParson’sChameleonsmaylive15to20years.ThemorewelearnabouthusbandrythelongertheyarelivingincaptivitysoIlookforwardtothesenumbersbecomingobsolete!

Can I hold or tame my chameleon?Yes,chameleonsmaybeheld.Butdon’texpectyourchameleontolikebeingheld.Differentchameleonstaketoholdingdifferently.Mosttoleratehandling,manyhateit,andveryrareindividualsactuallyseemtoenjoyhavingtheirhumanstakethemout.Stacktheoddsinyourfavorbygettingacaptivebredchameleon,but,still,recognizethatchameleons,atthemostbasiclevel,arenotsocialanimals.

Can chameleons live together?Thesimpleanswerisno.Somepeo-ple, forvarious reasons,wantverymuch tohave thisbeayesandwilltellyouyes(especiallyifitmeansyouwillbuyasecondchameleonfromthem).Still,no…don’tdoit.Iknowyouseepicturesofthemtogether.Iknowyouseethemtogetherinpetstores.And,unfortunately,beginningbreederswillsayitisfinebecausetheydoit.Still...NO.

Will my chameleon get lonely?No.Unlikehumans,chameleonsdonotneedsocialinteractiontobehappy.Gettingthema“friend”willactuallycausestressandcomplicatethesituation.

Should I get a baby or an adult?Theageofthechameleonislessim-portantthanwhethertheyarecaptivebredorwildcaught.Adultsaremorelikely to bewild-caughtmeaning theywill bemoredifficult to acclimateandwillprobablyhaveparasitesandlifeinjuries.Captivebredchameleons,whetherbabyoradult,willbemoreusedtohumansandshouldhavere-ducedornoparasites.Athreemontholdbabychameleonistypicallystableenoughtogotoanewhomeandshouldbeabletoberaisedwithoutissue.Awellstarted(typicallythreemonthsorolder)captivebredchameleonistheidealstartingpoint.

Should I get a male or a female?Maleandfemalechameleonsarethesameasfaraspetpotential.Alonefemalechameleonmayproduceinfertileeggs,butifsheishealthytheseshouldbepassedwithoutissue.

Warning! Chameleoncareissomuchmorecomplicatedthanwhatabookletlikethiscancover.Idedicateentirepodcastepisodestosubjectsthataresummarizedintoacouplesentenceshere!Ifyourunintoconflictinginformationinyourresearchjustrememberthatconflictinginformationisoftenjustdifferentfacetsofthecoretruth.Whenwedistillanimmenselycomplicatedsubjectintoonesoundbiteofadvicewehavetogeneralize.Thisbookisaseveregeneralization!Ispend30to60minutesaweekonthepodcasttalkingaboutthenuancesofchameleoncareandeventhatisnotallthereistothestory!

Male Blue Panther Chameleon, Nosy Be(Furcifer pardalis, Blue phase)

Male Carpet Chameleon(Furcifer lateralis)

Male Natal Midlands Dwarf Chameleon(Bradypodion thamnobates)

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This simple cage has a tube UVB light on top, a heat lamp to the right, a store bought water dripper, plenty of plant cover and a variety of branches.(Male Kinyongia multituberculata)

House chameleons together only for a limited timesuch as for for breeding purposes.(Furcifer pardalis, Ambilobe morph)

PREPARING FOR YOUR CHAMELEON

Enclosures Themostgeneralpurposechameleoncageforacha-meleonthesizeofanadultPanther,Veiled,orJackson’sCha-meleonwouldbe theall screen24”x24”x48” tall cage.Butthebiggerthecagethebetter!Theenclosuremustbebigenoughsothatthechameleonmaymovefreelyfromawarmcornerwithabasking light toacoolerarea.(This isknownasatemperature“gradient”).Chameleonsarehori-zontalanimalssoyoucango lower inheightbutyouthenmustgowider. Screencageswillwork formostcasesasmostchameleons,oncewarmedup,arecomfortable inthesametemperaturerangeswehumansarecomfortablein. Ifyourhousestayscoldorverydrythenyouwillhavetoconsiderglassorsolidsideenclosurestokeepintheheatand/orhumidity.Cages thathavesolid sidesandbackareusefulinanyenvironmenttokeepmistfromsprayingoutofthecage.Thecardinalruleinenclosureenvironmentsisthis:Thebig-gertheenclosurethemoretemperature/humiditygradientscanbecreated.Gradientsallowthechameleontotakecareofhimself.Themoreyourchameleoncantakecareofhim-selfthelessyouhavetoworry. Whensettingupyourenclosureinterior,haveanum-berofhorizontalperchingareaslinkedbyverticalordiagonalclimbingbranches.Branchdiameterscanrangefromwherethechameleoncanjustencircle thebranchwith its foot towhereitcangethalfwayaround.Thisprovidesanicevari-etyofarborealpathways.Branchescanbesecuredwithzipties,ahotgluegun,pushpinsthroughthescreen,orDragonLedgesupportswhichcanholdpottedplantsaswell. Enclosureplacementinyourhouseisimportant.Avoiddraftyareasandareaswheretheymightbeharassed(orjustcheckedout)byotherpets.Chameleonsderivesecurityfromheightsoyoucantakeadvantageofthisbyplacingthecageonadresserandmakingthehighestperchingbranchatleastatyourheadlevel.The height of the cage itself is less important than the height of the perching branch rela-tive to the action outside the cage. Whenyouarestartingoutthereisnoreasontoputany soil,wood chips, ormoss on thefloor.Abarefloor iseasiesttocleanandasubstrateusuallyhaslittlebenefitforachameleon.Cohabitation Although many sellers and, unfortunately, somebreeders, will sell you a pair of chameleons and say theycan live together, this is setting you up for potential trou-blebeforeyouarereadytorecognizeit.Chameleonsmaynotbeaggressiveinanobviousmannertowardseachother,buttheydoplaypowergamesandovertimeinthisstress-ful environment the losermay growup slower andwith aweakenedimmunesystem.Earlydeathisapossibleresult.Stressweakens the immunesystemover the longtermsopeopledonotconnectthehealthissuewiththecohabitation.Yes,peoplewillclaimtheyhavedoneit.Butdon’tdoityour-selfuntilyouhaveenoughchameleonexperienceunderyourbeltthatyoucanrecognizethesubtlesignsthattheyarenotgettingalong.Bringthemtogetherjustformating.Allthreeofyouwillbemuchhappier.

Whether your cage is simple or elaborate, give your chame-leons an area to warm up, cool down, and a place to hide. A functional cage can be beautiful as well! (Male Furcifer pardalis, Ambilobe morph)

Lighting Chameleons acquire several things from unfilteredsunlight:visuallighting,heat,andinvisibleultraviolet(UVA+UVB)rays.Unfilterednaturalsunlightisbestforsupplyingtheseneeds,butthereareacceptable lightingsolutionsforindoorkeeping.Visual Light:A6500Kfluorescentbulbfromanyhomeim-provementstorewillprovidevisual lightingneeds.Youwillwanttokeepabrightenvironmentforboththechameleon’ssakeandyourenjoymentofthecage.Heat:Abaskingbulbcanbeassimpleasa50-75Wattincan-descentbulb.Placethisbulbtoensurethechameleoncannottouchthebulbandthatthechameleoncanmoveinandoutoftheheat.Makesureyoucanholdyourhandattheclosestperchpointinsidetheenclosuretothebulbwithoutdiscom-fortforacoupleofminutes.Chameleonswillburnthemselvesifthelightistoohot!Exceptforlargechameleons,ascreentopcountsasaperchpoint.And,forVeiledChameleonown-ersespecially,takeintoaccountthetopheightofyourveiledchameleon’s casque! Chameleons will burn their back andheadstryingtowarmtheirbody.Rememberthattheyhavenoconceptofthe“sun”beingcloseenoughtoburnthem!UVB:TheReptisun5.0 is the industrystandardUVB light.Whichever bulb you get, read the specifications andmakesureyouplaceperchingbranchesintheeffectiverange.UVBwillnotpassthroughwindowglasssoevenifyourchameleongetsacomfortablemorningwarm-upwithsunlightthroughawindowtheyarenotgettingUVBfortheirbonedevelopment.YoumustprovideaUVBgradientsoyourchameleoncanreg-

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Watering The greatest husbandry challenge of chameleons iskeeping themwell hydrated. Living in trees, they have notdevelopedrecognitionofstandingwater.Abowlofwaterwillmostlikelybeignored.Youwillneedtoprovideadailymist-ingoftheleavesandawaterdrip.Chameleonswilldrinkthewaterdropletsoff the leaves.Ataminimum,wateringmaybedonebyhandwithaspraybottlemistingtheleavesorbypokingasmallholeinacupandplacingit,fullofwater,ontopoftheenclosure.Makesureittakesatleast15minutesforthecuptoempty.Themostreliableandrecommendedhydrationmethodisanautomaticmistingsystem. Observe your chameleon drinking. If a chameleonrushes in to getwater then the chameleon is probably de-

ulatehisownVitaminD3development.Night Lighting:Thoughredorbluelightsareoftensoldwithchameleonsforanightlight,donotusethemallnight.Thelightwillkeepthechameleonawake.Ifyournighttimetemperatureistoocoldforyourspe-ciesofchameleonuseaceramicheater.Fewhomesgetcoldenoughforthis,though.These“nightlights”aregreatifyouusethemonaseparatetimerforonly30minutesafterthemainlightsgoouttolessentheshockoftotallighttototaldarkness.Thiswillgivethemalittlebitoftimetosettleinbeforetotaldarkness.Timing:Appliancetimerscanbeusedtoautomaticallyturnonandoffyourlights.A12houron/offcycleisagoodstartfordaylightandyourbaskingbulbcanbetimedoffifafternoonsarewarminyourhome.

hydratedandyouwillneedtoensurethatyourwateringsessionsareeithermorefrequentand/orlonger.Sprayinthemorningandevening,ataminimum,withthedripgoingduringtheday.Chameleonsalsouseraintowashtheireyesout.Thebestwaytoprovidethisiswiththatautomatedmistingsystemasachameleonmaywaitacoupleminutesbeforehestartscleaningouthiseyes.Thisisdifficulttoprovidewithahandmisterandimpossibletoprovidewithonlyadripsystem.Thebestinvestmentyoucanmakeisanautomatedmistingsystem!Hydration and hygiene are critical to the chameleon’s health. Do not cut corners in this area.

Chameleons will enjoy basking in natural sunlight (Female Trioceros jacksonii xantholophus)

This male Jackson’s Chameleon (T. jacksonii xantholophus) is drinking and cleaning out his eyes in the most effective artificial hydration method - a misting system.

PREPARING FOR YOUR CHAMELEON

This male Veiled Chameleon has been severely burned on his back and casque. The gray areas are burns.

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Feeding Thecommonstaplefoodofcaptivechameleonsiscrickets.Theseareavailableatmostpetstoresthatsellreptilesandtheycomeinmanydifferentsizes.Astandardcommunityguidelineoncricketfeedersizeistofeedthechameleoncricketsthatarealengthequaltothedistancebetweentheendsofthecha-meleon’seyes.Youwillseethemchompdownlargerinsects,buterronthesideofsmaller.Youcan’tgowrongwithfeedingafewsmallitemsversusonelargeitemthatmayintimidateorevenfightback.Withonlyonechameleon,yourbestbetistobuycricketsandotherfooditems(somechameleonsgetboredwithonlyonefoodtype)fromlocalpetstores.Independentreptilestoresareyourbestbetforgoodpricingandvarietyoffood,butnationalchainssuchasPetcoandPetSmartalsocarryinsectfeeders.Babiesandjuvenilesuptoninemonthscanbefedeveryday.Upuntilthechameleonisfullgrown,andforgravidfemales,Ifeedasmuchastheywilleat.Oncetheyarefullgrown(andnotgravid)Isuggestfivefooditemseveryotherday.Crickets,andotherfeederinsectscommonlyavailable,arelowincalciumsosupplementation,asdescribedinthenutritionsection,isimportant.

Feeding Strategies Youwillneedtoofferfoodinawaythatthechame-leonwill find the food.Most of the food itemsavailable tousarenocturnal(comeoutatnight)andliketohideintheenclosuresotheycannotbejustreleasedandhopethattheywillbeeaten.Youwillhavetohandfeed,docontrolledre-lease,orcupfeed.Handfeedingiswhereyouholdthefeederforthechameleontoshootat.Thisisgreatfun,buthasthedrawbackthatshychameleonswilleithernoteatorelsetheywillnoteatenough.Controlledreleaseiswhereyoureleaseafeederortwoontheinsidescreenwalluntilthechameleonzapsthemandthenyoureleaseacouplemorewhenthecha-meleonisready.Cupfeedingiswhenyouputthefeedersinacupthatpreventstheinsectfromclimbingoutandplacethecupwherethechameleoncanhaveeasyaccess.I,personal-ly,handfeedorcontrolreleasethefirsttwofeedersandthencupfeedtherest.Thisgivesmetheopportunitytoobserveeatingeachtimetoverifythatthechameleonislookingandactinghealthy.

What next?Establisha routine.Makeaschedule for feeding,watering,enclosure cleaning, sunning, and taking care of feeder in-sects.Thereisalotofworkinvolvedinchameleonkeeping,but it ismanageable if eachoneof the tasks is scheduledout.Makenomistake,youhavechosenahighmaintenanceanimal!Butifyoudiveinanddoitright,youwillberewardedwithafascinatingexperience.

A male Usambara Three-Horned Chameleon (Trioceros deremensis) enjoying a snack. Even wild-caught chameleons will tame down toeat from your hand, though it may take time and patience on your part.

Most chameleons will take to cup feeding. These feeders are lightly dusted with a mineral powder.(Male Kinyongia multituberculata)

A superworm (Zophobas) has been released to climb up the cage side. This technique can inspire hesitant eaters.(Male Kinyongia multituberculata)

FEEDING YOUR CHAMELEON

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Anavidchameleonkeepersoonbecomesaninsectkeep-er.Even ifyouhaveonechameleonandbuy tencricketsatatimefromthecornerpetstore,youwilllearnbugs!Thisisthenaturalprogressionbecause,likewithyou,nutritioniscriticaltokeepingachameleonhealthy.Gutloading.Gettingminerals,vitamins,andnutrientsintoyourchameleon starts with gut-loading your feeder insects. Thismeansthatyouspendacoupledaysfeedingyourfeedercrick-ets/superworms/etc…withgrains, fruits, andvegetablesbeforefeeding them to the chameleon. And, yes, a couple days ofrehabilitationisusuallynecessaryforyourfeeders.Chancesarethatthefeedersyouboughtfromthepetstorewerenotfedwellatall.Iftheyareluckytheygotsomecarrotsformoisture.Un-fortunately,ifyoufeedyourchameleonrightwhenyougethomewiththeinsectsfromthepetstore,thenyouarefeedingyourpetanemptyshelldevoidofwhatyourchameleonneedstosurvive. Tocombatmalnutrition,placeyourfeedersinacontainerandgivethemgutloadtoeatforthreedays.Thenyoucanfeelcomfortablethatwhenyourchameleonchompsdownheisget-tingwhatheneeds.Oneofthefirstthingstodoisresearchgut-loads.TherearemanyrecipesavailableandI’llgiveyouaverysimpleintroductionrecipetotideyouover.Putthewetpartsononeplateandthedryonanothertoavoidspoiling.Wet:Collardgreens,Carrots,Sweetpotatoes,AppleslicesDry:Wheatgerm,beepollen,drynonfatmilk,alfalfa Imakeitapointtomixupmyingredientsandcycleinoranges,squash,papayaandwhateverisinseason.CommercialgutloadsareavailableandIcyclethroughtheseaswell.Youwillhavetochangeoutfoodfrequentlytoavoidspoiling.Withfeederinsects,freshfoodandcleanhold-ingbinsarecritical!Supplements.Mostofourfeederinsectsarehighinphosphoruswhichcreatesanimbalancerelativetothecalciuminyourchameleon.Tocombatthis,commercialmineralpowdersareavailablewhichwillpro-videmorecalciumandD3toyourchameleon. Sinceeveryset-upwillbedifferentitisimpossibletogiveauniversalsupplementationschedule.Ifyouarebuyingacaptivebredchameleonjustaskyourbreederfortheirrecommendationofsupplemen-tationandUVB.Otherwise,Iwillgiveexamplesoftwoextremes.Alignyoursupplementationwiththeonethatfitsyoursituationbestandadjustasneeded.WithexposuretonaturalsunlightIhavehadgoodex-periencewithdustingheavilygutloadedfeederswithcalciumandnoD3twiceaweekformontanes,veiled,andpantherchameleons.Themostsuccessfulcompletely indoorpantherchameleonbreedingprogram,KammerflageKreations,usesT8Reptisun5.0UVBbulbsthroughscreenforaUVBlevelof30to50uw/cm2

andadustingscheduleofRhapashyCalciumPlusongutloadedinsectseveryfeeding.Thatendsupbeingaperchingbranchabout12”fromtheUVBbulb.IwouldsuggestsubstitutingRhapashyCalciumPluswiththeLoD3versionforindoorkeepingofmontanessuchasJackson’sChameleons. Tosupplementwithapowder,placethefeedersinabagorcupwithasmallamountofpower,gentlyshakethebag/cuptolightlycoatthefeeder,andthenfeedittoyourchameleon.Oversupplementationcanleadtoasmanyproblemsassupplementationcanpreventsodonotthinkmoreisbetterandoverdoit.ToolittlecalciumandvitaminD3willproduce,amongotherproblems,MetabolicBoneDisease(MBD).InMBD,bonesdonothaveenoughcalciumtogrowandharden.Theycanbe“rubbery”andwillbreakeasily.Thisresultsinweaklegs,brokenjawsandcurvedspines.Toomuchcalciumand/orD3cancreateorganfailureandedema(excessfluidinthebody).ThechallengewithD3isthatifyougotoadietaryD3approachyouarebypassingthechameleon’snaturalD3limitationchecksandbalances.ItisbesttorelyonUVBasmuchaspossibleforyourchameleon’sD3levels.

Variety.Nowwecometothepartwherethingsgetinteresting.Chameleonsenjoyavarietyoffood.Youwillquicklyfindyourself learningaboutmanyinsects.Typicalchameleonkeepersfindthemselvesgoingthroughcrickets,superworms(Zophobas),variousspeciesofroaches(dubiasaremostcommon),prayingmantises,bluebottleflies,houseflies,blacksoldierflies,grasshoppers,butterflies,silkworms,waxworms,mealworms,fruitflies,beanbeetles,walkingsticks,etc…Neverdoubtyouareonquitetheadventure!

NUTRITION

This cricket holding plastic bin has egg crates for hiding and a rich variety of wet and dry gutload

ThemostcommonspeciesofchameleoninthepettradearePantherChameleons,VeiledChame-leons,andJackson’sChameleons.Thesethreearegoodtostartoffwithbecausetheyarethebestknownandarecommonlyavailableascaptivebred.TheJackson’sChameleonisalsoavailableaswild-caught,butresistacheaperpricetagwhenpurchasingachameleonthatwillbewithyouformanyyearsifstartedintophealth.Therearemanyotherspeciesthatcomeandgointhemarket.Whicheverspeciesyoudecide,dotheproperresearchintotheirhusbandrybeforeyoubringthemhome!

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COMMON SPECIES

Veiled Male Veiled Female Veiled Juvenile

Panther Male Panther Female Panther Juvenile

Jackson’s Male Jackson’s Female Jackson’s Juvenile

Jackson’s Chameleon (Trioceros jacksonii xantholophus).Therearethreesub-speciesofJackson’sCha-meleon.ThelargestandmostcommonistheYellow-CrestedJackson’sChameleon,originallyfromKenya.Though,today,theyarebroughtoverfromHawaiiwheretheyescapedandestablishedthemselves.Theyarelivebearingandfemalescanmateandstoresperm.Imentionthisonlybecauseyoucanhaveafemaleonlyandthenbesurprisedayearlaterwhenyou’llsuddenlyfind20babiesinthecagewithher!Jackson’sarehighaltitudechameleonsandcaneasilytaketemperaturesdowntothe50sFifthenextdayisclearandwarmstoatleastthe70s.Theyhaveconsistentlymellowandpleasantpersonalities.AmbientTemprange:dayhigh=high70s;nightlow=low60s

Panther Chameleon (Furcifer pardalis).Thepantherchameleon, fromMadagascar, is thekingofcolor.Therearemanymorphswhichcanrangefrompurebluetofieryredtoacompleterainbow.Theyareintel-ligentandmostaremildmannered.Captivebredpanthersarewidelyavailableandmakeexcellentpets.Therecertainlyareindividualsthatneverlosetheircrankiness,butmosttamedownreadily.TargetAmbientTemprange:dayhigh=low80s;nightlow=low70s

Veiled Chameleon(Chamaeleo calyptratus).OriginatesfromYemen,butaremostlyfoundascaptivebred.Thisisagreatchameleontostartwithbecauseofitshardiness.Asbabiestheyarevoraciouseatersandfastgrowers.PleasereadthesectiononMBDextracarefullybecauseofthis!Veiledsarecolorfulandhaveadramaticcasque.Onethingthatdefinesthesechameleonsiseachhasadistinctivepersonality.Theycanbeverypleasant,verynastyoranywhereinbetween.TargetAmbientTemprange:dayhigh=mid80s;nightlow=high60s

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SELECTING A CHAMELEON

AvoidDisqualify any chameleon whose eyes are closed.Closedorlistlesseyesandsunken-ineyeturretstellyousomethingiswronginternally.Passoninactivechameleons.Aweakgripwithanyfoot,kinksinthetail,orsicklyyelloworblackareasontheskintellofinternaldamagethatmayormaynotheal.Ifthereisanyblackonthenosemakesurethejawboneisnotdamaged.Checkallfourfeetforastronggrip.Verifythetailisnotlimpinplaces.

This is What You Want! Youarelookingforachameleonwithalerteyesscan-ningitssurroundingsandkeepingacloseeyeonyou.Eyeturretsarefullandround.Thechameleonscampersaroundwithitsbodyheldhighorcalmlysurveysthesituationwithconfidence.Thetailisstrongandactivewithnokinksorlimppoints.Ifatallpossible,watchthechameleoneattoverifythetongueisworking.Thisisnotalwayspossibleasthechameleonmaybeleeryabouthissurroundingsorjustnothungry.

WarningTherearesomethingsthataresuperficialand,as long as they are healed, the chameleon couldbe considered healthy. Babies raised in groupswill sometimes have bite marks (a ring of black)ornippedtails.Aslongastheyareclean,thebitemarksshouldhealwithashedortwoandthetailwill be rounded at the end with no effect to thechameleon’slife.Blackrubmarksonknees,back,nose,andheadfromshippinginabagwillshedouteventually,buttellofaroughhandling.

This nipped tail is in the process of healing. If the healing is clean, a nub will be left.

This rubbed nose has gone be-yond the skin and has broken the jaw. Superficial rub will heal. The jaw damage is a vet visit.

The listless eyes, sunken eye tur-rets, and a weak left back foot are signs that this chameleon needs serious rehabilitation.

MBD has caused a misshapen leg and jaw. Watch out for MBD in captive bred animals.

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Mouthisgapingtoappearthreateningtobite.Note:Thisisnotanidlethreat.

Bodyisbrightlycoloredandflattenedouttolooklargerandimpressive

Gular(underthroat)puffedouttoappearlarger

Frontfootpulledupintothe“ChameleonSalute”

Behavioral Communication and Body Language Yourbestsourceforinformationisyourchameleon.Theywillletyouknowwhethertheyhavewhattheyneedornot.Thetrick,ofcourse,istospeaktheirlanguage.Bylearningtherestingcolorsandrelaxedbodypo-sitionofyourchameleonyouwillbeabletoreadtheirmoodandframeofmindjustbylookingatthem.Hereisalistofcommonchameleoncommu-nicationstousabouttheirlivingconditions.

Signs of a Content Chameleon Achameleoncontentwithhissurroundingsandcageset-upwillnotmovemuch.Hewillchangeperchingbranchesthroughoutthedayfromhissleepingspottothebaskingspotandtohisdaytimeperchingspot.Butwillnotspendmuchtimemovingaroundotherwise.Inordertogivethemthecontentmentthatcomeswithafeelingofsecuritymakesureyourcageinte-riorhasawarmbaskingperchareaaswellasaperchingareathatisvisuallyobscuredsuchasunderneathorbehindaplant.Placethecageinahighspottoallowthechameleontobeabovetheactionintheroom.Excessivemov-ingcanbeasignofsearchingforsecurity,food,oramate.

Dark or Light ColorsWhenachameleonhaslostadominancebattlehewilldarkenhiscolorstoshowsubmission.Butdarkeningandlighteningisalsousedfortemperatureregulation.Coldchameleonswilldarkentheircolorstosoakupasmuchsun-lightandwarmthaspossible.Ahotchameleonwillgetaslightaspossible.

WHAT IS YOUR CHAMELEON TRYING TO TELL YOU?

Thoughchameleonscannotspeaktous,theyareexpressiveanimals.Chameleonscommunicateagreatdealtoeachotherandwecantapintothatbecausemuchofitisavisuallanguagewithinthelightspectrumvisibletohumans.Thiscommunication,mostlyrevolvesarounddefense,dominance,andmating. Unfortunately,naturedidnotequipthemforbeingapetforussoifwewanttobringthemintoourhomeswemustlearntheirlanguage.Wemustalsorealizethattheyliveamuchdifferentexistencethanwedo.Theyaresolitaryanimalswithasocialstructurethatrevolvesaroundmating.Whereotherhumansareacomforttous,otherchameleonsareeithercompetitionorpotentialmatestoachameleon.Animalssmallerthanyourchameleonarepreyandanimalslarger(likeyou)arepredatorsthatcouldeatthem.Wemustbepatientasweslowlyoverridethisnaturalprogrammingandteachthemthatwebringfoodandhavingusaroundisagoodthing.Thefirstthingweneedtodoistolearntheirvisuallanguagesoweknowwhattheyaresaying! TheyoungmalePantherChameleonbelowisshowingtheclassicsignsoffeelingthreatened.Hedoesnothavehisadultcolorsyet,butheisflashingthebrightestshadeshehastomakehimselflookasbigandthreateningaspossible.

This Bradypodion thamnobates (Natal Midlands Dwarf Chameleon) goes as black as possible to soak up the morning sun warmth.

ByjustlookingatthismaleT.deremen-sisyoucantellhewascontent(bodyshape)untilarecenteventminorlyan-noyedhim(lightspotting).Hisbrightlipsshowthatitismatingseasonforhim.Thecurledtailindicatesheisinclinedtostayput-fornow.

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Shown: Example of swiveling. Chame-leons will eventually adjust to you and not swivel. Be patient!

Closed or sunken eyes and sleeping during the day are serious wake-up calls that something is wrong!

WHAT IS YOUR CHAMELEON TRYING TO TELL YOU?

Climbing the walls of the enclosure Thisbehaviorisexhibitedbychameleonsthatwanttofindabetterplacetolive.Inthebeginning,thechameleonisjustexploringitsnewworld.Thewallwalkingshouldsubsideafteracoupledaysofbeinginitsnewhomeandyourchameleonshouldsettleinontheperchingbranch-es.Ifnot,thenconsiderifyouhaveenoughsuitableperchingbranches(placementanddiameter)ornotenoughofahidingarea.Theenclosurecouldalsobetoosmall,toohot,toocold,inviewofanotherthreateningchameleon, etc…Therearemanypossibilities andyouwill have tobesmartandcreativetofigureoutwhichoneitis. Althoughscreenwalkingisthemostcommonsignofadiscontentchameleon,therearetimeswhenthisistobeexpectedsuchas1)Forafewdaysafterachameleonisintroducedtotheirnewcage2)Itisbreedingseasonandtheyarelookingformates3)Agravidfemaleislookingforaplacetolayeggsorgivebirth. Usually,though,screenwalking isbecausethecage isnotade-quatelysetup,istoohot/coldorthereissomethinginthesurroundingenvironmentthatmakesthemuncomfortable.

Swiveling to put their branch between you and him Thisisdonebyshychameleonstoprotectthemselvesfromthebighairlessapetheyfearwilleatthem(that’syou,bytheway).Thisbehav-iorwillsubside,butsignalsthattheywouldfeelmuchbetterwithmoreofahidingarea(suchasalushplant)whiletheysettleinwithyou.

Closed eyes during the day BIGwarningsign!HealthychameleonsdoNOTsleepduringtheday.Thisafirstsignoftroublewhichcouldbecausedbyexcessivestressorinternalillness(parasitesorinfection).Avetvisitandfecalcheck(askyourvet)canhelpyoudeterminethecauseaseitherparasiticorenvi-ronmental.Inhumans,closedeyesaroundanotherissecurity,trust,andaffection.Chameleonsarenothumans.Inchameleonsitmeanssicknessorstress.Itisdangeroustointerpretthisbehaviorthroughahumanviewpoint.

“Play Time” It isseemsobviousthatachameleonjumpingoffyourhandorrunningawayisasigntheywanttogetaway.Butchameleonsarenotfastrunnersandtheyknowit.Ifyouconstantlycorralthemintoa“play”areaorontoyourhandtheywilleventuallystoptryingtogetaway.Thisisnotasignthattheyarehavingfunorarenowtame.Thisisasignthattheyhavegivenuptryingtoescape. Chameleonsdonotplayorseektogetoutandgetexercise.Thesearehumanneedsweplaceonthem.Playtimeisusuallyasourceofstressforchameleons.Theycangetusedtoquietlysittingonyourhand,buttheyhavenoconceptofplay.

Shedding Therewillcomeatimewhereyourchameleonwillneedtorefreshhisentireskin.Thisiscalledshedding.Overacoupleofdaystheoldskinwillbecomewhiteandthenitwillstarttofalloff.Ahealthyshedcanbedoneinanafternoon.Ifoldskinstickstothechameleonorcomesoffinsmallpiecesoverdaysorevenaweekthenthereisanissue.Eitherthehumidityistooloworelsethereisahealthissue.Afterashed,inspectyourchameleontomakesuretheshedisallgonearoundthefeetandtoes. Sheddingisapositivesignofgrowth.Ashedthattakesmorethanadayisawarningthatsomething,perhapshumiditylevels,maybeoff.

This male T. quadricornis is testing out his new large enclosure by walking the perimeter. If he does not settle in after a day or two and continues to walk the walls then I need to change the cage set-up or location.

This female panther chameleon is in the final stages of a shed.

Signs of compromised health

Stressisthehiddenkillerofchameleons.Themostlikelycauseofhealthissues isaweakened immunesystemcausedbystress.Whenyougetawarningsign, immediatelystudywhatcouldbephysicallyoremotionallystressingyourchameleon.Commonstresscauses:Anotherdominantcha-meleoninview,otherpetshangingoutbytheenclosure,toomuchheat(viaheatlamporsun),notenoughheat,adraft,largeparasiteload,anddehydration.Excepttheparasiteload,nothingyourvetcandowillmakeupforthesehusbandryfactors.Maybeyouseeyourchameleonduringmorn-ingandevening.Whathappensduring theday?Does theAC comeon?Doesthesunblastin?Doesyourdogcurlupbytheenclosureuntilyougethome?Itistimetoputonyourdetective’shatandgettothebottomofthismysteryandQUICK!Ifyoucan’tidentifyyourhusbandryissuethentalktoyourbreederorgototheonlineforums.Therearemanyexperiencedkeep-ersthatwillhelpyoutroubleshoot.Understandthatchameleonshidetheirillnessverywell.Onceitgetstothepointwhereyounoticesomething,ithasbeengoingonforawhile.Ifyoudon’tactquicklythenyouareindangerofseeingadownwardavalancheofhealththatneitheryounoryourvetwillbeabletoreverse.Determineyourhusbandryissuesandgetyourchameleontothevetforfluids,antibiotics,orparasitemedicine.Remember: the medication may fix the symptom of the problem, but the problem remains and the symptoms will return if you don’t fix your husbandry issue!

Sleeping during the day - Sunken eyes - Closed Eyes.Onceagain,chameleonsdonotsleepduringthedayorshowaffectionbynappingonyou.Thisisamessagetousthatsomethingiswrong.Achameleonsittingonitsbranchwithitseyesclosedduringthedayistellingyouthatthereissomethingwronginternally.Ifitisnottoblockoutexternalstressstimulus,itisasignofinternaldiscomfortwhichcanbefromanumberofissuessuchasorgandistress(dehydrationwilldothis)orahighparasiteload.

Nose to the Air or Gaping.Yourfirstovertwarningsignofabacterialrespiratoryinfection(oftencalledaURI)isyourchameleonwithitsnosetotheair.Thenextsignisbreathingwithitsmouthopen.Atthispoint,con-sideryourwindowforgettingyourchameleontothevettobemeasuredinhours,notdays.

Too hot.Ahotchameleonwillshowpaleandwashedoutcolors.Theyaretryingtoreflectasmuchlightaspossibletocooldown.Thenextstepistoopentheirmouthsandgape.This is trouble.Whentheyclosetheireyeswhilegapingandpaleyouhaveyoursignthattheheatstresshasgonebe-yondthechameleon’sabilitytocooldownanddamageisbeingdone.

Too cold.Acoldchameleonwillbedarktotryandabsorbasmuchlightaspossible.Coldisnotasdangerousasexcessiveheat.Theimportantthingistomakesuretheycanwarmupduringtheday.

Dehydration.Yourchameleon’sdrypoopisthetruestsignthatheisnotgettingenoughwater.Youmaybesprayingenoughwaterinthecage,butheisnotgettingitifhispoopisdry.

Losing Weight.Chameleonsshouldgainormaintaintheirweight.Alossofweightisaredflagwarningofinternaldistress-oftenaparasiteload.Youcanmonitoryourchameleon’shealthbyaweeklyweighing.Alittlefluctua-tionisnormal,butmorethan5%weightlossshouldraiseconcern.

HEALTH

This female T. quadricornis is sticking her nose in the air which is a tell tale sign of a respiratory infection. This will degrade into sunken eyes and open mouth breathing. Death will follow with-out quick veterinary care. You are NOT overreacting on this one!

This male Panther Chameleon is showing signs of heat stress. His colors are washed out and he is starting to gape. The next step before death is the closing of the eyes. Get him to shade and water!

Dehydrated poop

Hydrated poop

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MBD: METABOLIC BONE DISEASE

Ifyouarepickingupababyorjuvenilechameleon,MBDneedstobeaconcernforemostinyourmind.MetabolicBoneDisease(MBD)isthechameleonequivalentofricketsinhumans.Verysimplistically,thisiswherethebonesdonotgetthecalciumtheyrequiretohardenastheygrow.Youendupwithrubberybonesthatresultinthechameleonnotbeingabletoholditselfup,walk,shootitstongue,oreat.Achame-leonwithMBDgoneuntreatedwillbedisfiguredandunabletocareforitself.Advancedcasesleadtodeath. MBDoccurswhenyourchameleoncannotgetenoughcalciumfromitsfoodand/ornotenoughvitaminD3turnthecalciumpresentintoausableform.MBDisfoundmostlyincaptive bred chameleons raised in unhealthy conditions. Ifyouarepurchasingababychameleonthenensurethatthebabycanwalkquicklyacrossastickwithitsbodyheldhigh.

Getting calcium in the diet Thefirstissueisthatmanyfeederinsects,whichareavailabletouscommercially,havealow(orinverse)calciumtophosphorusratio.Thisisaproblembecausecalciumandphosphorusmust be in the proper ratio (~2:1)within thechameleon’sdigestivesystemtobeofbenefit.(Thismeansat least 2 parts calcium to one part phosphorus.) A plain,commerciallyraisedcricketboughtfromthestoresishighinphosphorusandwillactuallycreateanimbalancewiththeex-istingcalciuminyourchameleon.Tocombatthiswegutloadourcricketsandusemineralpowderswithcalciuminthem.

Making calcium usable TheinteractionofcalciumandVitaminD3isacom-plicatedbiologicalprocessthattakesusfromtheskintothelivertothekidneys.Findingthebalancebetweennotenoughandtoomuchofeitherisoneofourhusbandrychallenges.Calciumisrequiredforproperbodyfunctionincludingbonedevelopment.VitaminD3isrequiredforthebodytoabsorbthecalcium. Calcium is obtained through diet while Vitamin D3is synthesized fromUVB rays hitting the skin. Vitamin D3canalsocomethroughdiet,butthisisaminorsource.Thechameleon’sbodynaturallylimitsproductionfromUVB,butthereisnocheckandbalancefordietaryD3.

Veterinarian

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This is a healthy baby Veiled Chameleon. Note how he can hold himself high above his branch and scamper away. A baby with MBD will not have the bone strength to do this. You should get the impression of agility, strength,and move-ment when observing a healthy baby.

This adult female Meller’s Chameleon has an advanced case of MBD. Notice how her spine and legs appear misshap-en? Her bones developed poorly and now do not allow her to hold herself up or function normally. She has difficulty hanging on to branches and eating. Photo Courtesy of Asia Kauffman

A healthy adult Meller’s Chameleon is shown for comparison. She holds herself up on the branch and the strength in her grip can even make her painful to hold on your hand.

Onethingwetendtoforget,untilweneedone,istofindaveterinarianthathasexperiencewithreptilesandchameleonsinparticular.Donotassumethatallvetsareabletoeffectivelytreatchameleons.Callaroundor,betteryet,getinvolvedinachameleongroupandaskhobbyistsinyourareawhotheygoto.Agoodchameleonvetisaprizethatthecommunitywillbeeagertoshare.Itisawiseideatotakeyourchameleoninforaninitialcheck-upsoyoucangetfamiliarwiththevetandthevetcanestablishabaselineanalysisofyourchameleonfortherecords.Ifyourchameleoniswildcaughtthencallyourvetaboutgettingafecalsampledoneandcleanyouranimalofparasites.Itwilldrasticallyraiseyourchancesofhavingyourchameleonaroundforalongtime.Also,whenyouareatyourvet,askthemwhereyoucanobtainemergencyservicesifyouneedhelpafterhours.Havethisphonenumberandaddressinaplaceyou canfindit.Remember,youwillbelookingforthisnumberataveryinconvenienttimeandinahighstateofexcitement.Makesureitiseasytofind!

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HANDLING YOUR CHAMELEON

Aseachindividualchameleonshastheirownpersonality,itisdiffi-culttotellhowyourchameleonwillreact.Youcandosometamingwork,butitisnotfairtobedisappointedinyourchameleonifhedoesnotliveuptoyourholdingexpectation. Youmayhaveheardthatchameleonsdon’t liketobeheld. Thatisgenerallytrue.Butchameleonsdotamedown,inmostcases,towheretheoccasionalhandlingwillbenoproblem.Someexceptionalchameleonsactuallytakeverywelltohandling,havelostallfearofhumans,andarecontentbeingperchedontheirowner’sshoulderforawalk.Theseareex-ceptionallyrare.Pleasedonotexpectthisofyourchameleon.Thissectionaddressesonlybasicinteractionwithyourchameleon. First,weneedtounderstandwhatachameleonlikes.Achameleongenerallyfeelssecurewhen1)itcangrabsomething,2)whenitisatthehighestpoint,and3)whenitisfreewalkingonitsperch.Achameleonisinsecurewhen itcannotgrabsomethingwith its feetandtail,when it islowerthantheaction,andwhenitis“captured”(i.e.inyourhand).Yourgoalistomakeyourchameleonfriendfeelassecureaspossible.ImportantNote:Achameleon’sfeetandtailareverydelicateand,asstat-edabove,arealwayslookingforsomethingtoholdorwraparound.Whenpickingupyourchameleonensure100%thatthechameleonhasreleaseditsgripwithallfourfeetandthetail.Itisveryeasytobreakthedelicatebonesinthefeetandtailsbysnatchinghimawaytoofast!Beawarethatthefeetandtailmaybelookingforsomethingelsetograbasyouremovethechameleonoutoftheenclosure. Ideally,yougetachameleonoutofhisenclosurebyprovidingyourhandasaclimbingsurfaceinfrontofyourchameleonathisfootlevel.Youusetheotherhandtocoaxthechameleontocrawlontoyourhand.Holding the Chameleon Asyouhandleyourchameleon,especiallynewones,beawarethatatypicalchameleondefensebehavioristodropoutofthetreestoescapeapredator.Untamedchameleonsmaynotjustdrop,butactivelyjumpoffyourhand.Youcantellthechancesofthechameleonjumpingbyhowharditisholdingontoyourhand.Ittakestimeandfamiliaritytoworkthisoutofachameleon.Ifyourchameleonkeepsjumpingoffintospacethenheneedsmorefamiliaritywithyoubeingaroundandfeedinghim.Chame-leonsaresmartandwillgettoknowyouwithtime. Ifachameleonisfeelingthreatened,butdoesnotwanttojump,youwillverylikelyencounterthechameleonsalutewherehepuffsupandone,orboth,ofhisfrontlegswillbedrawnup.Thisisa“standandbluff/fight”posture. Theywillpuff themselvesup to lookasbigas theycan.Moveslowlyandbepatient.Eventually,whenthechameleonhasgottenusedtoyouthiswillgoaway.Ifthisbehaviorisaccompaniedbyswayingandagapingmouththenbeware-youareindangerofbeingbitten. Therearesomeaggressiveindividualsthatwillgoforthebite.Cha-meleonsdohave teethandcanbitehard. Somechameleonswillbreakskinanddodamage.Ifyoumustholdachameleonpronetobitingthengentlyusearestraininggrip.(Seepicture).Itmustbeonlyfirmenoughtopreventbitingorjumping.Protectioncomesfromthepositionofyourfin-gersbehindthehead,notfrompressureonthejaws,whichcanharmthechameleon. Chameleonswill eventually lose their fear of humans. How longthistakesdependsonhowcalmyouareandhowwellyouavoidactinglikeapredator(inthechameleon’seyes). Moveslowlyandavoidcomingatthemfromabove(asapredatorwould).Chameleonsaresmartenoughtorecognizedifferenthumansandwilllearnwhichonesbringthemfood.Ifhandlingisanimportantpartofchameleonkeepingforyouthenbepatientandverysensitivetoyourchameleon’scomfortlevel.Goatyourchame-leon’space,notyourown.

Proper handling of a chameleon.(Trioceros melleri)

Chameleons will feel secure withtheir tail wrapped firmly around theirperch. (Trioceros montium)

Most chameleons would rather bluffthan bite. Most…

A gentle restraining grip safely con-tains this spirited female Veiled Chame-leon. (Chamaeleo calyptratus)

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WHERE TO GO FROM HERE: LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Thismayseemlikealottotakeon,anditis.Thisisactuallyonlythetipoftheiceberg!Butastheverystrongchameleoncommunitywilldemonstrate,it is a passionmany people jump into headlong. ItisamazingwhatIknowaboutlife,health,nutrition,environments,entomology,construction,politics,andparasitologybecauseofmyinvolvementwithchame-leons.Somepeoplewillbecontenttohavejustonechameleon.Otherswillstarttowanttofurthertheirinvolvementwith chameleons. The key is to ensureyoudonotgetaheadofyourselfandgetintoodeep-ly.Therecomesapointwhereyouarenowaslavetoyourchameleonsandneitherenjoyingitnorabletoprovideadequatecare. Ifyoudesiremore involve-ment, focusingyourenergywillavoidaquickburn-out.Breeding chameleons Thenextstepmanytakeistomakeapairandtrytobreedchameleons.Thisisawonderfullyfulfill-ingandeducationalexperience.ThebestadviceIcangive istofirstgetcomfortablewithasinglechame-leonwhiledoingyourresearchonbreeding.Collecting chameleons We have all done it. There are somany in-credible species of chameleons. How can you havejust one? But this is wherewe fall into the trap ofoverextendingourselves.Thebestwaytoextendyourcollectionistodoitslowly.Doyourresearchonthespeciesofyourchoiceasdifferentspeciesrequiredif-ferentconditions.

Conclusion Youhavejusthadyourcrashcourseinchame-leonkeeping.Butitisjustaglanceonthesurface!Ifyouhavedecidedtogoforwardandgetachameleon,youhavetwoassignmentstogettonext.1)Research.-ListentotheChameleonBreederPodcastoniTunesor online at www.chameleonbreeder.com. There iseven a dedicated iPhone/iPad Chameleon BreederPodcastapp-Study the back issue of the Chameleons! eZine atwww.chameleonnews.com.Itisthefinestcollectionofchameleoncommunityknowledgeavailable.2)Getinvolvedinthatchameleoncommunity.-www.chameleonforums.com isouroldestactive fo-rum. It has a good blend of beginners and experi-encedoldtimers.-IfFacebookisyourspeed,considerChameleonCen-tralUSAwhereyoucanrequestapersonalmentor.Onbothoftheseyou’llhaveaworldfullofpeopletoaskquestionsofandshareexperiences The chameleon community is made up of averydiversegroupofpeopletiedtogetherbyapas-sionfortheseminitreedragons.Itisaworldthatisrichwithpossibilitiesforpersonalgrowthandenjoy-ment.Jumpin,makefriends,andexplorethisincred-iblenewworld!

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