How to Take Care of Senegal Chameleons

Caring for a Senegal chameleon can seem challenging, especially to the pet owner who has never cared for a chameleon before. However, this type of chameleon has very basic needs, and if cared for consistently and properly will live for up to five years, and make a very mild mannered pet. Healthy Senegal chameleons have smooth brown or green coats, and appear hydrated. The following information tells how to care for a caged Senegal chameleon, and how to keep it as healthy as possible.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mesh cage
• Ultra-violet lighting (for reptiles)
• Heat lamp
• Timers for the heat lamp and ultra-violet lights
• Misting system
• Food
• Branches of various sizes
• Live plants

1. 
   Schefflera Tree

   Purchase all necessary items from a pet store before you buy a Senegal chameleon. You will need a mesh cage that is at least four feet high and two feet wide (chameleons are not fond of glass aquariums); a variety of branches or sticks to serve as climbing and perching areas; a misting system; a heating lamp; an ultra-violet lighting system specifically for reptiles; gut loading crickets or small insects and silkworms.

2. Clean and prepare the habitat, and add plants to the cage, as chameleons enjoy wandering through branches and along the perches, and they tend to feel more secure in this type of setting. Be sure that the heat lamp is running and the misting system works before placing the chameleon in the habitat. The temperature of the habitat should be between 75 and 98 degrees Fahrenheit. Set the ultra-violet light to a timer, and make sure that it runs for about 12 hours per day.

3. Place your Senegal chameleon in it's new habitat, and give it some time to adjust to the cage. Try not to handle or touch the chameleon, as they do like their space, especially during the adjustment period.

4. Feed the chameleon one to three pieces of food five days a week. Pick two days per week to let the chameleon fast, as they can overindulge themselves with food, which is very bad for a chameleon's health. Chameleons will eat small insects, house spiders (non-poisonous), butterflies, moths, skippers, silkworms, tiny hornworms, fruit flies, and gut load formula. You can purchase most of these at a pet supply store, or capture some of them on your own.

5. 
   A Small Misting System

   Ensure that the Senegal chameleon is staying adequately hydrated. If the small misting system is consistently running, and there are droplets of water available to your pet, there should be plenty of drinking opportunities available. The humidity level of the habitat should be anywhere from 50% to 100%.

6. Make an appointment with a veterinarian that specializes in reptile care for your chameleon to have a check up. This is generally done when you initially bring the chameleon home. You will likely collect a stool sample from your new pet and take it to the veterinarian for parasite testing, and if necessary the chameleon will be treated for parasites. Parasites are a very common occurrence in Senegal chameleons, but they do need to be treated in order to maintain optimum health.

Tips & Warnings

• Senegal chameleons enjoy climbing and sleeping in the the following plants: Areca Palm, Pothos, and Scaflerra trees.
• If you are concerned with your chameleon's vitamin intake, provide it with a cuttle bone for calcium, and a vitamin D3 supplement. These are both readily available at most pet stores.
• Keep male and female adult chameleons (over six months of age) separate from each other because they will become aggressive due to territory issues if they are forced to live together.
• If the chameleon's coat changes at any point from one that is smooth to a coat that is dry, peeling, or bloated, you should bring it to an exotic pet veterinarian as soon as possible because this indicates a health problem of some type.

Resources

• PETCO Chameleon Supplies