Blessed with vibrant color morphs, the panther chameleon makes for a desirable exotic pet. It is a territorial animal and should be kept alone on its own. Too much handling can also give it stress. So, you should let it stay alone in its abode. A healthy and happy chameleon can live between 3 to 10 years. Males are larger than the female, and the maximum length a panther chameleon can reach is 21 inches.
How to Care for a Panther Chameleon in Your Home?
- Housing
Panther chameleon is a climber, so you must not put it in a glass tank or container. Go for a vertical enclosure that will allow it to climb. The higher you will go, the better it would be for your chameleon. A 16x16x20 enclosure is perfect for chameleons below six months.
As it will grow, you will have to look for a bigger enclosure. A minimum size of 18x18x36 enclosure is recommended by the experts at https://www.topflightdubia.com/panther-chameleon-care-and-feeding.html. A three-screen enclosure is suitable to give it ample ventilation.
- Setting Up Enclosure
Now, the fun part is decorating its enclosure. Chameleons need a lot of fresh air and can develop respiratory problems quite quickly in static air. You can use plants like dracaena, umbrella, pothos, hibiscus, or ficus tree for the freshness in its enclosure. Fresh plants will help maintain the humidity too.
You can also add artificial vines and branches, but try to get them in different diameters. Moving around, playing, and climbing will give your pet adequate exercise. Also, give it enough cover to hide so it can stay there comfortably.
The next thing is to create several basking areas for your chameleon. It will help it to regulate its temperature. The warmer area should stay within 6 inches of the UVB light, having a temperature between 95 to 100 F. The cooler side can have a temperature between 75 to 85F.
- Water and Humidity
Misting the enclosure once or twice is necessary for keeping your chameleon hydrated. You can also use a drip system if you like. However, you must timely collect and remove the excess water from the drip system. You need to maintain the humidity level between 60 to 80 percent. For monitoring, use a hygrometer.
- Lighting
An exposure of 12 hours of UVB and UVA rays will keep your pet healthy and happy. You can achieve it through natural sunlight or ceramic heat emitters (follow the instructions carefully). Use emitters with 5 percent or more UVB when it is indoors. It is crucial for your pet as, without the UVB, it will not utilize the calcium in its body. Try to avoid bulbs as they can burn your pet.
- Feeding
Panther chameleon loves a variety of insects. You can give it crickets, roaches, wax worms, super worms, wax moths, beetles, flies, and mealworms. Make sure you gut load insects before feeding.
Dusting insects with calcium and other nutrients is an excellent way to give proper nutrition to your pet. Avoid giving wild-caught insects as they are exposed to pesticides and other toxins. You can feed an adult once in two days. However, you will need to feed your younger chameleon every day.
Stress can make your pet chameleon sick. So, you need to ensure that your chameleon is happy. Never keep it with another chameleon. Try to keep the enclosure in a quiet place with low disturbance. Never allow strangers to hold and touch it. Even try not to take it out often. It is also susceptible to bacterial, viral, fungal infections.
To keep these infections at bay, you must clean its enclosure regularly. If you maintain proper hygiene, it can help your pet stay healthy. As a precautionary measure, you can go for check-ups with your veterinarian every 6 to 12 months.
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