
The following are commonly fed prey items:
- Cricket (They are the mainstay of the panther chameleon diet)
- Locust
- Roaches
- Butter worms
- Silkworms
- Flies
- Grasshoppers
- Mealworms
- Super worms
- Waxworms
What foods do chameleons eat?
What fruit and vegetables shall I feed my chameleon?
- Carrots
- Squash
- Zucchini
- Sweet Potato
- Sweet Red Peppers
What is the Diet of a chameleon?
Chameleons eat most frequently when they’re juveniles, needing constant access to food. Adult chameleons should be fed either daily or every other day. Chameleons are omnivorous, surviving on a diet primarily consisting of insects and dark, leafy greens.
What is the life span of a chameleon?
The lifespan of a chameleon will vary depending on the species, but in most cases, the lifespan of a chameleon in captivity is anywhere from three to 10 years. Along with species, the gender of the chameleon is a factor in how long it lives.
What temperature do chameleons need?
Summary: Heating Your Chameleon
- Chameleons use the sun to warm up in the morning
- Common chameleons thrive in room temperature (mid 70s) once warmed up
- Basking bulb is usually an incandescent bulb in a reflector
- Basking bulb can be put on timer to only come on in morning
- Beware of burns
See more

Can panther chameleons eat fruit?
A Chameleon's diet in captivity, like any other omnivorous reptile, should feature variety. Fruit can also form part of your Chameleons diet, depending on the species. Veiled (Yemen) Chameleons will eat fruit and veg, however, Panther Chameleons usually won't.
What do panther chameleons eat in captivity?
insectsPanther chameleons are insectivores so should be fed a variety of insects. Crickets are usually the mainstay of the diet, but locusts, roaches, butter worms (good for calcium), silkworms, flies, and grasshoppers can be fed, as well as mealworms, super worms, and waxworms.
What is the best thing to feed your chameleon?
Best Food You Can Give Your Pet ChameleonsCrickets. Crickets are the most cost-effective and nutritious meal for your chameleon on the market. ... Locust (Hoppers) Locust are the slightly fancier and more colourful alternative to crickets. ... Waxworms. ... Cockroaches. ... Fruit Beetle Grubs (Adults Only)
How do I get my panther chameleon to eat?
Adding different insects should get them eating again. Try and free range the food as this will give your chameleon the opportunity to hunt it down. New food that requires activity is usually enough to work up an appetite. If you're feeding every day and they're adults it's likely you're feeding them too much.
Do panther chameleons eat daily?
Your Chameleon's Feeding Schedule Depends Upon Its Age Young panther chameleons are super hungry and will seemingly eat everything you put in front of them. At this stage, you should feed them daily. As they get older, however, chameleons won't need to eat as often—every other day is a good feeding schedule.
Do panther chameleons like to be held?
Chameleons don't like to be held. They don't like human interaction and love to be in their own space.
What fruits and veggies can chameleons eat?
To correct the problem, chameleon owners can feed the insects foods rich in vitamins before feeding them to the chameleon. Fruits such as apples and oranges are good choices, but the insects can also eat broccoli, carrots, collard greens, spinach and sweet potatoes.
Can chameleons eat banana?
Fruit for Your Chameleon Certain types of fruits can be a good supplement to a chameleon's diet. Choose fruits that are high in nutrients and that possess a high calcium to low phosphorus ratio. Some fruits in this category are apples, peaches, blueberries, prickly pear cactus, mango, melons, bananas and cantaloupe.
How many crickets should a chameleon eat a day?
Veiled and Panther Chameleons: Chameleons up to six months old should eat between ten and twelve crickets a day. Between six and twelve months, they should have ten to twelve crickets every other day. Adults over a year old should eat between seven and ten large crickets every other day.
How long can a panther chameleon go without eating?
Chameleons can go for about two weeks without eating and about one week without water. They don't eat all the time and will often go two to three days without food, but the longer they go without food, the more they will waste away until they are no longer able to survive.
How do I keep my panther chameleon happy?
0:482:586 Care Tips for Chameleons | Pet Reptiles - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey do not know enough to go down to a standing body of water and take a drink some species yesMoreThey do not know enough to go down to a standing body of water and take a drink some species yes feel chameleons No. So you really have to be a diligent keeper. And keep your animal of watered.
Will crickets bite my chameleon?
Crickets can definitely bite and chew holes in chameleons.
What do captive chameleons eat?
What do chameleons eat?Feed your chameleon crickets, or waxworms daily. ... Dust insects with a calcium supplement twice a week.Veiled Chameleons should also get appropriate greens, such as collards or mustard greens, once daily. ... Chameleons do not drink from a dish.
How often should I mist my panther chameleon?
The misiting can be done like 3 or 4 times a day for intervals of about 3-5 minutes. If you don't mist long enough, some chameleons will not drink.
How many crickets should I feed my panther chameleon?
Veiled and Panther Chameleons: Chameleons up to six months old should eat between ten and twelve crickets a day. Between six and twelve months, they should have ten to twelve crickets every other day. Adults over a year old should eat between seven and ten large crickets every other day.
How long do panther chameleons live in captivity?
Males in captivity can average 3 to 5 years of age, with extreme exceptions of 8 and 9. Females that are well cared for and breed in captivity (which often decreases their lifespan), may average 2 to 3 years of age.
What is the best supplement for a panther chameleon?
Some keepers also offer their panther chameleon Vitamin A supplements, commonly in the form of beta-carotene.
How big of an enclosure do you need for a panther chameleon?
Adult males, however, should be kept in an enclosure that measures 4′ x 4′ x 2′.
What are the medical conditions of a panther chameleon?
Medical conditions seen in panther chameleons may include: Vitamin Deficiencies: Vitamin deficiencies, in particular Vitamin A deficiencies, are common in captive chameleons. This condition is the result of an inadequate diet. Stomatitis: Also known as “mouth rot,” stomatitis is an infection in the mouth.
How long do panther chameleons live?
In captivity, however, a well cared for male panther chameleons can live over five years ! There are even reports of captive-born males living for 8-9 years. Wild-caught mature males usually have a shorter life span in captivity, living only one or two years.
How do chameleons control the density of nanocrystals?
Chameleons can control the density of the nanocrystals within the cell. When the nanocrystals are close together, their skin takes on a darker tone. When the nanocrystals move further apart, the chameleon’s skin takes on a lighter tone.
What is the LC of a panther chameleon?
The panther chameleon is classified as Least Concern (LC) with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Why do chameleons change color?
In truth, the color changes in chameleons are due more to their emotional state and temperature . The chameleons’ ability to change their skin color is due to small particles in their skin cells, known as nanocrystals. Nanocrystals have the ability to reflect light.
What to feed a panther chameleon?
It is always a good idea to practice gut loading for the benefit of your pet. Feed the insect’s greens, vegetables, and fruits about 24 hours before you feed them to your chameleon.
What do panther chameleons eat?
Panther chameleons have a diet comprised of a variety of insects. They primarily eat crickets, but enjoy a varied diet of insects including cockroaches, silkworms, wax worms and many more. For more information on what a panther chameleon will eat, continue reading this post.
Why is my chameleon not eating?
There are some more serious reasons your chameleon might be avoiding food. Panther chameleons will not eat if they are sick or have parasites. Parasites are not uncommon in chameleons and can be treated by contacting your veterinarian. If you have a female chameleon, she will not eat right before she lays her eggs.
What does gut loading mean for a chameleon?
Gut loading means you are feeding the insects high-quality food with good nutrition before they are fed to the chameleon. By doing this, your chameleon will be able to absorb all the vitamins and nutrients from the food the insects consumed.
Can panther chameleons eat insects?
In addition to having better nutrition, a variety of insects will ensure the animal does not grow tired of having the same thing day after day. There are other feeder insects available for feeding. Beware of feeding your panther chameleon wild-caught insects as they can carry diseases or parasites.
What do panther chameleons eat?
In the wild, panther chameleons have a varied diet. These animals are omnivores that will eat insects, vegetation, and more. When kept in captivity, this species does best on a diet that consists of mostly insects. They do very well with brown crickets, black crickets, locusts, cockroaches, and mealworms.
How do panther chameleons regulate temperature?
Like most reptiles, panther chameleons self-regulate their body temperature. To support that behavior, you have to use your lights to create a temperature gradient. In one of the top corners of the enclosure, position a basking light. The light should not touch the enclosure or be accessible by the lizard.
How are panther chameleons distinguished?
Most panther chameleons sold in the trade are distinguished by the specific locale their ancestors came from, as colors can vary wildly from one area to another. Regardless of where their ancestors lived in the wild, all panther chameleons can also change colors.
What is the appearance of a Panther Chameleon?
They’re arboreal lizards with thin legs, appendages that wrap around branches, and long spiraling tails. The head of this species features a triangular shape with a shallow parietal crest.
How long do panther chameleons live?
The average panther chameleon lifespan is between three and seven years when healthy. In rare instances, they can live to be eight or nine years old. Expert Tip: Generally, males live longer than females. However, females can match the life expectancy of males if they do not reproduce.
Why do panther chameleons change colors?
Contrary to popular belief, they don’t do this to blend in with their surroundings. Rather, colors change to communicate and absorb radiant heat. It also reflects their overall health.
What are some good plants to keep a chameleon?
For one, they offer refuge and safety for the lizard. Secondly, they collect water for the chameleon to drink. Umbrella plants, Pothos, weeping fig, and ficus are all good options for live plants. At the bottom of the enclosure, use an absorbent substrate that will help keep the enclosure humid.
What do you feed a chameleon?
There are a variety of methods to feed your chameleon. The three main approaches are Feeder Run/Bowl Feeding, Controlled Release, and Hand Feeding. Another thing to take under consideration is how long you leave your feeders in with your chameleon.
What do chameleons take for prey?
Vertebrate Prey. Chameleons will take vertebrate prey such as lizards, pinkie mice, and small birds. If it moves, and can fit in their mouth, then it is fair game. Depending on the size of your chameleon, occasional vertebrate prey is a benefit.
Why are veiled chameleons toxic?
Though it is listed on the dog and cat toxic lists as toxic due to oxalates in the leaves, decades of veiled chameleons eating them without an issue tells us that either the shortened throat of the chameleon is immune to oxalates or that Veiled Chameleons do not eat enough to be affected. Summary:
How to get a chameleon to be comfortable with you?
It is a way to get him to be comfortable with your presence. Do this with a special feeder treat and hold the treat between you and the chameleon. This way, your chameleon is not distracted by having to keep one eye on you and one eye on the feeder.
Why is my chameleon not eating?
This is almost always a result of over feeding. The chameleon is not eating because it is not hungry. And it only eats if the food is a favorite.
How long can a chameleon go without food?
If they still turn their nose up at what you feed them then skip a feeding or two until hunger comes back. A healthy chameleon can easily go a week without food. They can go longer in times of hardship, but a week without food is usually enough to get them back to a state where they eat because they are hungry.
How to tell if a chameleon is chunky?
Once you see signs of your chameleon getting chunky you can pull back and bring the weight back in line. This threshold is crossed when they start growing in width rather than length and height. You will start to see the fat pads in their casque or head expand and bulge.
How much humidity do chameleons need?
Panther chameleons need low humidity during the day and high humidity at night for best health. Aim for 50-60% humidity during the day and 75-100% at night. Humidity should be measured via digital probe hygrometer, with the probe placed in the middle of the terrarium.
Do chameleons need substrate?
Panther chameleons are strictly arboreal, so they don’t really need substrate to dig in or walk on. Plus, because of all the water that goes through the enclosure every day, it easily gets soggy. So, it’s best not to use a substrate with this species.
What is a Panther Chameleon?
Panther Chameleons are the most commonly bred species in the chameleon community. Their bright colors make them instant favorites. A Panther Chameleon is the perfect first chameleon due to their appeal, hardiness, and wide support network.
What temperature do chameleons live in?
Panther Chameleons live in coastal regions so warm and humid conditions are expected. And ambient temperature of mid to high 70s F is sufficient with a basking temperature in the mid 80s F. The nighttime temperature can comfortably be in the high 60s F.
Why do chameleons need bright cages?
A bright cage will allow plants to grow and your environment to be vibrant.
Where are chameleons housed?
Panther Chameleons are housed in the Forest Edge style cage interior. A forest edge cage provides the open basking area and the densely leafy area where they can retreat, hide, and feel safe. This retreat area is critical for their well being. Notice in the cage shown here that there are distinct open and leafy areas.
Can chameleons live in a cage?
Panther Chameleons have proven to do well in screen cages. They have been kept that way for decades. But it would be difficult to reach their optimal conditions in a screen cage in the typical human household. A daytime humidity of 50%-60% is challenging unless a number of the sides are solid.
Do panther chameleons have different locales?
There does not seem to be a difference in the care for the different locales. This suggests that panther chameleons as a species can take various conditions rather than that the different locales have made specific adaptations to a particular set of conditions.
Is chameleon care on a summary sheet?
But chameleon care is, unfortunately, much more involved than can be presented on a summary sheet. Therefore, you may use this sheet as a reference and return to this page where we will go over each and every aspect that is on the summary sheet in detail.
