This species of Chameleon originates around the river valleys in Yemen and Southern Saudi Arabia. The average adult body size is between 25 and 50cm. Males are usually bigger and have a more prominent head crest. This species has a fast growth rate and can be very close to its adult size by around eight months.
DIET
We suggest gut loading your live food with fresh fruit and jelly pots. These lizards should be delivered food from an opaque raised dish, enabling the Chameleon to catch the food as it climbs out. Young chameleons should be fed on a daily basis, on small crickets. Adults should be offered food every alternate day. Adults can be offered insect prey such as house flies, crickets, fruit flies, wax worms and mealworms. They should also be offered small amounts of fruits and salads.
REQUIREMENTS
Heat Source: This can be either reflector (spot) lights in blue, green, red, or ceramic bulbs.
UltraViolet Light Source:- Need a 5.0% UVB lamp. This should be left on for 8 to 12 hours a day and replaced every six months unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. This will make a day and night effect and give your reptile levels of UV to help vitamin D3 synthesis.
Thermostat: An important part of every vivarium is needed to manage the heat inside the vivarium and prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.
Wire Housing:- This can be either a wooden Vivarium or a new Vivarium on the market; the Reptariums are ideal for chameleons as long as they are situated in a draught-free area. Adult Chameleons should be accommodated individually; if a pair is housed together, the enclosure must be massive!
TEMPERATURES
The temperature at the basking area should be between 32C and 37C, with a background temperature falling to around 26C at the coolest point. At night the temperature may be allowed to fall to around 22C.
HUMIDITY
Veiled Chameleons, generally, will not drink standing water. The perfect way to provide water for these reptiles is to make a drip watering system. The enclosure should also be misted every day.
SALMONELLA
- Many reptiles have the naturally-forming bacteria Salmonella. It must be mentioned that salmonella bacteria can only be acquired by ingestion. Good hygiene is therefore vital when keeping any animal. Remember, you are just as likely to contract Salmonella from your cream cake, Sunday lunch, or dog, so don’t automatically assume that your lizard is the only suspect!
