How to Care For...
Panther Chameleons
How to Care For...
Panther Chameleons
Panther chameleons have an average lifespan of 6 to 7 years.
- Hatchlings are about the size of a dime and reach sexual maturity around 5 to 8 months old.
- Adult males are larger than females; they can reach 15” to 20" in length.
- Adult females are smaller than males; they can reach 8” to 10" in length.
- A chameleon diet consists of a variety of gut-loaded insects:
Crickets, Mealworms, Waxworms, Super worms, Grasshoppers, Silkworms, Madagascar roaches
- The 3 most common chameleon food supplements used:
Calcium with no D3, Calcium with D3, Multivitamin supplements
Enclosure size depends on the age and sex of your chameleon.Babies do very well in smaller enclosures; this helps with thermoregulation and easy food access.
The bigger the enclosure, the better, but these are the minimum requirements:
- Female panther chameleons: 24” x 24” x 36”
- Male panther chameleons: 24” x 24” x 48”
A healthy temperature gradient is required for thermal regulation. Check what’s appropriate for your chameleon species:
- Basking Temperature: 90°-95° (Suspend light at the top of the enclosure.)
- Daytime Ambient Temperature: 75°F
- Nighttime Ambient Temperature: 70°F
- Humidity: 50%-75%
Use a UVB light fixture.
Required for the metabolism of calcium and D3.
Note: too much UVB can be harmful, so use a day-and-night, on-and-off timer.
Mist the enclosure at least 3 to 4 times a day.
Chameleons don’t drink standing water:
- Provide ample vines, leaves, and branches for easy water droplet access.
- Vary the height of these plants for ease of movement.