Who’s here familiar with the Chameleon? Chameleons are one unique species that takes a special kind of person to love and raise. They are best known for their colour changing features that blends them with their current backgrounds – a real treat to the eye. They are unique magical animals, but with such beauty comes great responsibilities.
Breeders who plan to raise Chameleons of their own should always note that raising them will not be a walk in the park. Chameleons need extra care and routined health practices to maintain their prime health. Breeders should also keep an eye out on their moods: after all, a happy Chameleon is a healthy Chameleon.
In order to commit to this, breeders are advised to do more prior research on the matter and adopt the routine of their own. There are multiple ways to raise a Chameleon – since some practices may need to be tailored according to their individual needs – but there are also general steps and methods you could adopt to your care routine. In this article, we will be listing some of them down. So, without further ado, here are the 10 ways to raise a healthy Chameleon.
1. Understand Their Individual Needs
Before jumping and constructing a tailored routine, breeders are advised to take some time off to know and fully introduce themselves to their Chameleon counterparts. Generally, these magical creatures have a fragile physique – therefore, breeders should refrain from over petting them to avoid any unwanted circumstances. Though Chameleons generally enjoy being petted, smart breeders should keep in mind the following.
Chameleons are also prone to stress, coldness, and sickness. They are loner animals by default, so breeders should think twice before investing on another Chameleon and placing them in the same habitat as their peer. Chameleons can get possessive of their territories – so it is wise to consider investing on another terrarium for their peer. Knowing their sensitivity to personal space and touch, breeders are encouraged to keep their spaces to avoid stress – which could then develop to health-threatening stress.
2. Cage Construction
Another thing breeders should consider for the sake of their Chameleon’s health would be their cage’s construction. Designating a comfortable living space for Chameleons would prevent them from feeling stressed. Due to their individualistic personalities, Chameleons would appreciate if their living spaces are located far away from other species and potential predators such as chickens, cats, and dogs.
Considering these factors into mind, most breeders would resort to a reptarium that is measured 3 times their body length. The reptarium should be located in cool shaded areas far off from harsh direct sunlight and rain. They should also not be in the way of human activities – where the noise, movements, and stress might influence a Chameleon’s life.
3. Aquarium
As mentioned previously, most breeders would opt for a reptarium – or an aquarium designated for reptiles. The main material used for these terrariums would be glass – as they provide a cool heating material that both captures sunlight and provides cool shade. More so, a glass aquarium gives the illusion of a spacious living area – to prevent the overwhelming feeling of claustrophobia amongst the Chameleons.
4. The Right Feed
Another thing breeders should always consider in keeping their Chameleon’s health in top shape is to provide them the right nutritional feed daily. Vitamin and nutrition packed food will help Chameleons maintain the overall health of their immune systems and prevent them from getting infected in dangerous diseases and illnesses. Though the types of feed may vary to different shapes, costs, and forms – there are general types that breeders could choose from. First, an organic feed is always a safe option – seeing that they are free from any chemicals and preservatives. However, an alternative choice which is taken in a form of over-the-counter pellets is also a viable option – for breeders who value convenience. If breeders are in doubt with the right choice of feed, they could consult nutritionalist professionals for advises.
5. Hydration
Aside from the proper feed, breeders should also pay close attention to their Chameleon’s hydration levels. Breeders should routinely change their water feeds so that their Chameleons have access to fresh clean water. If the breeders have the time, Chameleons love little obstacles that mimics their natural habitat to access the clean waters. In doing so, breeders could spread fake or real leaves around the premises that may cover the water dish.
Another way you could hydrate your Chameleons is to spray water droplets on the walls of their aquarium to mimic rainfall. Chameleons would have a fun way to consume their water needs that is similar to how it is in nature. This unconventional way could also push your Chameleons to move around and exercise – which is needed to maintain their overall good health.
6. Warmth
Chameleons require a good source of warmth to maintain their overall health too. To fulfil this need to the fullest, most breeders would install a 60 watt lighting above their Chameleon’s aquarium to prevent the coldness. When installing these lights, be sure to only have them lit on nights and not on day time to prevent overheating – which would trigger stress.es.
7. Maintain Living Spaces Humidity
The ideal humidity rate in a Chameleon’s aquarium should reach about 50%. Any less than that could get in the way of a Chameleon’s breathing pattern – whilst any more than 80% could trigger the growth of molds and illness-carrying fungi surrounding the aquarium. To maintain the good balance, breeders could keep a close eye on the water content and levels of the aquarium and be sure that it is not too much nor too less.
8. Use a Spray Bottle
A spray bottle is a useful tool breeders could use to maintain the humidity levels of the aquarium. As also previously mentioned, a spray bottle could also provide a different format in feeding Chameleons – which would mimic water droplets. Whatever use of a spray bottle has for Chameleon breeders, be sure that the water inside the tool is sterilised and clean from any illnesses and diseases.
9. Socialising
Another important routine often taken for granted is socialising your Chameleons with both their peers and yourself. Despite their individualistic nature, socialising is an important process that is practiced to exercise their social and emotional behaviour. In doing so, it helps the Chameleons by sunbathing them in natural sunlight to receive a healthy dose of vitamin D.
10. Cleaning and Sanitation
One last, and certainly not the least important, routine breeders must pick up is sanitising and cleaning the Chameleon’s living areas. Keeping said places clean would literally wash the diseases and illnesses away. In doing so, breeders should first move their Chameleons in a temporary location, and then spray antiseptic waters around the area. Though store-bought antiseptic should do the trick, a financially savvy way to make this mixture is to combine vinegar and baking soda with warm water. Gently scrub every corner of the aquarium to ensure that it is sanitised from dangerous diseases.
While washing is an important process in sanitising the aquarium, breeders should also be sure to pick up any leftover foods that could potentially be a nest for dangerous disease. Breeders should adopt this habit and change their feeding stations for at least 2-3 times a week.
This marks the list of 10 ways to raise a healthy Chameleon. Note that these are general tips, and that breeders have many other options they could adopt into their care routine. Every Chameleon is also different – thus having different needs and wants. Before tailoring a care routine, take some time and run some background checks with the professionals to understand their needs.