How To Set Up a Chameleon Terrarium

Often, we feel as if our living space lacks life. However, you don’t want to invest in dogs and cats as they require too much work and time for them. What are the other options? Maybe you could consider chameleons? The only thing you need to keep your chameleon safe is by keeping it in a terrarium. However, not many know the needs of a chameleon and often fail to build a chameleon terrarium.

Here are the list of items you will need;

How Much Is a Chameleon

The price of chameleons varies in their colour and rarity. They go for as cheap as $49.99 to even $399.99. However, we would suggest you consider getting a cheaper one if this is your first attempt at taking care of a chameleon. We don’t want you wasting all your money to end up empty-handed in a few weeks or months.

The cheapest chameleon that is currently for sale would be the Veiled Chameleon. However, do note that you should only purchase chameleons from trustable breeders. Make sure that the chameleon that is sold to you is in good health.

Veiled Chameleon Habitat

The Veiled Chameleon natural habitat should be taken into account when making your chameleon terrarium. This chameleon is known as an arboreal lizard, which means that it prefers living in high trees or even lower bushes and shrubs. If moisture is your worry, this information would probably put you at ease. The Veiled Chameleon can survive in drier areas compared to the rest. They are usually found on plateaus of mountain regions or valleys and Forest.

Chameleon Safe Plants

There are many plants which you can choose from for putting it in your chameleon terrarium. Some of which would be Tucca, Hibiscus, Jade Plant, Weeping Fig and Golden Pothos. These are famous plants that chameleons love to wander around on. These plants not only do not harm your pet chameleon but are also pleasing to the eye to whoever looks at it.

Now that we discussed the chameleon’s needs, it is time to build its new home.

How To Set Up The Chameleon Terrarium

Container

Setting up a terrarium is not as hard as you imagined it to be; however, the diameter and size of the container will contribute to how large and active your chameleon can be. A chameleon terrarium should be built taller instead of wider. There is no limit to how big your terrarium should be, but the smallest we suggest is a 1 by 1 by 1.2 metres container. A chameleon needs room upwards instead of horizontally as it is used to living on trees. Getting an enormous container is fine too, downsides may just be making it harder to clean and maintain.

In case you turn up getting a baby chameleon, get a smaller terrarium as larger ones make it harder for them to search for food. That is, of course, unless you hand feed it yourself. One the baby chameleon has grown to a specific size, then can you move it to somewhere more prominent.

Decoration and Plant

Surely you wouldn’t be thinking of leaving your chameleon in an empty container, right? After all, that would even hardly be called a chameleon terrarium anymore. Having props and plants in there is necessary for the chameleons. The dried branches, plants, soil, leaves will give it the best environment for it to live. The decorations should be not only eye-catching but also comfortable for the chameleon to perform their everyday routine. Especially during nights, when chameleons prefer hiding in leaves to soothe their slumber.

So how do you make it?

Well, as for the design, you can always reference it from the web as the sky is your limit. You are free to place the branches in any position you want. However, one thing you should note is that the branches you place have to be sturdy. You don’t want your chameleon to injure itself due to it falling from a broken branch. On the other hand, decorate your chameleon terrarium to look as natural as possible. This will be better for your chameleon to adapt to in a short period of time.

Lighting and Humidity

Lighting and humidity are relatively important when it comes to building a terrarium. If you are investing in a chameleon, we suggest getting an artificial light which has a similar colour to the sun. This is to ensure the terrarium gets used to the light from which it was initially being born. On the plus side, you would also be able to control the lighting in your terrarium. That way, the chameleon will not get overexposure to light. In a case in which you are unable to purchase an artificial light, you can consider placing your chameleon terrarium near a window.

In terms of humidity, this would be the least of your worries. A terrarium is meant to be made low maintained. In other words, humidity in a terrarium is easily controlled by the plants which you have placed in it if made correctly.

Food Source

This could be rather tricky, depending on how you plan to feed your chameleon. Most people prefer feeding it by hand when they open up their terrarium. However, let’s consider that you are making a self-sustaining chameleon terrarium instead. In this case, food sources can be monitored by rearing insects in your terrarium. After all, what is a self-sustainable ecosystem if you still have to feed it manually? If you don’t mind cricketing sounds, you can consider crickets. Though they may be loud, at least it gives a bit of life to your home.

FAQ

What Size Terrarium for Chameleon

It is ideal for chameleons to be house individually. We recommend at least 1 to 1.2 meters, but you can find for terrariums with at least 16 x 16 x 30 inches.

What type of cage is best for a chameleon?

You will have to consider the many differect aspects so as choosing the best cage for your chameleon. Mainly choose cage with high-quality construction, adequate vertical space and customizable for lighting

Conclusion

With all that being said, are you confident in making your own chameleon terrarium yet? Although it is okay to have mistakes, you should want to make it to a menial to prevent your chameleon from dying. However, do not get yourself one on impulse. Make sure you have the time and finance to care for it. It should be treated as your own child.