Stuffed Animals

     As you now know the basic facts about the panther chameleon, the next step would be to know the things that you have to do, if you want to bring it home as a pet. This includes the panther chameleon’s housing, food habits, environment, etc. So, let us take a look at the panther chameleon care sheet. Read more on pet care.

     Housing
     Panther chameleon pet owners should know that this reptile needs good ventilation throughout the day and hence, keeping it in a glass cage is not a good option. Instead, the best thing would be to invest in a reptarium or an aluminum screen cage. Another thing that has to be considered is the size of the cage. Though it is fine to have a small cage for a baby panther chameleon, as the reptile grows, it’s need for space also increases. The perfect cage for the panther chameleon would be one that is 36 inches by 24 inches big and 36 inches by 48 inches tall. Apart from this, one must remember that the panther chameleon should be kept alone in a cage because this reptile is territorial and having to share their space with another reptile will be seen as a threat and can also cause them stress.

     Cage Furnishing
     Once you have chosen the cage, the next step would be furnish it. This is important because the chameleon is a plant dweller and would live long, if kept in a natural environment. Due to this, it is necessary to furnish the cage with lot of plants and branches. Make sure that these branches are non toxic as some chameleons have the habit of chewing plants. Some of the plants that you can use to decorate your pet’s cage include hibiscus, pothos and dracaena. Adding some vines and sticks which will enable the chameleon to climb the cage will also be a good idea.

     Temperature and Lighting
     The panther chameleon, like all other reptiles is a cold blooded animal and cannot keep itself warm on its own. Hence, it is important to provide the perfect temperature to the chameleon in it’s cage. The perfect temperature for the chameleon would be somewhere between 75-90 degrees F. Using a incandescent light is best to heat the cage. However, make sure that the temperature does not go beyond 90 degrees F and does not drop below 75 degrees F. The best way to monitor the temperature is by keeping a digital thermometer in the cage. Apart from temperature, providing the correct lighting to the panther chameleon is also very important. The panther chameleon requires UV light for at least 12 hours in a day and hence, it would be a good idea to invest in a good UV bulb. It will also be a good idea to shift the cage outside on some days, so that the reptile can get some natural sunlight. Read the rest of this entry »

     Chameleons facts go to show that this reptile has developed some of the most highly specialized skills when compared to any other animal, especially in the reptile world. Let us see what some other chameleon facts are:

     Physical Attributes
     Chameleons have flattened bodies that are laterally based. The major physical feature that you will notice in the chameleon is that it is heavily ornamented – It has crests, spines and horns and eyes that are bulging. Their eyes have a unique quality, which is that they can rotate independently of the other. In the sense that while one eye looks forward, the other can look back. This helps them to keep ‘an eye’ on their surroundings and be alert and aware of danger. Their vision is known to be their best feature, often called ‘binocular’ in nature.

     Chameleons have united toes, that come into a bunch and are found on the sides of either foot. These act like tongs, and help them to grasp the branches that they perch on. They have long, prehensile (which help them to grasp onto a surface) tails. Their bright colors are their most famous feature. Their tongues are long and sticky, which is required for them to easily grasp their prey.

     They walk in very slow, deliberate movements. They have sharp nails which help them to cling and climb onto the surface of trees. Adult chameleons shed their skin every 4-5 months in bits and pieces. Read the rest of this entry »