5 Tips To Raise Yemen Chameleon As A Pet

If you have a Yemen chameleon pet then this information will be helpful. Yemen chameleons are one of the most common chameleon types that people keep as pets. Alongside some other common species such as the American (Anole) chameleon, and the Hooded or Veiled chameleon.

Even though there are many general chameleon care tips that apply to most species. There are often specific questions that owners might want to know about when they have a specific species like the Yemen chameleon.

Yemen chameleons have certain characteristics that make them stand out, including the conditions they prefer to their specific habitat.

How can you take the best care of your Yemen chameleon?

Here are 5 tips to raise your Yemen chameleon as a pet.

About the Yemen Chameleon

The Yemen chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) is one of the more than 200 chameleon species types that exist in the world. The Yemen chameleon is known for being one of the more relaxed, friendly chameleon species. It’s contributed to their reputation as one of the best types of pet chameleon.

They’re naturally found, of course, in Yemen – but the same chameleon is also found within surrounding areas.

They’re tree-dwellers, but sometimes also found on the ground. There are some other chameleon species that exist exclusively on the ground, such as the Pygmy chameleon. Sometimes they’re also called the cone-head chameleon. Which is named for one of their most prominent physical features – the cone-like structure atop their heads.

Do Yemen Chameleons Change Color?

Yes, Yemen chameleons can change color, and this is true for the majority of different chameleon species.

However, if you notice that your chameleon isn’t changing color, then make an appointment with a reptile-focused vet.

Chameleons can change their color-changing habits, but this can either be an indication of the fact that they are getting ill. The fact that they were born with a genetic mutation which makes them, rarely, unable to switch colors.

Handling a Juvenile Chameleon

Hatchling and juvenile chameleons are much smaller than first-time chameleon owners might expect them to be at first. If you’re raising your chameleon from a smaller size, then you should keep this in mind.

Juvenile Yemen chameleons are usually busier and more active than older ones. They tend to require smaller batches of food (though more frequently) than older chameleons.

For handling your juvenie chameleon, it’s recommended that you use a stick or skewer. They’ll naturally grab on to things that you hand them – including food that’s held up to them.

5 Care Tips for Your Yemen Chameleon

Want to make sure that you’re taking the best care of your Yemen chameleon?

While some of the general chameleon care tips are the same as other chameleon types, there are some specific things that you might want to do when taking care of your Yemen chameleon.

Here are five specific care tips for your Yemen chameleon that can help you to guarantee you’re giving them the best of all possible aspects of their lives.

1. Maintain the Correct Size Tank

The first thing you want to do is maintain the correct size tank, which should be relative to the size of your chameleon: maintaining the right size enclosure is the first thing you should do when you’re trying to guarantee your chameleon is happy.

They should be kept in a tank that’s big enough to roam in, though not big enough to disperse the heat.

The Yemen chameleon ranges up to 8 to 10 inches in size, and their cage should accommodate this.

2. Don’t Handle Them Too Much

Don’t handle your Yemen chameleon too much, as they aren’t used to having permanent human contact. When they’re being kept in captivity, your Yemen chameleon shouldn’t be subjected to excessive amounts of stress like they might have encountered in the wild.

While they’re very cute and great to look at, Yemen chameleons don’t particularly like to be handle by human hands.

However, this doesn’t mean you should isolate them from contact.

3. Correct Nutrition for Chameleons

Correct nutrition is important for all chameleons, but particularly important if you’re raising your Yemen chameleon from birth. They’ve just moved into your enclosure from another. Don’t assume that their previous owner fed them straight before, and start with a feeding once they’ve become more comfortable with their first surroundings.

Generally, they eat the same things as other chameleons, including cockroaches, mealworms, or crickets.

Smaller or juvenile chameleons eat slightly more than their adult counterparts, and they might eat up to ten units of a food item per day. As they get older, you will notice that they tend to eat less.

4. Get the Temperature Right

Get the temperature of their enclosure right if you want to make sure that you have the happiest Yemen chameleon The average chameleon enclosure should range between about 79 to 80°F according to expert resources – however, most enclosures have a basking spot that’s designed to be slightly warmer.

Install several thermometers throughout the enclosure so that you can monitor the temperature at several points.

5. Monitor Their Health

If you have a Yemen chameleon pet, you should start by monitoring their health. Continue doing so with an app, spreadsheets, or book in which you document things like their feeding and appearance (and sometimes, their color changes).

Chameleons will generally show you if there’s something in their habitat or enclosure that they aren’t happy with.

If there is any drastic or immediate change in their behavior, make an appointment with a reptile-specialist vet: usually, small adjustments can make a big difference if there’s something like their temperature or feeding that isn’t right.

Conclusion: Taking the Best Care of Your Yemen Chameleon

Yemen chameleons are native to Yemen, however, they also make a great choice for a pet chameleon – even if you don’t have a lot of experience or you’re a first-time chameleon keeper, they aren’t difficult to take proper care of.

It’s all about the combined elements of their care, such as making sure they have enough food, water, and heat.