Dwarf Chameleon
A Quick Guide to the Dwarf Chameleon
The dwarf chameleon is one of the smallest reptiles in the world; it is green to beige in color and will grow to about 45 mm, including the tail. This chameleon originates in Madagascar where it can be found in rain forests, and along the Ambodyreana River. There are other variations of this chameleon that come from Africa. The two main threats to the dwarf chameleon include the destruction of their habitat, as well as being taken and sold in the pet trade.
If you want a pet chameleon, one of the best is the Cape Dwarf Chameleon. One of the reasons that this species will make good pets is that they do not tend to be as territorial as other chameleons; in fact, you can often find them in groups when in the wild. These chameleons will give birth to live young, plus they are very easy to breed. The Cape Dwarf Chameleon can have anywhere from 5 to 15 babies each year. This species is very small so you can have more of them, plus they don’t eat a lot.
The Cape Dwarf Chameleon should not be handled frequently; this will cause them undue stress. If the chameleon changes it’s coloring and begins hissing at you, this is an indication that it is being handled too much and is becoming stressed. When the chameleon is too stressed they can become sick and die.
If you want a Dwarf Chameleon as a pet, you will need to consider where you will keep it. It is necessary to have an enclosure that offers full spectrum lighting; if you live in a colder climate you might want to think about leaving the enclosure outdoors during the summer and bringing it in during the colder months. If the climate is good all year long, you can simply keep them outdoors.
When keeping the chameleons inside, you will need to ensure that they have a basking light, as well as plenty of vegetation within the enclosure. The vegetation is also a good idea if you plan to keep your pets outdoors, as long as there is not so much vegetation that they will not get enough light.
Keep in mind that chameleons need a lot of water and to ensure that they get enough you will need to mist the enclose at least three times a day for a one minute duration. The chameleon will get the water they need from the droplets that rest on the vegetation. For feeding your pets you will need to give them insects such as crickets, flies, moths, and meal worms. The smaller the insects the better your chameleons will like them.
Breeding the Cape Dwarf Chameleon is easy if you have at least one female and male, and they are healthy. The main thing to keep in mind is that if you have a pregnant female you will need to isolate her from the other chameleons when she is close to having her babies as the other adults will attempt to eat them due to their small size.
A pregnant female will appear to be bloated. Your females can have up to two litters each year, the summer litter will be larger than the one they have during the winter. The baby chameleons will grow quickly and will reach sexual maturity by the time they are a year old.
The Cape Dwarf Chameleon will make the perfect pet, as long as you are prepared to care for them properly.