If you’re looking for a pet that will get a lot of attention for its unusual characteristics, the veiled chameleon is definitely a contender.
The veiled chameleon is common in the reptile enthusiast circle but is unique for its ability to change colors under certain conditions as well as the distinct ridge on top of its head, called a “casque.” The easily identifiable casque continues to grow throughout the chameleon’s life, which is approximately five to eight years depending on gender and various other factors.
“They’re not as rare as they used to be,” says Bobbie Waggoner, owner of Fish & Critters, a pet store in McMinnville. “In the reptile community, the Jackson and veiled chameleons are easy to come by. They’re still really cool and a great option for beginners.”
According to the Ness Exotic Wellness Center, there are several things you can do to make your veiled chameleon’s habitat more like its natural one, such as providing it with proper lighting and landscaping. These chameleons are “arboreal” which means they prefer to travel among branches on a vertical plane instead of the more horizontal and flat preference of other reptiles.
Supplying them with lots of foliage to hide in and climb gives them heaps of enrichment and makes them feel safe. Being cold-blooded, they rely on heat from their surrounding area to regulate their body heat. They do best with a terrarium that maintains a temperature gradient of 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit at the warm side with a basking spot reaching closer to 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ness Exotic Wellness Center goes on to suggest that substrate be limited to reptile carpet, newspaper or paper towels as these materials are less likely to harbor mold. That’s not to say they don’t need humidity, however, as their enclosure should maintain 50-60% humidity for the best health. They also have a unique penchant for preferring their water to come off of leaves in their environment so misting must be done a couple times a day so that they receive enough fluids to avoid kidney dysfunction, a common issue veiled chameleons are prone to.
Like all reptiles kept in captivity, they also need supplemented calcium – usually applied at feeding time by “dusting” the crickets or other insects fed to them - and they benefit greatly from having UVB light exposure. The UVB light allows their body to use the calcium they ingest to promote proper bone and body functions.
“They’re very easy to handle but they don’t like being held,” advised Waggoner. “We haven’t had a single one that showed any aggression or tried to bite us.” Their tolerance for being handled shouldn’t be confused for enjoyment, as it can prove stressful for them and should be limited to instances where it must be done for their wellbeing such as administering medication or doing a physical examination.
They remain a good entry option for first-time reptile owners and can prove to be interesting and fulfilling pets to keep despite the fine balance of elements needed to keep them happy and healthy.
