Chameleon is a reptile from the family of the suborder lizards. Its length varies from 3 centimeters to 60. These reptiles are known for their unusual eyes - they rotate 360 degrees independently of each other. Chameleons catch prey with their tongue with a suction cup, it is thrown out instantly and instantly takes its original position in the mouth. This maneuver takes no more than a second from the reptile. Surprisingly, many people have such a strange pet at home.
Features of chameleons
In a reptile, cells with pigments of brown, black, yellow and red are located in the subcutaneous layer, so the chameleon can change its color. Due to the combination of pigments, different shades appear. The chameleon color changes rapidly, becoming yellow, orange, white, green, brown or black. The chameleon can also partially change color - the reptile can become covered with stripes or spots. Color changes depending on light, temperature, fright, irritation, humidity, for protection, during the breeding season.
There are many types of chameleons. In the terrariums you can see the panther chameleon, the Yemeni chameleon, and the carpet chameleon. Jackson's chameleon and four-horned chameleon are less common and very demanding to breed at home.
How to keep a chameleon at home
Now you will not surprise anyone with a domestic chameleon - now this is a frequent occurrence. Here are the main rules for the care and maintenance of such pets:
1. When buying, pay attention to the type of chameleon. The lizard should not look skinny and sick. Chameleons are very difficult to heal. It is better to refuse to buy a rare species.
2. For the male, choose a terrarium 50x50x120 (LHV), for the female - 40x50x80. The sex of a lizard is easy to determine. The male is much brighter; it has a thickening at the base of the tail. remember to install ventilation and heating lamps in the terrarium.
3. Equip the terrarium with snags and "trees", which the chameleon usually climbs in the wild.
4. Humidity - 70-100%, temperature during the day - 28 degrees, at night - 22.
5. Feed the chameleon with store-bought insects. If desired, you can breed them yourself. Give the lizard fruit every day. Feed the larger ones with mice.
6. Do not keep several males in one terrarium, they will immediately start fighting for territory.
7. Chameleons quickly get used to home life. They will be wary of strangers, sometimes aggressive.
