Reptile enthusiasts are often wowed by the tranquil beauty of chameleons. As a result, these intriguing animals are widely sold as pets, but sadly, many see their lives cut short due to the lack of knowledge and care from well-meaning owners. Indeed, the chameleon is arguably one of the least suitable reptiles for most pet owners.
Many first-time buyers do not know how to recognize the signs of stress or illness in their pets, and many people do not consider that these reptiles are particularly sensitive. In addition, specialized veterinary care for these pets is often more expensive than one might expect.
Let’s dig into just how difficult it is to care for one of these unique creatures and what’s required from you as a pet owner.
The 4 Reasons Chameleons Are Difficult to Keep in Captivity
Chameleons are fragile and sensitive reptiles. Poor captive conditions and improper nutrition are the main causes of serious health problems in these cold-blooded animals:
1. The Chameleon Needs a Specific Living Space
The vivarium is essential for the well-being of your reptile. A typical setup should be at least 3’ x 3’ x 4’. Ideally, the vivarium should be placed on a table rather than on the floor; this will help your chameleon to have a privileged and higher point of view, which will be closer to their natural living environment.
In addition, it will be necessary to accessorize the vivarium. For example, it must be equipped with a UV lamp, a mister, and a reptile mat or paper on the ground. You should also add a large piece of bark and reproduce as much as possible the natural habitat of your chameleon with, for example, hiding places or relief elements to allow them to climb.
These additional supplies add to the already high cost of the vivarium, another essential factor to consider if you are looking to adopt a chameleon.
2. The Chameleon Has Special Nutritional Needs
Chameleons are carnivorous. They must hunt their prey and move a lot, making them unfit for life in a tight space. In addition, they are very easily subjected to stress and need branches and flying, hopping, or crawling insects to hunt. This means you will need to have a supply of crickets, mealworms, or wax worms. Plus, you’ll need to sprinkle the bugs with supplements to ensure your chameleon gets all the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
Another consideration is how to give them water. They prefer, as in the wild, to drink drops of water that trickle from the leaves. So, you can’t just put a bowl of water at the bottom of their vivarium, hoping your reptile will go and quench its thirst. Instead, you will need to mist their environment regularly or buy an automatic water mister.
3. The Chameleon Does Not Like to Be Handled
Chameleons are solitary, silent creatures that require very little attention from their human parents. So, unlike most other pets, these eye-catching pet reptiles are best kept for viewing, not handling. In addition, handling causes a lot of stress in the chameleon, and stress is one of the major causes of other health problems.
In addition, it is not always easy to detect signs of distress in this reptile. Nonetheless, the change in the color of their skin is often perceived as a reflection of their physiological state, indicating that the animal might be distressed.
4. Chameleons Aren’t Domesticated
Chameleons aren’t considered domesticated animals and many individuals sold as pets are wild-caught. This means that adopting a chameleon, even with the best of intentions may fuel the unhealthy cycle of the capture of more wild animals. Doing so may also mean that you’ve inadvertently supported the illegal capture of animals.
Like all other animals, chameleons play important roles in their natural environments to ensure the entire ecosystem remains as healthy and stable as possible. Displacing them from their natural environment results in the loss of an individual to perform this role.
Bottom Line
The needs and care of a chameleon are more specific than many other pets, including other reptiles. Besides, despite all your good care, a chameleon has a relatively short life expectancy and rarely exceeds five to eight years. Finally, the conditions in which they are sold are often appalling, which further affects their quality of life. Therefore, bringing one into your home should be carefully considered.
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Featured Image Credit: Alex Tihonovs, Shutterstock
