Chameleons are lizards that predominantly live in trees and are capable of changing body color depending on their condition and environmental conditions. Many exotic lovers are not averse to adopting such a pet. Most often, panther or Yemeni chameleons are kept at home. These species will delight the owners from 5 to 9 years old.
Instructions
Step 1
In order for a chameleon in a house or city apartment to be healthy and live a long life, you need to create an environment for it that is as close to natural as possible. A tiny 20-40 liter aquarium will not work. Before you get this exotic animal, you need to equip a spacious home for it.
Step 2
To keep one chameleon, you will need a terrarium, the volume of which must be at least 200 liters. The terrarium should be larger in height than in width. It is also required to purchase a thermometer in order to be able to control the temperature inside the chameleon's dwelling (ideally, it should be 28-30 degrees Celsius). The humidity inside the terrarium must be kept constant - at least 70 percent. To achieve this, you need heaters and a humidifier. It is advisable to install an ultraviolet lamp or a special lamp with the desired color temperature (measured in Kelvin) above the terrarium. One of the walls of the chameleon's dwelling can be made not of glass or plastic, but tightened with a non-metallic mesh. This will make it easier to ventilate the interior and prevent the air from stagnating.
Step 3
Inside the terrarium, it is necessary to equip a reservoir with clean water, which must be changed regularly. Remember to plant live plants and set up branches or a piece of tree for the lizard to climb.
Step 4
Before purchasing a chameleon, you should take care of food for it. Usually this type of lizard feeds on live mealworms, crickets, flies, grasshoppers, locusts, zoophobes, cockroaches. Chameleons get vitamins from bananas, citrus fruits, grapes and other fruits. Young chameleons should eat 2 times a day. A lot of food should be offered: the lizard itself will determine how much it needs to eat. Adult chameleons eat 2-3 times a week and less than juveniles.
Step 5
In nature, chameleons lick off the dew or rain droplets that run down the leaves. In captivity, it is necessary to spray live plants inside the terrarium 2-4 times a day so that the lizard does not feel thirsty. Some breeders also use rodent drinkers in the form of a container with a spout inside which a ball is inserted.
Step 6
The terrarium must be cleaned once every 1, 5-2 weeks. You should not remove the chameleon from his home, as this can lead to stress. For cleaning, stock up on a separate cloth, a brush with a long soft bristle (for sweeping away small debris), a brush with a short hard bristle (for removing stubborn dirt).
Step 7
Chameleons feel comfortable enough when kept alone, therefore, it is not worthwhile to settle several individuals in one terrarium, especially since fights for space may arise. These lizards are able to learn to recognize the owner, to take food from his hands. They allow themselves to be stroked, but they never become completely tame, like cats.
Step 8
When you have everything ready for the arrival of a new pet, you can start choosing the right individual. It is better to buy a chameleon from breeders in your city. These lizards, as a rule, cannot stand a long journey without the necessary conditions (temperature, humidity). Before buying, inspect the chameleon: there should be no growths, swellings, bumps, areas of darkened skin on the body, there should be no mucus or foam in the mouth, and the eyes should not be closed or covered.
