CARE SHEET FOR PANTHERS......................Panther chameleons (Chameleo [Furcifer] Pardalis) found on the island of Madagascar, where most chameleon species are found. When purchasing a chameleon we recommend captive bred. This is because they are more likely to be healthier and free of parasites.
HOUSING:
Chameleons are not social animals, full grown males should be housed individually. When they are full grown we recommend housing them in the biggest screen cage or wall-less cage that is suitable for your living arrangment.(the reason we recommend these types of cages is because chameleons require alot of free flowing air) A common cage size that is suitable for your chameleon is 20"W X 18"D X 30"H. But larger is always better.
Panther chameleons do not hide very much, so they do not need an overabundance of foliage in there enviroment, however they need a few perches strategically placed inside the cage so your chameleon can regulate its own temperature.See Our Safe Plant List for Suggestions on Choosing Plants.
HEATING & LIGHTING:
A good temperature in your chameleons cage should be approx. 90-98 degrees near their basking light, to 80 degrees in the coolest part of the cage. This way the chameleon can roam the cage to regulate its temperature at its own will. At night the chameleon cage should drop approx. 10 degree throughout the whole cage. If you are turning your chameleons heat off at night, do not allow your house temperature to drop below 60 degrees. Your chameleon also needs to have UVB, this is ultra violet radiation provided by the sun. This is important to maintain your chameleons health. There are a number of artificial lights that give off this ultra violet radiation, we recommend using Nature Zones "High Noon" UVB & Heat Bulb. This bulb gives off plenty of heat and UVB.
FEEDING:
When feeding your chameleon it is important to vary their diet as much as possible. You can feed them crickets, stick bugs, superworms and also pinkies(for adult chams only)pinkies are baby mice. The pinkies are an option not a necessity. It is important to dust your chameleons food with calcium/mineral supplements. Also very important is gutloading your chameleons food, for example: if you are going to feed your chameleon crickets you should feed the crickets nutritious supplements such as, Flukers high calcium cricket feed. There are a number of brands out there, but this is the one we personally use. You can check out our reptile supplies for more gutloading products.
HYDRATION:
It is very rare that you can find a chameleon that will drink out of a bowl. Chameleons need moving water to catch their eye, the most effective way to accomplish this is using a drip system. A drip system allows small droplets of water to cause a sparkle when the light hits it that catches your chameleons eye. It also allows water to accumulate on leaves and branches if dripped over a plant properly. This way your chameleon can lick water off the leaves and branches. Your chameleon should also be misted lightly twice a day to insure proper hydration. One of the easiest ways to tell if your chameleon is properly hydrated is their eyes, chameleons eyes are usually bulging out of their head, if you start to notice your chameleons eyes start to sink in this could be a sign of dehydration and you should seek the attention of a vet immediately.
HANDLING YOUR PET:
It is not recommended that you handle your chameleon very much. This can cause stress and shorten the life span of your chameleon (the normal life expectancy of a chameleon is 5-7yrs). "On the other hand we have a cham who is very friendly and loves to be handled". What we are trying to say is all chameleons have different personalities and once you get to know your animal you will know if he likes to be handled or not.
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