New Chameleon Owner that needs help

[KyleXaka22]

Hello, fellow cham owners,

So I found this chameleon around two months ago in the street and took him home for the day and decided to keep it in our garden and let him wonder. We didn't expect him to stay so we didn't think about it food/water at the time. As for water, I leave him outside all day and night and it's been raining a bit the past week but before that, I was misting the leaves he usually stays on with drinking water not tap water. However, for food, I didn't start doing research until a few days ago cause I was getting concerned if he was eating or not as he looked a bit weak (sometimes I spotted him chewing either a fly or wasps that he found in the garden). Also, he loves coming inside the house by himself which I'm not sure why (which I am not against).

For the past two days, I've tried feeding him crickets or super worms but he showed no interest in them. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I'm trying to keep this little fella alive and happy.

I will be attaching some photos of him / the area he usually sits in.

 

[Thatwizard420]

Where you from?
Reason I am asking is because he doesn't look like a cham I've seen.

If you are not from the U.S.A, and in fact he is native to where you from, IMO he should be able to survive just fine.
I am not a cham Expert

 

[KyleXaka22]

I am from Malta

 

[KyleXaka22]

Where you from?
Reason I am asking is because he doesn't look like a cham I've seen.

If you are not from the U.S.A, and in fact he is native to where you from, IMO he should be able to survive just fine.
I am not a cham Expert

I am from Malta

 

[Thatwizard420]

According to google, I believe it is a Mediterranean Chameleon..
Since they thrive there, I don't think you have to do much, You can leave a cup with bugs on that hanging plant.
Eventually he/she will know that's the feeding spot.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Looks to me like a Mediterranean (common) chameleon.
If he's chosen to hang around your garden, he's finding enough food there, or he would move on.
His weak appearance could be due to parasites. Parasites need treatment, but IDK your local laws about "adopting" indigenous wild animals.

I would treat this as any wild animal coming into your home. There are risks and precautions.

 

[Thatwizard420]

Looks to me like a Mediterranean (common) chameleon.
If he's chosen to hang around your garden, he's finding enough food there, or he would move on.
His weak appearance could be due to parasites. Parasites need treatment, but IDK your local laws about "adopting" indigenous wild animals.

I would treat this as any wild animal coming into your home. There are risks and precautions.

I thought It got introduced to Malta

 

[KyleXaka22]

According to google, I believe it is a Mediterranean Chameleon..
Since they thrive there, I don't think you have to do much, You can leave a cup with bugs on that hanging plant.
Eventually he/she will know that's the feeding spot.

Thanks for the information, I'm assuming that I could keep trying with super worms if he wants to eat them.

 

[KyleXaka22]

Looks to me like a Mediterranean (common) chameleon.
If he's chosen to hang around your garden, he's finding enough food there, or he would move on.
His weak appearance could be due to parasites. Parasites need treatment, but IDK your local laws about "adopting" indigenous wild animals.

I would treat this as any wild animal coming into your home. There are risks and precautions.

Thanks for the info!

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

I thought It got introduced to Malta

True, but that doesn't mean they aren't indigenous to Malta after 150± years.
endemic vs. indigenous

The chameleon is not an endemic species but was introduced to the Maltese Islands in the 19th century, some time between between 1846 and 1865. Apparently, Protestant missionaries released specimens from North Africa into the gardens of the Jesuit college of St Ignatius in St Julians and they have now spread to all parts of Malta, Gozo and Comino.
https://www.guidememalta.com/en/8-interesting-facts-about-the-mediterranean-chameleon

See also: https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/chameleon-of-malta.139202/

 

[Lindasjackson]

Welcome to the forum! I hope you will keep us updated on how your little friend is doing. He’s cute!

 

[KyleXaka22]

Thanks will do!

 

[Lindasjackson]

This is like my dream of having a wild chameleon living and thriving in my back yard!(not in a cage)

 

[kinyonga]

I assume since I see plot there that there are places it could dig if it's a female. Can you take a couple more photos so I can see all of the chameleon from the side please.

It's definitely a common chameleon.

 

[Thatcher]

You have chams where you live!!?!! Lucky!!!!

 

[KyleXaka22]

I assume since I see plot there that there are places it could dig if it's a female. Can you take a couple more photos so I can see all of the chameleon from the side please.

It's definitely a common chameleon.

I've never seen him/her dig so far but will try and get some pictures when he/her lets me!

You have chams where you live!!?!! Lucky!!!!

Malta

 

[KyleXaka22]

I assume since I see plot there that there are places it could dig if it's a female. Can you take a couple more photos so I can see all of the chameleon from the side please.

It's definitely a common chameleon.

Here are two more pictures I had on my phone!

 

[Lindasjackson]

Are there birds in the cages?

 

[KyleXaka22]

Are there birds in the cages?

Yes, I found him climbing on their cages

 

[Thatcher]

Yes, I found him climbing on their cages

Dang! That's crazy!