Distribution:- The Veiled Chameleon also known as the Yemen Chameleon are found around northern Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
Size:- This Chameleon is one of the larger species males reaching about 30 - 35cm (12 - 14 inches) females tend to be a bit smaller.
Diet:- Chameleons are mainly omnivorous animals. Foods eaten consist of arthropods, small lizards, mealworms, wax worms, black field crickets (be aware that large black crickets can bite so any crickets that are not eaten should not be left in the enclosure for long periods of time or over night), locusts, brown crickets, earthworms, pink mice,and some plant matter.
Heat source: - This can be reflector (spot) lights in green, red or blue, these should be angled spots and not directly from above, chameleons are lateral basking reptiles. Ceramics and tubular heaters can be used for large enclosures
Wire mesh guards:- These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent thermal burns.
Thermostat:- An essential part of any vivarium and is required to regulate the internal temperatures within the vivarium and to prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.
Thermometers:- One should be placed each end of the vivarium in order to give an accurate reading of the temperatures within the vivarium. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat as these are often inaccurate.
UV light source:- Reptisun 5.0UVB or D3 lamp. These should be left on for 8 - 12 hours a day and replaced every 12 months unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer.
Housing:- This should be a netted enclosure as adequate ventilation is needed or a wooden vivarium with a netted front . An enclosure measuring 60cm (2ft) in length by 60cm (2ft) deep by 1.2 meters (4ft) high is sufficient for a single Chameleon. Males are notoriously aggressive and should not be kept with other males, Chameleons are best kept on their own. Hatchlings should be kept in a smaller container which can be housed in their future enclosure.
Hides:- These are essential to prevent stress and to allow your pet to hide away from the outside world. Artificial plants, boxes, plant pots, caves etc. all make excellent hides.
Water:- These animals in particular drink from drops, you should supply a dripper system or use a syringe filled with water which can be dripped on the animal's head. Some will use a shallow bowl of water but not many, alternative is regular spraying of the vivarium.
Temperature:- A basking area at the top of the vivarium reaching temperatures of 36°C (97°F). A background temperature ranging from 25 - 30°C (77 - 86°F). Nighttime temperatures can drop down to 21 - 24°C (70 - 75°F).
Humidity:- Humidity is not to be to high, make sure you have good ventilation you are looking for a humidity level of about 45 - 55%.
Longevity:- In captivity, Chameleons can live between 4 and 7 years.
Substrate:- Chameleons require a deep substrate you can use soil, bark chippings, or a mixture. What ever you use it must be cleaned out on a regular basis to stop the build up of bacteria.
Salmonella:- Many reptiles carry the naturally forming bacteria Salmonella. It must be stated however that salmonella bacteria can only be contracted by ingestion (via the mouth). Good hygiene is therefore very important when keeping any animal. Remember, you are just as likely to contract salmonella from your Sunday lunch, cream cake or dog so don't automatically assume that your chameleon is the only suspect!
This information is given as the opinion of Proteus Reptile Trust only.
Revised: March, 2001
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