Chameleons As Pets

Chameleons are appealing in appearance and their mystical ways of
changing colors are fascinating. Keeping chameleon as pets could be
difficult as compared to other pets as they are not very friendly and
they need a lot of extra care. But if you are serious about raising a
Chameleon you will find they are by far the most fascinating pets you
could ever ask for.

When selecting a chameleon, it is without question best to find a
captive bred one. Wild caught specimens are usually extremely
stressed, carry a heavy parasite load, and difficult to acclimate to
captive conditions.

Chameleons are generally best for intermediate reptile keepers.
Therefore, prior reptile experience or reading would be beneficial. It
is very important to have knowledge on chameleons before you keep one
as pet.

Sometimes because of negligence many die due to stress, disease,
improper care, dehydration or starvation hence it is very important to
know about their health, diet, housing them, etc.

Depending on species, captive-bred male chameleons generally live 4 to
6 years in captivity, whereas captive-bred female chameleons live only
2 to 3 years in captivity. Wild-caught or imported chameleons do not
live as long in captivity and may only live for a few months to a few
years.

Before you buy a chameleon always ask your pet store where your
chameleon came from and if it has been deparasitized.

They must be re-treated for parasites periodically. Ask a qualified,
knowledgeable staff person or expert. If you are a beginning keeper,
seek the advice of others with more experience.

Take them with you to help you choose your animal. Choose an animal
with a plump, well-rounded body. Hips or backbones that are protruding
are signs of several underlying problems.

Also check the eyes to see that they are bright and alert, have no
"crusty" appearance, and are not sunken into the animal's head. Make
sure your animal looks

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