Panther Chameleon
Panther Chameleon can be found throughout Madagascar. Males are up to 21 inches long while females are about half that size. Life Span is about 5 years. The live in forests, trees, bushes and sometimes near human habitations. Panther Chameleons come in a variety of colors depending on where they are from and their sex.
They are very attractive looking, but don't like to be held. The don't care for people and stress easily when there is foot traffic near their cages, loud noises like music or TV and they certainly don't like other nosy pets.
Panther Chameleons should be housed separately where they cannot even see each other. A wire enclosure is good measuring 3 feet long, 2 feet wide and 4 feet high is appropriate for an adult male. Floor covering can be paper towels, newspaper or cardboard for easy cleaning as they are disposable. Live plants such as pothos, hibiscus and dracena or artificial plants should be included. Secure perches such as branches should be provided at different levels.
Daytime temperatures of 75-80 degrees with a basking site temperature of 90 degrees is adequate. Night temperatures can be 70 degrees. For a 12 hour light cycle, provide a UVB lamp. Humidity should be kept at 60-80 percent and daily misting is necessary. There are also commercial herp humidifiers available. A drip system is best for drinking water as these chameleons don't drink from bowls.
They can eat a variety of gut-loaded insects (ie. crickets, mealworms, roaches) every 2-3 days. Insects dusted with multivitamins can be fed once a week. A calcium supplement should be given every 3rd feeding.
Veiled Chameleon
The Veiled Chameleon is native to Yemen and Saudi Arabia. It has become established in Florida and Hawaii. Its color is green, but as its mood changes, so can the color. Females tend to be more green while the males are brighter colors. Adults can be 18 inches - 2 feet in length. They have what looks like a helmet on their heads. They don't enjoy handling. Its best to keep only one Veiled Chameleon to an enclosure.
A screened enclosure of at least 4 feet tall is suitable.You can include non-toxic plants and branches. Water can be provided by misting leaves of plants. Check with the breeder about light and heat sources. Diet should consist of gut loaded crickets and sometimes they will take food from your hand with their long sticky tongues. The diet can also include different types of worms.
