They need the ventilation provided by a mesh enclosure. Fine metal or fiberglass mesh is not recommended, but PVC coated hardware cloth is good. Vertical space is essential and a cage size of 36 inches by 24 inches by 36 to 48 inches tall is recommended (the larger and taller the better). In general, most chameleons need very large enclosures with good fresh air circulation.
Because most are arboreal (live in plants or trees), they need large plants to climb. Many like to be occasionally sprayed with water, and everyone needs a regular source of dripping water to drink. Like bearded dragons, chameleons also need access to natural sunlight or a lighting device that provides intense, warm, full-spectrum light. To help you achieve this, I've made a list of the 11 essential accessories you need to create a happy habitat for your chameleon pet.
They don't get too hot either, which is important because, although chameleons need heat, too much heat can cause them distress, more health problems, and make them feel uncomfortable. That is, you need to make sure that the table is high enough that, when you put the cage on the table, your chameleon's sunbathing spot is higher than your head when you're standing. So make sure that the table, dresser, or whatever you choose to place the cage allows it. It also ensures that it is sturdy and able to withstand some water damage.
I had my chameleon's cage on an old wooden table and when my chameleon passed by, the wood was quite worn and the water damaged by the amount of water it has been exposed to over the years. Of course, this can be prevented with an effective drainage system, but it's something to keep in mind. This is absolutely essential for the survival of a chameleon. Chameleons absorb UVB light from the sun, allowing them to produce vitamin D3 in the skin.
This, in turn, allows them to absorb calcium from their food, without this, the chameleon will eventually develop metabolic bone disease, a terrible disease in which a chameleon's bones twist and deform. Obviously, the sun is not available to provide this in captivity, so as guardians we must also imitate this in its enclosure. This is done by using a UVB bulb and a kit that is placed on top of the housing. My favorite is the Arcadia 6%, which conveniently comes with the included accessory.
You can also choose the Reptisun LED UVB 5.0, which comes with essential LED bulbs built in for full spectrum lighting. UVB bulbs should be changed every 6-9 months because, even if they continue to work, the amount of UVB rays they emit will drop to levels that are too low to benefit your chameleon. I was always amazed at how much my chameleon animated and showed brighter colors every time I changed its UVB bulb. These are led lights that mimic daylight for your chameleon and are essential for improving their vision.
Many lights are labeled full spectrum, but only those between 6000k and 6500k are appropriate. Having a hygrometer like this allows you to constantly measure three things at once. Humidity, which should be between 50% and 60% depending on the species, the ambient temperature of the rest of the cage and the sun point used by the probe. Simply place the device on the side of the cage and you're done.
Your thoughts? 2- You say a cage with a mosquito net is better. What happens to cigarette smoke in the house? Will this affect them? I like the idea of the screen, but I was thinking of going with a glass house because of the smoke. Just like sunlight, you must recreate this in captivity, or else your chameleon will become seriously ill from dehydration. To ensure that your veiled chameleon receives a good amount of plant material, you can carry the guts to the insects you feed or directly feed fresh cut fruits and vegetables.
Manufacturers claim to have fixed this problem and I have no reason not to believe them, but I think longer tubes are better at providing more UVB coverage in the chameleon cage. This means that placing backgrounds of different colors in your cage will not cause a veiled chameleon to turn into that color. However, if you have a large family, with small children, other pets, such as dogs, and they are usually in the living room, then your chameleon may feel uncomfortable. You might be tempted to think that because they would be in control of an entire room, you could keep two or more chameleons together.
Don't buy an LCD bulb, as they don't emit heat and are useless in providing a warm place to sunbathe your chameleon. To prevent this situation from becoming serious, I suggest you put your chameleon in a room that has little human traffic in your house. In terms of floors, also known as substrate, there is an ongoing debate about whether chameleons need it or not. The ideal size of a chameleon cage is 24 x 24 x 48, as it gives your chameleon plenty of room to climb, but also to hide when needed.
Chameleon-keeping equipment and chameleons themselves are available at major pet retailers, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Keep in mind that most chameleons are so territorial and aggressive that, even in a large room, there would probably be conflict and stress. Although chameleon residue is usually not a problem, all surfaces are made of materials that are easily cleaned. Making sure they're at the right level is extremely important to your chameleon's health and well-being.
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