The veiled chameleon has been originated from Saudi Arabia and Yemen which mean the middle- east and because of this the veiled chameleon is also known as the Yemen chameleon and also the veiled chameleon is comparatively larger than the normal chameleon.
This chameleon is usually found in the regions where there is rainfall, water is around the area and also the vegetation should be present they are not found in dry and hot regions as people usually mistake them for. They are also found in Hawaii and also in Florida.
They are found in various parts of the world and also they need proper care according to the region they are residing. In this article, we will discuss how to take care of a veiled chameleon and various aspects regarding that like we need to understand their lifestyle, their behaviour and also their eating habits.
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Get to know veiled chameleon
As we know that the veiled chameleon is one of the most popular species of the chameleons and that is why they are famous among reptile lovers. The reason for their popularity is that they can see in any direction and that too without turning their heads, this is a unique characteristic of the veiled chameleon.
They do not even shift their body just staying in one place and their eyes can move around 180 degrees. Another unique characteristic is that they can move or point their eyes in 2 different directions and that too at the same time. The veiled chameleons are known to be sensitive animals and also that is why they need lots of care and even the veiled chameleons do not like to be handled much as they feel annoyed and stressed when they are being handled way too much.
How to take care of a veiled chameleon?
In order to take care of the veiled chameleon you need to know about various things regarding them and then only you will come to know what is good for them and what is not and how you can take care of them. The various things that you should know about the veiled chameleon in order to take care of them are as follows:-
1. Water and food of veiled chameleon
The baby veiled chameleon should be fed at least once or twice a day and on the other hand the adult veiled chameleons should be fed every other day. The things that you can feed to the veiled chameleon are mealworms, waxworms, crickets and various other insects that have good nutritional value for them. You need to dust the insects with calcium and vitamin supplements mixture at least once or twice a week so that you can even give them all the extra nutrients that are necessary for them so that they can stay happy and healthy.
The veiled chameleons should be given insects that are small in size as they prefer to eat insects that are small insects. The veiled chameleon also eats the green leaves so you can feed them with Pothos ivy leaves or even the ficus leaves and they do prefer eating collard greens.
So make sure that you give them a balanced diet that is highly nutritious and also that do have lots of variety otherwise your veiled chameleon will not enjoy the same food on daily basis and will eventually stop eating. So try feeding them with a variety of food that has a good nutritional value and also that do not cause any sort of harm to the veiled chameleon.
The veiled chameleons generally do not drink water from the water bowls so it is recommended that you should mist their tanks at least once or twice a day because they prefer to drink the water from the drops that are on the leaves and the branches of the plants. These drops can only be there on the leaves if there is moisture inside their enclosure and that can be attained by misting.
2. Enclosure for the veiled chameleon
The veiled chameleon needs lots of care and that is why the enclosure of the veiled chameleon should be comfortable enough as this is something basic that is needed by them and you should be very careful while choosing or making an enclosure for the veiled chameleon.
You need to provide them with a tank or a terrarium that is large enough so that they have lots of space to move around and also so that they do not feel suffocated.
Also, make sure you need to provide them with an enclosure that is escape-proof so that the veiled chameleon do not escape from their captivity because they can get lost and also can get hurt.
According to the age and size of the veiled chameleon, you need to provide them with a tank of an appropriate size where they will stay comfortable. So adult male veiled chameleon needs larger tanks as compared to females and the young veiled chameleons. So always prefer an enclosure that is spacious and also that will provide them with lots of places, more space better it is for them.
Also, it is recommended do not to house more than one veiled chameleon together as they are territorial in nature and also they get stressed due to this and it can even prove to be fatal. Try to make their enclosure as comfortable as possible with all sorts of basic things that they need inside it. Also, it should be natural looking so that they can get a feel of their natural habitat inside the captivity and do not feel stressed and suffocated.
3. Habitat of the veiled chameleon
Inside the enclosure, you need to create a habitat that is favourable for the veiled chameleon and also make sure it should be as natural as possible so that the veiled chameleon can relate to their habitat inside the captivity.
You need to add some plants and branches for the veiled chameleon on which they can climb and perch themselves. Even we know that the veiled chameleons drink water from the drops that are present on the leaves and the branches of the plants, so make sure you should place plants in their habitat that are non-toxic in nature and that do not cause any sort of harm to your veiled chameleon. The plants also help in creating a hiding place for the veiled chameleon where they can sit and relax.
They need high points for the purpose of basking so they perch on the exposed areas of the branches. This is the reason the enclosure should have a habitat that resembles the natural habitat of the veiled chameleon so that they feel comfortable inside the captivity and also as they are more used to their natural surroundings.
4. Substrate for the veiled chameleon
The substrate that you should use for the veiled chameleon should be natural and healthy for them. The veiled chameleons as such do not need substrate but if you are providing them with substrate go for a natural one like coconut fibre or the potting soil as they are safe for them and also quite safe. The substrate used should be natural, non-toxic and also there should not be any sort of chemicals used in them, it should be highly organic. It is recommended to be as natural as possible while choosing a substrate for the veiled chameleon because we know that they are sensitive in nature.
5. Lighting and temperature suitable for the veiled chameleon
You need to add UVB bulbs or the ceramic heaters inside the enclosure of the veiled chameleon so that they can get the proper amount of heat as these are the primary heat sources for them. Also, they need at least 10 to 12 hours of UVB rays and the ceramic heater for the purpose of basking all day and night.
The temperature that is apt for the veiled chameleon should be kept around 100 degrees Fahrenheit on the warmer side and 70 degrees Fahrenheit on the cooler side inside the enclosure of the veiled chameleon. As these are the recommended temperatures for the veiled chameleon and you should not exceed these temperature points as it can be very harmful to them and they can even lose their life if proper care and attention are not given to them.
These are the basic things regarding which you need to take care of the veiled chameleon and that is why you should know everything about these factors so that you can give a healthy and happy lifestyle to your veiled chameleon and also so that they enjoy their stay with you inside the captivity.
All these things should be kept in mind so that you can take care of your veiled chameleon properly. The veiled chameleon is a sensitive pet so that is why every small thing related to them should be taken care of without any sort of carelessness.
How to keep veiled chameleon healthy?
When your veiled chameleon is new to the enclosure, so do not stress them by handling them or over handling them, so try not to handle them for at least 3 or 4 days leave them alone and let them get accustomed to their new home. They need time to settle in the new home and this may sometimes stress them too but you need to keep your calm and make them as comfortable as possible. If you notice that your veiled chameleon is having the following signs, so kindly consult a vet in such situations:-
- If the veiled chameleon is eating and drinking less or they have suddenly stopped eating.
- The droppings of the veiled chameleon are runny and that too for more than 2 days.
- They are going through weight loss.
- Some sort of discharge from their nose, mouth or even eyes.
- They are suffering from swollen joints.
- The veiled chameleon is spending most of the time in their hiding and resting and sleeping rather than being active.
- They are facing skin shedding problems as the shedding is not taking place properly.
- The skin of the veiled chameleon is discolouring.
These are some of the major points that you need to observe carefully in your veiled chameleon because these are some serious issues and in these situations, you need to consult a vet so that proper care and medication could be given to them and your veiled chameleon is normal back again and also so that the situation so do not get worse it is better you take them to the vet as soon as possible. If the veiled chameleon is not taken care of in such situations then you would lose them. So be careful when such situations persist and do not take these situations lightly because it is the question of the life of the veiled chameleon.
How to keep your veiled chameleon safe?
In order to keep your veiled chameleon safe and even free from diseases follow the steps given below:-
- You need to supervise the children when they are around the veiled chameleon.
- You should wash your hands carefully before you will contact the veiled chameleon.
- When you will handle the veiled chameleon, handle it carefully as they can get stressed in this process and as a reaction to this they can scratch or even bite you but you need to stay calm and patient.
- As we know that animals carry bacteria, virus, etc. on their body so you need to wash your hands properly after touching them, otherwise you can catch various diseases.
You need to take care of yourself and the pet then only a proper balance would be maintained and they will live a happy and healthy life inside the captivity.
Conclusion:
The veiled chameleon is a sensitive animal so you need to take care of them in every possible aspect so that no problem occurs in the long run and also so that they are happy with you and for that, you need to understand them proper and also know what is important for them.
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