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Veiled chameleons are fascinating lizards with independently moving eyes, a tall casque and a tongue longer than their body. They're the hardiest chameleon for new keepers, but they still need a specialised setup and are best left to watch rather than handle.
Veiled chameleons at a glance
| Adult size | Males 45–60cm; females 25–35cm |
| Lifespan | 5–8 years (males); 4–6 (females) |
| Enclosure | At least 60 x 60 x 120cm (tall), mesh or part mesh |
| Basking spot | 32–35°C (adults) |
| Ambient | 24–28°C |
| Night | 18–22°C |
| Humidity | 40–70%, spiking after misting |
1. The enclosure
Chameleons need height and excellent ventilation. A tall mesh enclosure such as the ReptiZoo Deluxe Screen Cage is ideal. Keep one chameleon per enclosure; they're solitary and stress easily at the sight of another chameleon.
2. Plants and branches
Fill the enclosure with a network of horizontal and diagonal branches at different heights, and plenty of foliage for cover. Live, non-toxic plants such as pothos, ficus and hibiscus help hold humidity. Read our reptile live plants guide and see reptile decoration.
3. Heat and UVB
- Place a basking lamp on top of the mesh above a branch, with a thermostat.
- Add a T5 UVB tube across the top of the enclosure. See UV lighting.
- Provide a cooler area lower down so the chameleon can regulate its temperature.
Read our reptile lighting guide.
4. Water and misting
Chameleons rarely drink from a bowl. They lap droplets from leaves. Mist the enclosure two or three times a day for a couple of minutes, and let it dry out between mistings. A timed system such as the ReptiZoo Pocket Timing Mister makes this easy. See all misters and our misting guide.
5. Feeding
- Feed gut-loaded live insects such as crickets, locusts and roaches.
- Juveniles: daily, as much as they eat. Adults: every other day.
- A feeding dish fixed to a branch stops insects escaping.
- Veileds also nibble leaves, which is normal.
6. Supplements
Dust insects with calcium without D3 at most feeds, and with a calcium with D3 and a multivitamin such as Vetark Nutrobal every couple of weeks. See reptile supplements.
Females and egg-laying
Female veiled chameleons can lay eggs without a male. Provide a deep container of damp sand and soil as a laying site, and see a vet if she becomes restless and stops eating.
Common problems
- Dehydration: sunken eyes and orange urates. Increase misting.
- Metabolic bone disease: from poor UVB or supplements.
- Stress: dark colours and hiding, often from handling or seeing another chameleon.
