The flap-necked variety is a short-lived chameleon that is relatively easy to keep as a pet. Because of their forgiving nature and ability to adapt to captivity, these animals make excellent pets. Read on to learn how to care for your new pet. There are several things to remember, such as enclosing your new pet and feeding it properly.
Symptoms of chameleon’s digestive disease
Stomatitis is a condition in which bacteria affect the chameleon’s jawline. These infections lead to swelling of the gums, the development of a yellow pus, and black bumps on the gumline outside of the mouth. Chameleons with this disease may have difficulty opening and closing their mouths, refuse to eat, or even exhibit behavioral changes. Luckily, this condition is preventable with proper husbandry conditions and regular cleaning of the enclosure.
Aside from the digestive problems, chameleons can also develop edema, a condition that may be prevented with proper chameleon husbandry and proper supplementation. If your chameleon develops diarrhea, it should be taken to a veterinarian for treatment. The chances of recovery are slim, but it’s best to be safe than sorry. Diarrhea is a symptom of other problems, including parasites and bacterial infections.
Enclosure requirements
As the name implies, baby chameleons should be housed in small, screened enclosures. The size and shape of the enclosure should be suitable for the animal’s age and body type. They should have a minimum size of eight to ten inches to maximize their movement and avoid being trapped in their enclosure. If possible, the enclosure should be free of reflections to avoid damaging the animal’s eyes. Baby chameleons should be housed in separate rooms, rather than in a large, unscreened enclosure.
When selecting the substrate for a chameleon’s habitat, keep in mind that it should be 100% reptile proof. The best substrate is a topsoil mixture, which is free of sand, fertilizers, and reptile carpet. Climbing plants will provide a climbing surface for the animal, and paper towels can be used as lining. Make sure to remove any loose particles from the substrate, including the paper towels, before placing the chameleon inside.
Feeding a baby chameleon
You can feed your chameleon the same way you feed a small baby. You can do this by offering the chameleon a meal of crickets or other small insects. Baby chameleons do not bite, but they can hiss when threatened or their natural habitat is invaded. These creatures are delicate animals and will not approach you unless you offer them food.
You can also feed your chameleon live crickets. You can buy live crickets and prepare them by gut loading them with calcium powder. Place them in different locations in the cage to attract them. These crickets will attract the chameleons and make good pets. Insects are the most preferred food for chameleons, but Dubia roaches are also acceptable.
Keeping a chameleon away from other pets
If you are a pet owner and are considering getting a chameleon, there are many factors to keep in mind. First and foremost, it is best to keep a chameleon separate from other pets. For starters, you should keep a chameleon in a separate room from other pets. It is also important to keep birds and other pets out of the cage, as these species are predators of chameleons.
You should also keep two chameleons apart from one another. They may not fight on the first day, but after they have adapted to each other, they will begin to fight over dominance. As a result, housing two chameleons together can lead to their short lifespans. Therefore, it is best to keep two or more chameleons in separate cages.
Taking care of a baby chameleon
If you’re thinking about getting a chameleon as a pet, you should know that they need special care and are not as easily adaptable as some other species of lizards. Their habitat should be screened to reduce stress levels and must contain two to three inches of coconut fiber or reptile bark. The cage should have a humidity level of 40% to 60% and temperature range of 75-85degF.
Baby chameleons do not sleep during the day, so if you see them sleeping in the morning, there’s probably something wrong with their set-up. Check the lights and temperature, and check for loose insects. It’s best to buy a baby chameleon rather than a fully-grown one, which requires extra care. Baby chameleons are not suited for beginners, as they are a bit small and delicate.