From reputable breeders to local pet shops and even online, there are many ways to procure a panther chameleon. Most people are interested in this variant, as these chameleons can turn various colors depending on their origin and locale. Hence, every creature feels unique. These Madagascar native reptiles are sure to catch the interest of anyone who wants a pet reptile due to their vibrant and colorful appearance.
Caring for panther chameleons is not challenging once you learn a little more about it. If you want to bring this pet into your home, ensure that you read this article carefully about what you should and should not do with your new pet!
Learn How to Care for Panther Chameleons!
Earlier, due to insufficient care and poor breeding practices, it would be hard to find panther chameleons anywhere other than their native place. Although they had piqued the interest of many breeders, it has taken a lot of time to understand how to care for a panther chameleon to ensure that it thrives. Here are some tips that help.
What Should You Feed Your Panther Chameleons?
To ensure that your pet is healthy, it is essential to give it a varied diet. While you may prefer one feeder over the other, it is best not to stick to the same thing every day. While crickets are good, ensure that you add mealworms, silkworms, roaches, waxworms, and more to your pet’s diet.
Gut-loaded feeders are ideal for your reptile; additionally, it is also important to dust your feeder with vitamin powder to provide them with calcium, minerals, and other essential nutrients.
How Much Water Do They Need?
When keeping panther chameleons as pets, ensure that you provide them with water every day. Ensure that you have enough drinking water near your chameleon while keeping their enclosure clean to prevent mold. Misting your chameleon every day will also help them drink water and keep the humidity around 60% 70%.
Many people also opt to run a drip system throughout the day every two weeks to ensure that their pet gets enough water and enclosure plants to stay alive.
What Enclosure Is Right?
With reptiles, it is always best to opt for bigger enclosures than you think you would need. An adult male chameleon would thrive in an 18 by 18-inch enclosure, which is 36 inches tall; for females, a slightly smaller enclosure may work as well. However, ensure that a screen is present for proper ventilation as chameleons can get respiratory infections due to stagnant air. Keep your enclosure decorated with live plants that aren’t toxic. Keeping live plants in the chamber helps the pet feel secure as it can hide behind them easily.
Since you provide your panther chameleon with water, everyday keeping substrate to handle humidity requirements is unnecessary. Keeping the enclosure free of a substrate and bare at the bottom makes it easier to clean. If you do feel the need for substrate, keep it simple by sticking to newspapers.
How to Handle Chameleons?
Panther Chameleons are docile creatures; however, they do not like to be held like most reptiles. Hence, you should avoid handling them unless it is necessary. When handling a gecko, ensure that you approach them from behind rather than the front, which may be seen as an attack.
For grumpy panther chameleons, transfer them onto a stick first and then onto your hands. Once your gecko starts associating you with food, they will start moving towards the enclosure opening when they see you approaching.
Owning a pet is a major responsibility. While panther chameleons are intriguing to look at, you must be prepared for the time and effort it takes to care for them as pets. Make sure you research these creatures thoroughly before you decide to keep them as your pet.