Panther chameleon care sheet

The panther chameleon is regarded as the second most easy to care for chameleon behind the veiled chameleon.

This doesn't mean the panther is actually easy to care for. This is one of those pet lizards that should require a lot of thought and research before purchasing.

Panthers need a mesh cage, glass cages are bad because they can see their reflection and that tends to stress them out. They also need the better airflow that an all mesh cage provides.

The cage needs to be taller than it is wide, at least 4 feet tall by at least 3 feet wide. Panthers spend their time in trees, so provide many branches for climbing. If you use real branches make sure to clean them first before putting into the cage. You need to take into consideration the weight of the panther chameleon, and choose appropriate sized branches accordingly.

The substrate you use for a chameleon can be as simple as newspaper or paper towels. Since they spend their time in trees there really isn't a natural substrate for panther chameleons for you to mimic.

Keep the humidity levels in the range of 65% to 85%. This can be done by misting the cage, purchasing a drip system, or keeping a very shallow bowl of water in the chameleons cage.

Lighting

like most lizards, chameleons need a full spectrum of lighting. A UVB bulb is needed to attempt to mimic the sun's rays.

You must provide a temperature gradient that ranges from 75° to 85°. A normal bulb can provide the heat needed; put this light on one side of the cage to act as a basking spot. Both lights should be put on an inexpensive timer that are on 10 to 12 hours a day.

Food

Panthers eat insects ranging from -crickets, mealworms, wax worms, butterworms and silkworms. The mealworms and wax worms should be fed very infrequently(as a treat).

A vitamin and mineral supplement should be provided to panther chameleons. They need this supplement especially vitamin D3 and calcium. What people usually do is dust their crickets in a concoction of this supplement at least twice a week, every day for babies and juveniles.

To supply water, you need to simulate raindrops. This is done by either getting a drip system, spray misting the chameleons cage twice a day, or letting an ice cube melt -thus having water drip down. If you do the drip system you might have the drip in the exact same spot every time, hopefully the chameleon will remember this.

If you choose to purchase a panther chameleon as your next pet lizard please read at least four or five different care sheets, plus a book or two to be as prepared as possible for any issue that might arise.

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