Remember that chameleons, in general, are not good as beginner reptiles due to their complex needs and susceptibility to stress (especially when handling them), but if you're an experienced reptile owner and you're ready to take the next step, the veiled chameleon might be for you. When you've found a captive-bred chameleon, watch it. They must be bright and active, able to change color and have a very fleshy body. The Panther chameleon is the best and most popular pet chameleon in existence.
They are very colorful and can change color to blend, making them a great choice for beginners because they don't stress as easily as other types of chameleons. Male panthers grow to be between 24 and 30 inches in length, while female panthers are between 20 and 24 inches. The Senegalese chameleon is a good choice for a beginner. They are small, reaching a length of only 6-8 inches.
When you see these signs, your chameleon is stressed and, depending on the species, may bite you to defend itself. Like the panther chameleon, they are great for beginners because they are resilient and can tolerate many of the mishaps in caring knowledge that a beginner will inevitably have. Chameleons are a unique and bright species that have the ability to change color to camouflage with their environment, regulate temperatures and communicate with other chameleons. The Panther and Veiled chameleons, both considered among the most popular and easy-care champions, react negatively to excessive handling.
Another popular pet chameleon for beginners is the Veiled Chameleon because it is very resistant and easy to care for, but you should keep in mind that they are not as colorful or active compared to the Panther Chameleon. In addition, allowing some exposure to natural sunlight through an open window (glass filters out almost all the UV radiation needed) will help keep chameleons happy and healthy. The only negative of this chameleon is that it has a much less docile temperament than other lizards, which can make it difficult to handle. Research and find a reputable breeder or pet store that only sells captive-bred chameleons because most wild-caught chameleons, unfortunately, carry parasites and can also have stress-related illnesses.
Because they come from relatively dry forest regions, veiled chameleons require a temperature of around 85 degrees Fahrenheit using a reflected bulb or ceramic heat lamp. When you're serious about buying, take your time to observe its movements and actions before going ahead with the deal to make sure it's a healthy chameleon. This species lives in colder climates than other chameleons and does not tolerate extreme conditions of dryness or heat. Chameleons seem to work best with a variety of insects, so try to feed your pet as many types of insects as possible.
You may have seen a lot of YouTube videos showing people holding their chameleons or a chameleon running to the front of the cage.