Have you ever considered keeping a Four-horned chameleon as a pet? These fascinating creatures are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, and for good reason! Not only are they visually striking with their unique horns and colour patterns, they also make great pets with the right care and attention.
In this blog post, we’re going to cover the basics of Four-horned chameleon care. From setting up their habitat to feeding and nutrition, handling and socialisation, and maintaining their health and well-being, we’ll cover all the essentials you need to know to provide the best possible care for your Four-Horned Chameleon. So whether you’re a first-time chameleon owner or just want to brush up on your care, this article has got you covered!
Brief characteristics
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 25-35 cm including tail |
| Lifespan | Up to 5-8 years in captivity |
| Color | Males: Green with blue markings, females: Brown with green |
| Diet | Insects such as crickets, roaches, and flies |
| Original Habitat | Tropical rainforests of east Africa |
| Enclosure Size | Minimum 45 x 45 x 60 cm for one adult |
| Owner Experience | Beginner to intermediate |
Keeping Four-Horned Chameleon as a pet
Overall, owning a Four-Horned Chameleon requires a significant amount of time, effort, and resources, but can be a rewarding experience for those who are passionate about reptile care. It’s important to do your research and ensure you are prepared to provide the proper care and maintenance before bringing a Four-Horned Chameleon into your home.
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Enclosure set up
The size of your chameleon’s enclosure is very important as it will affect their overall health and well-being. The minimum recommended enclosure size for an adult Four-horned chameleon is 45 x 45 x 60 cm (18 x 18 x 24 inches). However, larger is always better, so if you have the space, consider providing a larger enclosure.
As for the type of enclosure, it’s best to use a screen cage or mesh terrarium to allow for proper air circulation and ventilation. This will help maintain the correct temperature and humidity levels within the enclosure. A glass terrarium can also be used, but it’s critical to ensure that proper ventilation is maintained.
It’s also important to provide plenty of branches, vines and foliage for your chameleon to climb and hide in. This will give them a sense of security and help prevent stress.
Temperature
Four-horned chameleons require a basking temperature of around 32-35°C (90-95°F) during the day and a cooler temperature of around 24-26°C (75-78°F) at night. It’s important to provide a heat source, such as a heat lamp or ceramic radiator, to maintain these temperatures within the enclosure. It’s also important to provide a cooler area within the enclosure where your chameleon can escape if necessary.
Humidity
Four-horned chameleons require relatively high humidity levels of around 60-80%. To maintain this humidity it’s important to mist the enclosure several times a day and provide a water source for your chameleon to drink from. You can also use a humidifier or a substrate that retains moisture, such as coconut fibre or peat moss.
Lighting
Four-horned chameleons need access to UVB lighting to help them metabolise calcium and maintain healthy bones. It’s recommended to provide a UVB bulb that covers at least 2/3 of the enclosure and replace it every 6-12 months as the UVB output will decrease over time. In addition, providing a visible light source for 10-12 hours per day will help regulate your chameleon’s circadian rhythm.
Substrate
The substrate in your Four-horned chameleon’s enclosure should be easy to clean, non-toxic and capable of retaining moisture. Some suitable substrates are coconut fibre, peat moss or reptile carpet. Avoid substrates that can cause impaction, such as sand or gravel.
What to feed a Four-horned chameleon
Four-horned chameleons are insectivores and should be fed a varied diet of insects such as crickets, cockroaches and flies. It’s important to gut the insects and dust them with a calcium and vitamin supplement before feeding them to your chameleon. Adult four horned chameleons should be fed every 2-3 days, while juveniles should be fed more frequently.
Hydration
Four-horned chameleons obtain most of their hydration from water droplets on the foliage in their enclosure. It’s important to mist the enclosure several times a day to give your chameleon access to water droplets. In addition, providing a dripper system or shallow water bowl can encourage your chameleon to drink more water. It’s important to ensure that the water is clean and free of debris.
It’s important to observe your Four-horned chameleon’s eating and drinking habits to make sure it is getting enough food and water. A healthy chameleon should have a healthy appetite and be active and alert.
Signs of dehydration
It’s also critical to note that Four-horned chameleons are susceptible to dehydration, so it’s important to ensure that they are properly hydrated at all times. Signs of dehydration include:
- sunken eyes
- wrinkled skin
- lethargy
If you suspect your chameleon is dehydrated, provide extra fluids and consult a vet if the symptoms persist.
Handling a Four-horned chameleon
Handling and interaction with Four-horned chameleon should be kept to a minimum to avoid stressing the chameleon. However, there are some tips on how to safely handle and interact with your chameleon when necessary:
Wait for your chameleon to calm down: Chameleons are naturally skittish and may become stressed if approached too quickly. Wait until your chameleon is calm and relaxed before attempting to handle it.
Support your chameleon properly: When handling your chameleon, support its body with both hands. Place one hand under its abdomen and the other hand under its chest. Avoid handling your chameleon by the tail as this can cause serious injury.
Limit handling time: Chameleons are not social animals and prefer to be left alone. Limit handling to 10-15 minutes at a time and only handle your chameleon when necessary.
Avoid handling during shedding: Chameleons are vulnerable during the shedding process and should not be handled during this time.
Remember that each chameleon has its own personality and preferences, so it’s important to observe and respect your chameleon’s behaviour and body language to determine whether it feels comfortable being handled. If you notice any signs of stress or discomfort, stop handling immediately and allow your chameleon to return to its enclosure.
Signs of stress in Four-Horned Chameleon
Four-horned chameleons have unique behaviours and body language that can indicate their mood and level of stress. Here are some common behaviours and signs of stress to look out for:
- Colour changes: Four-horned chameleons are known for their ability to change colour, often in response to changes in their environment or mood. A stressed chameleon may exhibit dark colours, such as black or brown, or become pale or grey.
- Puffing up: When a chameleon feels threatened or stressed, it may inflate its body to appear larger and more intimidating.
- Hissing: Chameleons may hiss as a warning signal when they feel threatened or stressed.
- Aggression: A stressed chameleon may display aggressive behaviour such as biting or lunging.
- Avoidance: Chameleons may avoid interaction or hide in their enclosure when they feel stressed or threatened.
- Abnormal behaviour: A stressed chameleon may exhibit abnormal behaviour such as lethargy, loss of appetite or excessive grooming.
It’s important to watch your chameleon’s behaviour and body language to determine whether it is stressed or uncomfortable in its environment. Stress can have a negative effect on a chameleon’s health and well-being, so it’s essential to address any sources of stress and provide a comfortable, low-stress environment for your pet. Common sources of stress for chameleons include overcrowding, inadequate lighting or temperature, and lack of hiding places or foliage. By providing an appropriate environment and monitoring your chameleon’s behaviour, you can help keep your pet healthy and happy.
Health concerns
Four-horned chameleons are generally hardy animals when kept in appropriate conditions, but they can still experience health problems. Here are some common health problems that four-horned chameleons may experience and how to prevent and treat them:
- Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): MBD is a condition caused by a lack of calcium and vitamin D in the diet, which can lead to weak bones, deformities, and other health issues. To prevent MBD, provide a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and make sure the chameleon has access to adequate lighting to promote vitamin D production.
- Respiratory infections: Chameleons are susceptible to respiratory infections caused by poor ventilation, low humidity and other environmental factors. To prevent respiratory infections, maintain a clean and well-ventilated enclosure, provide adequate humidity and avoid overcrowding.
- Parasites: Chameleons can be susceptible to internal and external parasites, which can cause health problems such as weight loss, lethargy and digestive problems. To prevent parasites, keep the enclosure clean, avoid feeding wild-caught insects and have your chameleon checked regularly by a vet.
- Dehydration: Chameleons are prone to dehydration, especially if they do not have access to clean water. To prevent dehydration, provide a source of clean, fresh water and mist the enclosure regularly to maintain adequate humidity.
- Eye infections: Chameleons can develop eye infections due to poor hygiene, irritation from substrate or debris, or other environmental factors. To prevent eye infections, keep the enclosure clean and provide adequate lighting and humidity. If your chameleon shows signs of an eye infection, such as discharge or swelling, consult your vet for treatment.
It’s important to monitor your four-horned chameleon’s health regularly and to seek veterinary advice if you notice any signs of illness or distress. Providing a suitable environment, maintaining good hygiene and offering a balanced diet are all important steps in preventing and treating common health problems in Four-Horned Chameleons.
What we’ve learned
Four-horned chameleons can be fascinating and rewarding pets for reptile enthusiasts, but they do require special care and attention to thrive.
Providing a suitable habitat with the correct lighting, temperature, humidity and substrate, as well as a balanced diet and regular veterinary care, can help prevent common health problems and ensure your pet’s well-being.
By understanding the unique behaviours and needs of the Four-horned chameleon, you can create a comfortable and stimulating environment that allows them to express its natural behaviours and personalities.
Remember to approach handling and socialisation with patience and care, and always be on the lookout for signs of stress or illness. With the right care, a Four-horned chameleon can be fascinating and rewarding companions for many years to come.