Breeding FAQ
This FAQ is a reflection of my experience and educated opinions on the matter and generally reflects the general consensus of the experienced forum members and experienced enthusiasts. Much credit is given to those with more experience than I who are always offering their expertise such as Kinyonga, Laurie, Jannb, Carol, Chris Anderson, Olimpia, Sandrachameleon, Trace etc.
Q: Can my female chameleon produce eggs even though there’s no male?
A: Absolutely yes. Just like chickens chameleons can produce infertile eggs without ever even being near a male as early as at 5-6 months of age. Some chameleons never will, but the vast majority of them do. It is important to monitor your female’s weight as overfed chameleons tend to lay larger clutches of eggs, which is a bigger burden on their bodies and can cause complications when she needs to lay them. This is an excellent blog by Jannb with additional information.
Q: When should I breed my chameleon?
A: It is not recommended to breed a female chameleon until they are at least one year of age. Before then they are still growing at a high rate and having to produce eggs will take calcium away from your female when she needs it the most for her own body in order to form eggs.
Q: I think my chameleon has eggs, what do I need to do to get her lay them?
A: You will need to provide an appropriate size and depth laying bin to encourage your female to lay her eggs. This is an excellent blog by Jannb with additional information. If your female will not or cannot lay her eggs she could become egg-bound, which is a life threatening condition. Do let your female go too long after she should have laid her eggs. If she appears too weak to lay her eggs get her immediate veterinary care asap. If caught in time there are medical interventions that can help her to lay on her own. If it too late she will need to have a c-section to remove the eggs.
Q: I was told that unless I mated my female that she would become egg-bound and die?
A: False. False, false, false. The ability of a chameleon to lay eggs has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not the eggs are fertilized. Some proven breeders will have problems laying eggs and some will never have problems and the same goes for the first time a chameleon lays eggs. There is no basis in this myth. Mating a chameleon too young can have significant health problems associated with it.
How can I tell if my female is gravid or ready to breed?
A: Their color patterns indicate if they are gravid or receptive to breeding.
Photos of female veiled, normal, receptive, gravid.
Photos of female panther, normal, receptive, gravid.
This FAQ is a reflection of my experience and educated opinions on the matter and generally reflects the general consensus of the experienced forum members and experienced enthusiasts. Much credit is given to those with more experience than I who are always offering their expertise such as Kinyonga, Laurie, Jannb, Carol, Chris Anderson, Olimpia, Sandrachameleon, Trace etc.
Q: Can my female chameleon produce eggs even though there’s no male?
A: Absolutely yes. Just like chickens chameleons can produce infertile eggs without ever even being near a male as early as at 5-6 months of age. Some chameleons never will, but the vast majority of them do. It is important to monitor your female’s weight as overfed chameleons tend to lay larger clutches of eggs, which is a bigger burden on their bodies and can cause complications when she needs to lay them. This is an excellent blog by Jannb with additional information.
Q: When should I breed my chameleon?
A: It is not recommended to breed a female chameleon until they are at least one year of age. Before then they are still growing at a high rate and having to produce eggs will take calcium away from your female when she needs it the most for her own body in order to form eggs.
Q: I think my chameleon has eggs, what do I need to do to get her lay them?
A: You will need to provide an appropriate size and depth laying bin to encourage your female to lay her eggs. This is an excellent blog by Jannb with additional information. If your female will not or cannot lay her eggs she could become egg-bound, which is a life threatening condition. Do let your female go too long after she should have laid her eggs. If she appears too weak to lay her eggs get her immediate veterinary care asap. If caught in time there are medical interventions that can help her to lay on her own. If it too late she will need to have a c-section to remove the eggs.
Q: I was told that unless I mated my female that she would become egg-bound and die?
A: False. False, false, false. The ability of a chameleon to lay eggs has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not the eggs are fertilized. Some proven breeders will have problems laying eggs and some will never have problems and the same goes for the first time a chameleon lays eggs. There is no basis in this myth. Mating a chameleon too young can have significant health problems associated with it.
How can I tell if my female is gravid or ready to breed?
A: Their color patterns indicate if they are gravid or receptive to breeding.
Photos of female veiled, normal, receptive, gravid.
Photos of female panther, normal, receptive, gravid.
