Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need for my chameleon?
This link gives you an idea of what you will need for your new chameleon. Of course, items can be substituted and prices will vary from place to place, but this is what you should start out with. “Experimenting” should come later when you are more experienced with chameleons.
http://www.julirschameleons.com/chameleonshoppinglist.htm

When using supplements.. What should I use?
Well, you have a variety of options. Depending on what kind of chameleon you have depends on what kind of schedule you should have. Here is a link to a blog that should be helpful to you.
http://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/65-supplements.html

What plants can I use in my chameleon's cage?
These plants have been found to be "safe".
http://www.anapsid.org/resources/edible.html
http://www.flchams.com/safe_plant_list.asp


What feeders can I use?
You can use the feeders on this blog.
http://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/74-feeders.html

Where do I buy bugs online?
There are many places you can buy bugs online, this blog gives a good list of many great online food supplies.
http://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/171-where-buy-feeders-online.html


What is chitin? Can it harm my chameleon? Do you have information on chitin?
Chitin is basically the “shell” of an insect. It can harm your chameleon in high amounts, it can impact them. Here is a link to an article about chitin.
http://glasgowgecko.co.uk/Articles/Chitin.pdf

How do I breed dubia/silkworms/super worms?
If you decide to breed super worms, check out this link:
http://www.chameleonforums.com/breeding-superworms-31149/
Like wise, with silk worms, here is a good thread:
http://www.chameleonforums.com/silkworms-101-a-7906/
Last but not least, here is a link for dubia:
http://www.chameleonforums.com/breeding-dubia-roaches-8054/

Why not use spinach as a gutload? What is Oxalic Acid?
Spinach is high in oxalic acid, which prevents proper absorption of calcium.
Read here for more information about oxalic acid.
http://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/215-oxalic-acid-content-vegetables.html

Why is the calcium to phosphorous rating so important?
If you have too much phosphor, it will make it hard for your chameleon to get all the calcium it needs. Here are Vegetable and Fruit Ca charts:
http://www.iguanaden.org/diet/calphosveg.htm
http://www.iguanaden.org/diet/calphosfruit.htm

Is bee pollen good for my chameleon?
Bee Pollen is from male seed flowers. Bees collect this pollen and turn it into granules as they carry it back to their hive. These granules are stored in the hive to be used for food for larvae. Bee Pollen contains all the ingredients necessary for life, and is often referred to as nature's only "perfect" food.

Bee Pollen contains at least 22 amino acids, 18 vitamins, 25 minerals, 59 trace elements, 11 enzymes or co-enzymes, 14 fatty acids, 11 carbohydrates and approximately 25 % protein. Bee pollen is extremely rich in carotenes, which are metabolic precursors of vitamin A. It is also high In B complex and vitamins C, D, E and Lecithin.


How much money am I going to make off breeding chameleons?
Very little if any at all. In some cases you may lose money! This is a great resource to look at to see what the costs of breeding are!
http://www.chameleonforums.com/cost-raising-69-baby-veileds-18467/

Is my female gravid/receptive? (C. calyptratus)
Compare her to pictures on this thread.
http://www.chameleonforums.com/fyi-pics-receptive-vs-gravid-21227/


What vet should I use? Where should I go to get my chameleon checked out?
It depends on where you live. The best resource currently available on the internet is http://www.herpvetconnection.com/. These vets are often the best herp vets available. However, it can easily be outdated. It is often best to ask your other herp friends who live near you if they can recommend any vets.

Common illnesses in Chameleons, symptoms and remedies:
http://www.allcreaturesanimalhospital.evetsite.com/456012.html

Help! My chameleon has a problem with it's tongue. What do I do?
There are a few things you can do, but you will most likely have to visit a vet. Read more here:
http://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/232-tongue-troubles.html

Why is my chameleon buzzing/humming/vibrating? Is he sick?
It's how they "communicate".
http://glasgowgecko.co.uk/Articles/Chitin.pdf

What is Reptaid?
Reptaid™ is designed to help your reptile overcome viral, bacterial and microscopic infections without the complications one would get from more traditional treatments. It is well known in the reptile world that traditional medications can have limited success and debilitating side effects. While undergoing traditional treatments for parasitic infections, reptiles can experience loss of appetite, lethargy, hydration issues, even organ damage. Reptaid™ is a blend of herbs that is gentle to the system, and is found to be beneficial to the health and well being of reptiles.

Why do reptiles need probiotics or DFMs?
Antibiotics have been a valuable tool against certain diseases. Unfortunately, some pathogens, such as Salmonella, are resistant to their capabilities to prevent or cure disease. Because of the indiscriminate nature of some antibiotics they will destroy both "bad" and "good" bacteria. Since the bacteria "war" is a numbers game, it is important that the "good" bacteria always outnumber the "bad" bacteria.

Feeding a probiotic or DFM specially formulated for reptiles can help insure this replenishing of "good" bacteria. Since all animals can experience stress and pathogens take advantage of stressful situations it is crucial that there are fewer numbers of these potential pathogens in the gut of the animal.

Probiotics Example: NutriBAC df

http://www.reptileuv.com/what-are-probiotics.php

I need information on my UVB bulb. or Does this bulb hurt my chameleon's eyes?
This website is full of information about UV!
http://www.uvguide.co.uk/

Here is extra reading if you want to learn more:
http://www.reptileuv.com/
http://www.testudo.cc/ and http://www.testudo.cc/Pages/Table 5.html
http://chamworld.blogspot.com/2009/10/dr.html
http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleo...egulation.html
http://www.anapsid.org/uvbanne.html
http://www.anapsid.org/jamesball.html
http://www.anapsid.org/gehrman2.html

Humidifiers? What’s that?
Many people who have trouble with humidity (live in a dry climate, etc.) use humidifiers to keep their chameleons happy and healthy. This is a great link to check out.
http://www.chameleonnews.com/?page=article&id=72

Extra reading:
Really easy ultrasonic humidifier journal - Dendroboard

I have gnats! What should I do?
Use beneficial nematodes found here:
http://www.arbico-organics.com/product/NemAttack-Nematodes-Feltiae
There are less expensive, more effective products for gnats such as Gnatrol.
Or you can set out soapy water, cider vinegar, let plants fully dry out, etc..

This FAQ wouldn't be here without the help of the following people!
sandrachameleon, draetish, dgray, chamoh, jessica, gegeland, Ryan Jarosek, jannb, and all of the active contributors to this great forum.