Chameleons are cool reptiles but which ones are best chameleons for beginners. Watch them hang out on a branch and snap up insects with their long sticky tongue. Witness their surreal color-changing ability as they flash different hues, and independently moving eyes, they look almost alien as their unique feet reach out slowly to grab a branch or vine.

It’s no wonder so many people are interested in owning one of these color-morphing wonders of the reptile world. Chameleons are a great choice for newcomers to reptile-keeping. They aren’t dangerous and rarely bite or display aggressive behavior. They just like hanging out in their enclosure, basking on a branch under a lamp, or climbing from vine to vine.

The family “Chamaeleonidae” has 202 species plus 23 subspecies across 12 genera. That’s a lot of variation in the chameleon world. So, which ones make good pets? Some are unavailable in the pet market due to environmental restrictions, and others are readily available.

Best Chameleons For Beginners

Let’s look at the best chameleons for beginners, that you’re likely to find at a pet store, reptile expo, or in private breeder’s marketplaces.

The Veiled Chameleon

Veiled chameleons display beautiful colors in shades of green, blue, or yellow. Male and female veiled chameleons grow to up to 24 inches long, from nose to tail. The males are easily distinguishable because they have the renowned “casque” or “Veil” on its head.

Habitat – Veiled chameleons require a vertical enclosure, with climbing branches and plants. A screen cage is the preferred housing option to ensure proper ventilation.

Temperature and Humidity – Keep the basking spot at around 85-95°F. The relative humidity inside the enclosure should range between 50% and 70% and be maintained through misting with a drip system.

Diet – They feed on insects like crickets, mealworms, and roaches. Dust the bugs in their diet with calcium and vitamin supplements.

The Panther Chameleon

Panther Chameleons are great as far as beginner species go. They’re colorful and easy to take care of. They come in several different colors, depending on their country of origin. Common colors include red, blue, green, and orange. The males are more colorful and larger than the females, and they have a talent for putting on spectacular color-changing displays that delight owners. The males can reach up to 20 inches long, but the females are smaller and less brilliantly colored.

Habitat – Panther Chameleons need a habitat similar to Veiled Chameleons. Tall with plenty of foliage, and several horizontally positioned centerpiece branches for basking.

Temperature and Humidity – Keep the basking spot at 85-90°F, and an ambient temperature gradient of 75-80°F. Keep humidity between 50-70%.

Diet – Their diet includes several types of feeder insects. Crickets, silkworms, and hornworms are all on the menu. Dust their food with calcium and vitamin supplements.

Jackson’s Chameleon

The Jackson’s Chameleon is another visually striking species that’s available on the pet market and commonly seen at expos. Their unique appearance makes them look like a miniature three-horned dinosaur. They’re usually green but also come in tints of blue and yellow. Males can reach 15 inches in length, and the females are smaller.

Habitat – Jackson’s Chameleons need free-range enclosures with plenty of height and live plants to mimic their natural habitat.

Temperature and Humidity – The perfect basking spot temperature is between 82 and 85°F. They need pretty high levels of humidity from 60% to 80% sustained through frequent misting.

Diet – Feed them insects, crickets, dubia roaches, and wax worms are good choices. Diets generally include powdered calcium supplements to prevent deficiencies.

The Carpet Chameleon

Carpet Chameleons are a smaller species and brilliantly colorful. They’re a good choice for owners who want a smaller animal and value the color-morphing abilities of chameleons as their top ownership priority. I personally believe these are the best chameleons for beginners…my opinion only.

Carpet chameleons come in many color variations, from green, yellow, orange to blue, and some have cool patterns and stripes. Males, on average, reach sizes of around 7-9 inches.

Habitat – They need well-planted enclosures with branches and foliage for hiding and climbing.

Temperature and Humidity – 80-85°F for the basking spot and between 70-75°F for the other lower regions of the enclosure. The proper average humidity level is 50% to 60%.

Diet – Crickets, flies, and small beetles, supplemented with calcium and vitamin powders.

The Pygmy Chameleon

Pygmy chameleons are the cutest, smallest chameleon out there. As their name suggests, this dwarf species grows to a maximum of 3-4 inches, making them tiny, color-changing critters that are delightful to keep. They are a ground-dwelling species, so the enclosure should feature a forest-floor habitat for camouflage.

Habitat – This chameleon species thrives in a smaller, horizontally oriented terrarium. Create basking and hiding spots with rocks and use leaf litter on the floor. Watch them ambush their prey from under the leaves.

Temperature and Humidity – Maintain an average temperature between 70-75°F, with a slight decline at night. Maintain humidity in the higher range of 70–80% with frequent misting.

Diet – Offer them fruit flies, pinhead crickets, and springtails. Dust the insects with calcium and vitamins.

Four-Horned Chameleon

The Four-Horned Chameleon or, “Quadrid Chameleon,” gets its name from the four horn-like structures on its head, like the Jacksons. This arboreal species reaches lengths of 10-12 inches and looks like someone molded them from silly putty. These chameleons come in a mix of yellow, green, and brown colorations.

Habitat – Give them plenty of vertical height and dense foliage for climbing and hiding.

Temperature and Humidity – Keep basking spot temperatures in the range of 80–85°F, with overall ambient temperature at 70–75°F. Humidity should range from 60 to 80%; maintained with misting.

Diet – They feed on crickets, roaches, and caterpillars. Dust their food with calcium and vitamins.

What Should I Ask a Chameleon Breeder When Buying My New Pet?

First, you could ask for their opinion on which are the best chameleons for beginners. Buying a chameleon can be an exciting venture, but it’s up to you to ensure you buy a healthy and well-taken-care-of pet. The answers you get from asking the breeder the right questions help you make an informed decision of which animal to bring home. Here are some essential questions to ask the breeder during your due diligence.

Age, Species and Subspecies

How old is the chameleon? Has anyone owned it before? Check the species and subspecies of chameleon available. Basic needs and care requirements vary significantly between different groups of chameleons.

Origin and Breeding Conditions

It’s essential to ask about the origin of the chameleon and whether it’s captive-bred or wild-caught. A captive-bred chameleon is in better health and physiologically adjusted to a captive setting. Wild-caught animals can carry parasites. Ensure that you ask about the conditions and the environment in which they were raised.

Behavior and Temperament

Knowing the temperament of the chameleon helps you anticipate what behavior to expect from it. Some chameleons are docile, while others may be more active and flighty.