Chameleon SETUP CHECKLIST

When setting up a new enclosure for a chameleon . . . 
here is a list of items to have in place before bringing home your new pet:

• CAGE - Chameleons have varied needs depending on their native habitat and behavior.  It is important to learn as much about your chameleon and it's natural environment in order to help you select the right cage style and size.  (See ENCLOSURES for more information)
  
  
• PLANT - Most chameleons spend their entire lives living in shrubs and trees.  Plants provide a sense of security as well as a "home" within their enclosure.  Leaves provide an excellent surface for water droplets which the chameleon will drink from. (See PLANTS AND BRANCHES  for more information) 
  
  
• BRANCHES - Within the enclosure, there should be branches for your chameleon to climb back and forth on.  Branches with different widths and angles make it possible for your chameleon to exercise it's grip.  Precaution should be used when selecting branches, as some may originate from trees and plants that are toxic.  Make sure you wash all branches you plan to use with a good anti-bacterial soap and water solution.  Rinse thoroughly. (See PLANTS AND BRANCHES
  
  
• MISTING BOTTLE - Gently mist the plant within your chameleon's enclosure, one or more times a day (depending on the needs of your particular species).  Your chameleon will drink the water droplets left on the leaves and the spraying and misting also helps to add essential humidity.  Routinely clean your misting bottle so bacterial growth can be avoided. (See WATERING for more information)
  
  
• WATER DRIPPER - Tree dwelling chameleons do not perceive "standing water" as other ground dwelling herps do.  They recognize "water in motion" and a dripper helps to simulate this.  Drippers provide additional water over an extended period of time, as opposed to water droplets from misting, which evaporate quickly .   (See WATERING for more information)
  
  
• FEEDING CUP (if necessary) - Chameleons are predatory animals that enjoy "hunting" for their food.  We free range feed whenever possible.  For cages that are not "insect proof", cup feeding can help prevent feeder insects from INVADING your living space!  Feeding cups can be made from simple plastic deli cups with 2 holes punched in the sides and twist ties for attaching. Tuck in ends of twist ties after securing.   Be sure that feeding cups are cleaned daily. (See FEEDING for more information)
  
  
• LIGHTING AND HEATING - A spot lamp fixture with an incandescent bulb and correct wattage will provide the necessary heat needed for chameleons.  When kept indoors, chameleons should also have access to a UVB/UVA light source.  These can be purchased as florescent or incandescent bulbs.  Florescent lighting does not emit the necessary heat for basking, so a separate basking site provided by an incandescent bulb (in a spot lamp fixture), is essential.  Basking sites should be in one corner of the enclosure so you can provide a gradient temperature range within the living space.  Your chameleon needs the ability to move away to cooler spots when desired.  Lights can be placed on simple timing devises so they come on and off automatically. We recommend 12 hour day/night cycles in the summer and 10 hour day/night cycles in the winder (as the days are shorter). (See LIGHTING/HEATING for more information)
  
  
• THERMOMETER - There is only one way to know whether or not your chameleon's temperature requirements are being met . . . check it with a thermometer.  This is an inexpensive, yet necessary tool for keeping chameleons happy, healthy and ALIVE.  Don't miss this important step. (See LIGHTING/HEATING for more information)
  
  
• SUPPLEMENTS - Due to the lack of scientific research, nutritional supplementation for chameleons in captivity, is largely a mystery.  This is an area of chameleon care that must be determined individually by the chameleon keeper.  The needs of individual chameleons can vary depending on their life stage (i.e. growing babies, egg laying females, mature adult males etc.).  The conventional wisdom is that both a vitamin and calcium supplement should be provided to captive chameleons.  (See SUPPLEMENTATION for more information)
  

• BOOKS AND ARTICLES - See our BOOKS/ART page for full details. 
  One of the best ways to care for your chameleon is to learn as much as you can about them.   We would recommend purchasing some general care and maintenance books that will help answer many questions related to successful keeping of chameleons.