🦎 General Info


The Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) is one of the most recognizable and fascinating reptiles in the hobby. Native to the mountainous regions of Yemen and southwestern Saudi Arabia, this species thrives in warm, humid environments with plenty of vegetation.


Veiled Chameleons are known for their incredible color-changing ability, independent eye movement, and the distinctive helmet-like casque on top of their heads. Males display bright greens, yellows, blues, and oranges, while females are generally smaller and less vibrant unless gravid (carrying eggs).


Adults reach 18–24 inches in total length (males being larger) and can live 6–8 years in captivity, sometimes longer with proper care. While not the best choice for frequent handling, Veiled Chameleons are rewarding display pets that thrive in a properly set-up environment.


Enclosure


  • Size:

  • Juveniles: 16” x 16” x 30” minimum

  • Adults (Male): Minimum 24” x 24” x 48”

  • Adults (Female): Minimum 18” x 18” x 36”

  • Material:

  • Screen enclosures are ideal, as they provide superior ventilation.

  • Avoid fully glass tanks; poor airflow can lead to respiratory infections.

  • Aluminum screen or PVC hybrid cages (with solid sides and screen front/top) are great options.

  • Placement: Place the enclosure in a quiet, elevated location — chameleons feel safer when they can look down on their surroundings. Avoid direct airflow from vents or fans.


  • Décor:

  • Use live or artificial plants such as pothos, ficus, or umbrella plants for climbing and cover. Provide sturdy branches and vine at different levels for basking and movement.

  • Avoid overcrowding the enclosure floor — chameleons rarely go there.

Temperature & Lighting


  • Basking Spot:

  • Males: 90–95°F

  • Females: 85–90°F

  • Ambient Temperature:

  • Daytime: 75–85°F

  • Nighttime: 65–72°F

  • Heating: Use a basking bulb placed above the cage (never inside). Ensure a temperature gradient so the chameleon can thermoregulate. Use a digital thermometer with probe for accuracy.


  • Lighting & UVB: UVB is essential for calcium metabolism and overall health. Use a T5 HO 5.0 or 10.0 UVB tube spanning the width of the enclosure. Replace UVB bulbs every 6–12 months (depending on brand).

  • Day/Night Cycle: Provide 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. Use a timer to maintain a consistent cycle.


Humidity & Hydration


  • Humidity: 50–70% during the day, rising to 80–100% at night.


  • Hydration: Veiled Chameleons do not drink from standing water. They prefer to lap droplets off leaves.


  • Misting: 2–3 times daily using a hand mister or automatic misting system.

  • Dripper: Provide a slow-drip system that runs for several hours daily.

  • Live plants: Help maintain humidity and provide natural drinking surfaces.

  • Tip: Let the enclosure dry out between misting to prevent bacterial growth and mold.


Substrate


  • Most keepers prefer a bare-bottom cage or drainage layer for easy cleaning and to prevent mold.


  • If desired, you can use bioactive substrate (such as soil, clay, and leaf litter) with a proper drainage system, but this requires more maintenance.


  • Avoid substrates that can cause impaction or retain too much moisture, such as sand or bark chips.


Diet


  • Type: Insectivores


  • Staple food:

  • Crickets

  • Dubia roaches

  • Black soldier fly larvae

  • Silkworms

  • Treats (Occasional):

  • Hornworms

  • Superworms

  • Waxworms (high fat)

  • Feeding Schedule:

  • Juveniles: Daily (10–15 small insects per day)

  • Adults: Every other day (5–8 medium/large insects)

  • Supplements:

  • Calcium without D3: Every feeding

  • Calcium with D3: 2–3 times weekly

  • Multivitamin: Once weekly

  • Gut-Loading: Feed insects a nutritious diet of vegetables and commercial gut-load for 24–48 hours before offering.


Behavior & Handling


  • Temperament: Veiled Chameleons are territorial and solitary. They can display stress colors (dark or dull shades) when threatened or overhandled.


  • Handling:

  • Keep handling to a minimum.

  • Move slowly and let the chameleon walk onto your hand — never grab.

  • Overhandling can cause chronic stress and health issues.

  • Behavioral Displays:


  • Bright colors = alert or territorial.

  • Dark colors = stress, cold, or illness.

  • Puffing, gaping, or hissing = defensive display.

  • Enrichment: Offer occasional supervised outdoor time (in secure enclosures) for natural sunlight and exploration.


Health & Lifespan


  • Lifespan:


  • Males: 6–8 years

  • Females: 4–6 years (shorter due to egg-laying strain)

  • Common Health Issues:

  • Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Caused by lack of UVB or calcium.

  • Dehydration: Sunken eyes, wrinkled skin.

  • Respiratory Infections: Caused by poor ventilation or cold temperatures.

  • Egg Binding (Females): Occurs if not provided a proper laying bin.

  • Mouth Rot & Eye Infections: From unsanitary conditions or injury.

  • Prevention:

  • Maintain proper temperature, humidity, and UVB levels.

  • Keep enclosure clean and well-ventilated.

  • Provide a laying bin (10–12” deep of moist sand/soil mix) for all mature females, even if not bred — they may still produce infertile eggs.

Final Note: The Veiled Chameleon is a magnificent display reptile, best appreciated visually rather than through frequent handling. When provided with ample space, proper lighting, hydration, and privacy, these arboreal lizards display brilliant colors and fascinating behaviors that few reptiles can match. Their care demands are moderate but rewarding — perfect for keepers ready to provide a lush, living habitat and respect their independent nature.