CHAMELEON VEILED (Chamaeleo calyptratus)

Veiled Chameleon Care Guide

Natural Habitat

• Native to Yemen and Saudi Arabia

• Arboreal (tree-dwelling), solitary, and territorial

• Thrive in warm, humid climates with access to foliage for climbing and hiding

Enclosure Setup

Size:

• Juveniles: 16″ x 16″ x 30″

• Adults: At least 24″ x 24″ x 48″ (vertical space is crucial)

Enclosure Type:

• Screen cages preferred for ventilation

• Avoid glass tanks; they retain too much humidity and can cause stress

Substrate:

• Paper towels, reptile carpet, or bare bottom for easy cleaning

• Avoid loose substrates (e.g., sand, coconut fiber) to prevent impaction

Climbing Structures:

• Include branches, vines, and live or artificial plants

• Provide horizontal and vertical climbing opportunities

☀️ Lighting & Heating

UVB Lighting:

• Essential for calcium absorption and bone health

• Use a 10.0 UVB bulb (T5 HO preferred) for 10–12 hours daily

• Replace bulbs every 6 months

Basking Light:

• Temperature: 85–95°F (29–35°C)

• Use a dome fixture with a heat bulb

Ambient Temperature:

• Day: 72–82°F (22–28°C)

• Night: 65–72°F (18–22°C)

Humidity:

• 50–70%, with spikes to 80% after misting

• Mist the enclosure 2–3 times daily or use an automated misting system

Diet & Nutrition

Staple Foods:

• Gut-loaded insects: crickets, dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae

• Occasional treats: waxworms, superworms (high fat)

Vegetables (optional but beneficial):

• Collard greens, dandelion greens, mustard greens

• Fruits sparingly (e.g., berries, mango)

Supplementation:

• Calcium without D3: dust insects every feeding

• Calcium with D3: once every 7–14 days

• Multivitamin: once every 2–4 weeks

Hydration

• Veiled chameleons typically do not drink from standing water

• Provide water via:

  • Daily misting (important for hydration and humidity)

  • Dripper systems

  • Occasional showers (optional, not all tolerate it)

⚕️ Health & Behavior

Signs of Good Health:

• Active and alert

• Eating regularly

• Strong grip, vibrant color

Common Issues:

• Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) – from lack of calcium/UVB

• Dehydration – sunken eyes, wrinkled skin

• Respiratory Infections – from poor ventilation or high humidity

• Stress – excessive handling or poor enclosure setup

Handling Tips

• Veiled chameleons are not fond of handling

• Best kept as a display pet

• Handle minimally to reduce stress

♀️ Special Note on Females

• Females may lay infertile eggs even without a mate

• Provide a laying bin with moist soil (about 6–8″ deep) once they reach maturity