Helmeted chameleon care
A fascinating and unique pet reptile, the helmeted chameleon, is a wonderful pet. With their variable colors and exceptional personalities, they are a joy to keep. Although they can be a bit of a handful, with the right knowledge and equipment they are a great addition to an experienced owner.
General Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Trioceros hoehnelii |
| Common Name | Helmeted Chameleon |
| Found in | Eastern Africa |
| Life span | Males up to 8 years; females up to 5 |
| Size | Small to medium-sized compared to other chameleon species |
| Length | 10 inches (25 cm) from head to tail |
| Weight | 100-150 grams |
| Special Physical Feature | Claw-like feet that grip twigs and branches, enabling climbing of trees |
The helmeted chameleon, also known as Trioceros hoehnelii, is a species of chameleon found in the eastern part of Africa. Both male and female helmeted chameleons have a single horn on the tip of their nose. Compared to other chameleon species, the helmeted chameleon is classified as small to medium-sized. From head to tail, an adult helmeted chameleon measures about 10 inches (about 25 cm) and weighs 100-150 grams. They also have claw-like feet that grip twigs and branches, which helps them climb trees.
These chameleons are named for the distinctive helmet-like crest on their heads. These chameleons are relatively solitary and only come together to mate.
The prehensile tail of the helmeted chameleon is an adaptation that allows it to climb effectively. The tail is used as an extra limb to wrap around branches for support and balance.
The chameleon’s long, sticky tongue is also adapted for catching food. The tongue is attached to the chameleon’s jaw by a special muscle, and when extended, the muscle propels the tongue forward at high speeds. The tongue, which is nearly twice the size of the body, can be rapidly extended to catch prey. Inside the mouth, you may notice a tiny set of teeth that are lightly attached to the jawline. While these flimsy teeth help chameleons grasp food, they are usually too weak to chew. These adaptations allow the helmeted chameleon to effectively capture and consume its prey.
More about chameleons in this guide: Chameleon pet types: size chart & comparison
Behavior in the wild
Chameleons are among the most fascinating creatures in the animal kingdom. Not only can they change their appearance, but they also have some unusual mating habits. For example, almost all species of chameleons native to East Africa are relatively territorial. If you put two male Helmet Chameleons together, they will turn black, puff up, and hiss at each other. The dominant male can be identified by his bright color patterns. These color variations change immediately when the chameleon is defeated by another male, especially when competing for a mate. While these behaviors may seem aggressive, they are actually part of the chameleon’s unique mating ritual.
Keeping Helmeted Chameleon as a Pet
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet that’s easy to care for, a helmeted Chameleon is probably not the right choice. These colorful creatures require a warm, humid environment that can be costly to recreate and difficult to maintain.
Here are a few things to consider before getting a helmeted chameleon as a pet:
- They tend to be territorial and may not warm up to owners
- Some may never get used to being handled
- Require regular veterinary care
- Susceptible to a number of diseases
However, if you are determined to own one of these beautiful lizards, here are some useful tips on how to provide the best living conditions for them.
Remember to only buy chameleons from reputable breeders and avoid any animals advertised as “wild caught”! These can carry diseases and can be quite aggressive. The reptiles that make the best pets are always the captive-bred ones.
Quick overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Enclosure Dimensions | Glass. At least 4 inches (10 cm) high, 3 inches (8 cm) wide, and 4 inches (10 cm) deep |
| Artificial Light Source | Simulates sunlight and provides UVB rays for proper calcium absorption. Should be on for 12 hours per day and off for 12 hours per night, mimicking the natural day/night cycle. |
| Temperature | 80-85 degrees F |
| Humidity | 60-70% |
| Diet | Varied, including both insects and vegetables |
Helmeted Chameleon Tank Setup
The helmeted chameleon is a tropical species that prefers warm, humid climates.
When choosing a habitat for your helmeted chameleon, it’s important to remember that these reptiles are climbers. A tall, vertical cage is ideal as it gives them plenty of room to explore. The cage should be at least 4 inches (ca. 10 cm) high, 3 inches (about 8 cm) wide, and 4 inches (about 10 cm) deep. It’s also important to provide plenty of cover, such as plants and branches. This will help create a more natural environment for your chameleon. Once you have the perfect cage, your helmeted chameleon will thrive.
Lighting
Chameleons are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night. In the wild, they receive plenty of natural sunlight, which helps them stay healthy and provides the UVB rays they need for proper calcium absorption. However, when kept as pets, it is important to provide an artificial light source that simulates sunlight. Ideally, this light should be on 12 hours per day and off 12 hours per night, mimicking the natural day/night cycle. In addition, the light should provide UVB rays to promote proper calcium absorption.
Temperature
Helmed Chameleons will feel comfortable at a temperature between 80F to 85F degrees. Keep the heater on one side of the tank, allowing the temperature to gradually drop to 70 °F at the other side of the tank. The temperature range of these lamps is 60-75 Watts from the best source. Glass and larger terrariums might require different lighting fixtures. Keep a digital thermometer to check the temperature accuracy at all times.
Humidity
You want to make sure that the humidity in the enclosure stays between 60% and 70%. To keep these levels you could consider a few things. One of the safest solutions is to add live plants inside if the enclosure.
Not only do they help increase humidity levels, but they also provide a food source for your animals. Therefore, it is important to place non-toxic plants such as golden pothos, rubber tree, dwarf umbrella tree, and weeping figs.
However, plants alone will not help you achieve the proper humidity levels.
One way to do this is to invest in an automatic mister. This will help keep your chameleon’s cage moist and replicate the sensation of raindrops. Chameleons also absorb water through their skin, so misting the cage once or twice a day will help your pet stay hydrated. With a little effort, you can create a healthy environment for your chameleon that mimics its natural habitat.
Diet: What to Feed Your Helmeted Chameleon
Helmeted chameleons in particular need a varied diet that includes both insects and vegetables.
For insects, crickets, cockroaches, flies, and grasshoppers are all good options. However, it’s important to remember that these insects should be gut-loaded, meaning that they should be fed a nutritious diet beforehand so that they can pass those nutrients on to the chameleon.
Vegetables such as mustard greens, collards, and kale are also an essential part of the diet, and the chameleon should have access to these fresh vegetables every day.
Finally, it’s important to keep the enclosure clean by removing any leftover food so that flies don’t become a problem and the chameleon doesn’t accidentally eat stale food.
Diet Supplements
Incorporating supplements in your chameleon’s diet is a sure way to provide optimal care. For chameleons with limited exposure to natural light, this is a crucial alternative. It is recommended to add light dust calcium with D3 to every meal to support healthy bones and bodily functions.
The most important benefit of this practice is preventing the potentially fatal Metabolic Bone Disease. It is also beneficial to offer a substitute of phosphorus and multivitamins once or twice a week.
Do Helmeted Chameleons also change color?
Chameleons are fascinating creatures that have long captivated the interest of scientists and laypeople alike. One of the most intriguing aspects of these animals is their ability to change color. Like many chameleons, the helmeted chameleon can alter its appearance within seconds, thanks to special pigmented cells in its skin. When resting, males are generally light to lime green with accents of other greens, golden yellow, blues, and browns; while females are light green with white markings.
Contrary to popular belief, chameleons don’t need to change color to blend into their surroundings. More often, veiled chameleons alter their colors to communicate with potential mates or express dominance, in the case of males. For example, a male might turn bright yellow when he spots a female that he’s interested in courting. Or, if two males encounter each other and one is trying to assert his dominance, he might flash a brightly colored warning signal.
While we may never fully understand the complex language of chameleon colors, there’s no doubt that these shapeshifting lizards continue to fascinate us with their ability to change their appearance at a moment’s notice.
What chameleons are most commonly kept as pets?
Some of the most commonly kept chameleons as pets are:
- Jackson’s Chameleon (Trioceros jacksonii)
- Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus)
- Panther Chameleon (Furcifer pardalis)
- Dwarf/Pygmy Chameleon (Brookesia species)
- Yemen Chameleon (Chamaeleo calcarifer)
Now you know
If you are looking for a unique and interesting pet, the helmeted chameleon can be a great choice! With their fascinating ability to change color and their long, sticky tongue, they are sure to captivate everyone who meets them. Just be sure that you are prepared to provide them with the care they need to thrive.