INTRODUCTION:
The size of chameleons varies. The tiniest ones may only measure 2.5 centimeters. Larger ones can reach lengths of 68 centimeters. A chameleon's tongue can be extended to be as long as the entire body.
The color of a chameleon can vary in response to various emotions, including fear and rage. Additionally, chameleons adapt their color to humidity, temperature, and light variations. Men use bright colors to entice women, while women can accept or reject a man based on them. Pregnant women also experience color changes in their skin.
Are Panther Chameleons Acceptable as Pets?
LEGALITY:
Panther chameleons are not regarded as dangerous or wild creatures, thus they are permitted in most states, even though each state has its own rules on exotic pets. The non-venomous panther chameleon is not native to the United States.
ETHICS:
Like any animal, you shouldn't own one if you cannot provide it the care it needs. Any pet owner is responsible for selecting how to care for it. It is widely acknowledged that owning a pet is ethical as long as it does not suffer and is well-treated, but the key is understanding how to properly care for a panther chameleon.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:
Be ready to feed your panther chameleon live crickets and be aware that it is not a friendly pet if you are thinking about getting one as a pet. Panther chameleons won't be interested in watching films or eating prepackaged food. This may or may not imply that this is the best pet for you, depending on your expectations for your pet.
Chameleon Housing:
The majority of chameleons in the wild only inhabit trees. They dwell in holes to avoid the heat in regions like the Namib Desert in Africa. This is something to have in mind if you choose to get a chameleon as a pet. Put your chameleon in a cage with enough climbing vegetation. The chameleon can also get some privacy from the greenery. To provide them extra room, especially for giant chameleons, you might need a larger cage.
High humidity levels are necessary for the best possible condition of panther chameleons. Since they are mostly comprised of screens rather than glass, they require watering and dripper systems to maintain a humidity level of 50–60% during the day, with even greater levels at night. You can keep an eye on these levels by installing a humidity gauge in the habitat of your panther chameleon.
Light And Heat:
Panther chameleons require both UVA/UVB and heat lighting. Your chameleon's enclosure should be kept at around 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, with a basking area heated by heat lamps to between 90 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The enclosure can get down to 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night. To check if the temperature inside the enclosure is suitable, thermometers can be placed there, or a temperature gun can be used to take readings. Just be careful not to set the heat bulbs too close to where your pet is sitting because even though they are outside the enclosure, they could still sustain thermal burns.
Diet Of Chameleon:
The main components of a chameleon's diet include insects, tiny birds, and other lizards. Some plant species are eaten by a few chameleon species. Birds and lizards can only be eaten by giant chameleon species. Chameleons use their long, sticky tongues to search for food. Their quick tongue makes up for their slow temperament. Typically, hunting starts a few days after the eggs are laid.
Along with a daily multivitamin, a dusting of calcium powder should be applied every other day or at every meal. By following these fundamental recommendations for feeding your chameleon, you can assist ensure that it receives the maximum amount of nutrition while avoiding potential chemicals and parasites from the outside. Drinking up water accumulated on plant leaves from your misting and dripper systems will satisfy their thirst.
Nesting:
Eggs are typically laid on the ground by chameleons. They build a nest in order to lay eggs. The chameleon will fall to the ground and create a hole in which to lay its eggs. After finishing, they bury the eggs. After that, they release the eggs so that they can hatch on their own. After hatching, chameleons mature after a year of rapid growth.
Common Diseases:
Chameleons can become ill. The metabolic bone disease known as rachitic is one of the most prevalent illnesses that chameleons experience. The bones become demineralized as a result of this illness. Trembling and twisted limbs are symptoms of metabolic bone disease. You might observe that your chameleon fails to successfully grip branches. The illness also results in the "rubber jaw," a condition in which a chameleon's jaw softens to the point where it can bend just like rubber. Rachitis is brought on by
- Low calcium levels
- Not enough UV-B radiation
- Unbalanced calcium-phosphorus ratio
- A lack of vitamin D3
- Congenital conditions
Exercise:
Your panther chameleon will get all the exercise it needs if it is housed properly. Your chameleon should have access to plenty of branches and vines with various diameters inside its habitat.
Grooming:
Even though reptiles lack fur, they nonetheless shed. A panther chameleon may lose its skin, although not in one piece like a snake. An environmental or health risk may be present if your panther chameleon has trouble shedding.
Sizing details:
Including their tails, male panther chameleons can reach lengths of 14–21 inches, whilst females only reach lengths of 8–14 inches. mature males of these light-weight reptiles weigh between 140 and 180 grams, whereas mature females weigh between 60 and 100 grams.
Disease Transmission:
Chameleons, like other reptile and amphibian pets, can lead to certain health issues in people. The most likely disease linked to pet chameleons is hepatitis. Healthy chameleons' digestive tracts typically contain these bacteria, but they can infect people.
To stop the transmission of infections, it's essential that you know how to treat chameleons safely. Regular medical examinations for your pet chameleon are advisable. By doing this, you may have fewer possibilities of contracting an infection from handling or petting your chameleon.
The Beneficial Features Of Panther Chameleons:
PROS:
- unusually slow gait patterns
- vibrant color tones
- tongue moving quickly
- unlike other chameleon species, more resilient
CONS:
- Anxiety easily
- very challenging to breed
- complex criteria for husbandry
- Natural life expectancy is short, and in captivity, it is even shorter
Skin Color:
One of this reptile's most distinctive characteristics is its skin tone.
Red, green, orange, and blue are the primary colors shown by certain species, whereas just one or two shades above or below those tones are displayed by others.
The most widely used base colors are red, green, and blue. They might have tints of other colors, including orange and yellow, too.
Every chameleon has rough skin, and it can exhibit patterns of stripes, dots, lateral horizontal stripes, and even "tiger" stripes.
Health And Lifespan:
The best method to maintain the health of your Panther Chameleon is to offer a suitable habitat and consistent care in a relaxed setting.
Due to their extreme susceptibility to stress and environmental changes, they are often not in good health while kept in captivity. They might even pass away if the tension becomes too severe for them.
Females do not survive long in captivity and can pass away in a matter of months.
Males are more resilient than females and have a seven-year lifespan. They do, however, usually live for two to three years.
Hypovitaminosis A is the most prevalent medical condition. By adding more vitamin A to their diets, it is simple to prevent it from becoming blinding.
Symptoms Of Health:
- Brilliant colors, bright colors.
- Regularly scaling trees.
- Eating requires fast tongue movement.
- No illness or apparent skin lesions.
- The socket is easily traversed by the eyes.
Disease Symptoms:
- Poorly colored.
- Slim and shedding pounds.
- Avoiding food.
- Spitting up food.
- Pale mucous surfaces.
