Getting a reptile pet is fun and exciting! You need to know what the easiest chameleon is to take care of before you commit to this exotic creature!
Many types of chameleons do well in captivity. Some are so unique that you won’t believe how awesome they are until you see them yourself. Chameleons can be good pets for beginners, but choosing the easiest one to take care of is best if you’ve never had a reptile pet before.
In this article, I list the five easiest chameleons to take care of and briefly summarize what you need to keep your new reptile friend healthy in captivity.
Are Chameleons Good Pets For Beginners?
Chameleons are typically not the easiest reptiles to take care of. They aren’t hardy, and their needs are complex. These little animals are susceptible to stress, especially when you handle them.
While they’re colorful and fun to watch, Chameleons are solitary reptiles.
You can still keep them as pets, and they make great beginner reptiles if you follow their care guides to a tee, but don’t expect a furry new friend.
The Five Best Beginner Friendly Chameleons
Panther Chameleon
The Panther Chameleon is easy to care for and hardier than most species. They’re also readily available in the pet trade, making it easier for new owners to get advice and the supplies needed to take excellent care of them.
These chameleons are docile and showcase a variety of vibrant colors ranging from orange and red, blue, green, and yellow. The impressive patterns and coloring of Panther Chameleons make them a favorite amongst reptile keepers.
Unfortunately, these little creatures are short-lived and only reach 5 years of age.
Veiled Chameleon
Veiled Chameleons are widely available and make friendly little pets. They’re the most inexpensive of all chameleons and have a unique appearance: they have a casque on their heads!
Their casque is an enormous growth and is quite remarkable. It acts as a water collector, catching droplets, which then roll down the chameleon’s faces for them to drink.
Veiled Chameleons are relatively large and need a bigger enclosure than most species. They live an average of 6 to 8 years.
Jackson’s Chameleon
A Jackson’s Chameleon is docile and has three horns on their head. They have a longer than average lifespan, and combined with their easy-going nature and unique look, they make great pets!
These reptiles are moderate in size – they’re smaller than Veiled and Panther chameleons.
Young Jackson’s Chameleons are typically brown in color. As they mature, they develop more vibrant green markings. Males are usually more brightly colored, often with blue and yellow markings. They can live up to ten years in captivity, but an average of five to eight seems to be the norm.
Dwarf Jackson’s Chameleon
As their name suggests, the Dwarf Jackson’s Chameleon is a smaller sub-species of the larger Jackson’s Chameleon.
The males have three horns on their heads, while females only have one. The Dwarf Jackson’s Chameleon has a uniform blue-green color with yellow on their head.
These reptiles are easy to care for.
Four-Horned Chameleon
Another great beginner’s choice is the Four-Horned Chameleon. They come from the same genus as the Jackson’s Chameleon and share similar characteristics.
The Four-Horned Chameleon has a greenish-yellow color with lighter markings ranging from blue to purple. They’re slightly larger than the Jackson’s Chameleon and have four horns instead of three. These horns are also smaller.
Since the Four-Horned Chameleon is native to rainforests, they need moist and cold enclosures. This chameleon is sensitive to high temperatures and low humidity, but they’re fairly easy to keep as pets if you have these figured out!
What Is The Easiest Chameleon To Take Care Of?
The easiest chameleon for a beginner to take care of is the Panthers Chameleon.
Panthers are popular and readily available. You’ll also have an easy time finding advice on how to best take care of them.
Like all chameleons, they need a large enclosure with branches and plants to hide in and climb.
Panther Chameleons are solitary animals and also territorial. It’s best to keep one alone in a tank.
Everything You Need to Keep a Pet Chameleon
To keep your pet chameleon happy and healthy, you should include the following on your checklist:
- A well-ventilated terrarium or other screened enclosure. This needs to be large enough to house your chameleon, as well as some plants and rocks for climbing and exercise.
- Heat lamps to keep your chameleon warm if they require it.
- You will also need an automated humidifier, mister, or drip system to keep the humidity levels in your chameleon enclosure perfect.
If you include these accessories, your chameleon will enjoy their new home!
In Summary
There are some great chameleon species to choose from if you’re getting one as a pet for the first time! Some are big, some are small, and others have a slightly warmer personality than their peers.
You should think carefully before choosing a chameleon as a pet and do lots of research about each to help you make the best decision.
I hope this article helped narrow down the easiest chameleons to take care of. If you have any more questions about these extraordinary creatures, pop them in the comments!
FAQs
Are chameleons easy pets?
Chameleons aren't the easiest reptiles to keep as pets, but if you listen to the best advice out there, you'll have their care figured out in no time!
What's the easiest reptile to take care of?
The easiest reptiles to take care of are tortoises, geckos, and snakes.
What is the cheapest reptile to own?
The most affordable reptile to take care of is the Leopard Gecko. They're easy to maintain and handle and make unique pets!
What is a good beginner pet?
Rabbits, hamsters, cats, and dogs all make great beginner pets. Reptiles typically don't make this list, but you won't go wrong with a docile snake or gecko if you're into cold-blooded creatures.