The veiled chameleon (Chameleo calytratus) is a large, colorful, and robust lizard indigenous to coastal regions of Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Now well established in captivity, it is one of the most popular and widely recommended chameleons for novice reptile keeper.

                                     A characteristic feature of this species is the impressively high casque on the head. Adult males have a higher casque than females. Some authorities have suggested that the casque may serve to collect and channel water, such as morning dewdrops or fog, into the functions to dissipate heat. A more recent hypothesis suggest that it may amplify a low frequency "buzzing" used by this species to communicate with one another.

                                    Veiled chameleons also posses prehensile tails, long whip-like tongues, independently moving eyes, zygodactyl feet, and a spectacular array of changing colors.

Vital statistics

Total length: males 17-24 inches/Females 10-13 inches

Body weight: males 100=200 gr. /Females 90-120 gr.

Average life span: Males 4-8 years/Females 2-4 years

Age of sexual maturity: 6-8 months

As pets...

       Chameleons are a unique, attractive, and fascinating lizard that require special care. Providing proper care demands dedication and knowledge. Veiled chameleons are among the largest, most resilient, and most popular chameleons in the pet marketplace. They are well known for their beauty, extremely territoriality, and aggressive behavior. Veiled chameleons can tolerate moderate handling by their owners, but in general are considered display animals that do not fare well with excessive handling.

Diet

Veiled chameleons feed primarily on live, moving insect prey. Vegetation is enjoyed by some veiled chameleons and may also be part of their captive diet.

• The insect portion of the diet may consist of commercially-raised crickets, silkworms, roaches, mealworms, superworms (Zophobas), waxworms, and other insects. Wild collected insects are also beneficial, as long as they are collected from a pesticide- free area. Prey items should be fed a high quality diet (gut-loaded) for at least 24 hours before feeding them out.
• Other live prey might include occasional snails, small lizards and pinkie mice.
• Live prey can be offered either in deep containers or allowed to free roam. Be aware that hungry free roaming insects can chew on chameleons and will sometimes cause injury to them. Chameleons need to be conditioned to eat from a container, but once this behavior is learned, these will reduce insect dispersal in the enclosure.
• Appropriate-sized prey items should be offered every day for juveniles, and 2-4 times a week for adults.
• for vegetation, try offering a shallow bowl with mixed greens and assorted chopped vegetables and fruits. Hibiscus and ficus plants are also relished.

Gender

  The easiest way to sex a veiled chameleon of any age is to look for a small "tarsal spur" on the back of the hind leg. These are present in a male and lacking in females. Additionally, males posses a larger casque height than females, males have a greater total body length, and males and females display distinctively different color patterns.

Water and supplementation

• Free-ranging chameleons drink the dew from leaves and other wet surfaces. In captivity, they generally will not drink from a bowl. their enclosure should be misted once to twice daily so that they may drink from wet surfaces as they do in the wild. Water should also be provided in a "drip system", which can range from simple drip cups and melting ice cubes to more elaborate automatic drip line systems. Chameleons that are not watered regularly are susceptible to dehydration, which can lead to severe illness.

• Vitamin and mineral supplementation is controversial in chameleons; consult with your exotic veterinarian. Dusting prey items with a calcium supplement is probably beneficial. Prey are dusted daily for juveniles, while prey are supplemented every 2-3 feedings for adults.

Most Common Disorders of Veiled Chameleons

• Dystocia (egg-binding)
• Metabolic bone disease
• Toenail loss /foot infections
• Intestinal parasites
• Respiratory/ sinus/ ocular infections
• Stomatitis / periodontal disease
• Abscesses/ cellulitis/ osteomyelitis
• Loss of tongue function
• Kidney disease
• Hemipene prolapse
• Dehydration

    Having your veiled chameleon examined on a regular basis by an exotic animal veterinarian who is familiar with reptiles can prevent may common disorders above.

Avoid

• Being housed together with another chameleon

• Being bred before reaching its full adult size( usually 9-12 months).

• Sharp edges in the enclosure

• Free roam of the house.

• cats, dogs, or other predators.

• Direct contact with heating elements or light sources.

• Overheating.

How to keep your Chameleon Healthy, Happy and safe!

• Take a newly purchased veiled chameleon to an exotic animal veterinarian for a wellness examination and fecal check for parasites.

• Quarantine new chameleons in a separate area of the house for at least 30 days

• Keep chameleons physically and visually separate from one another.

• Deliver water by misting the cage daily by using a drip system.

• Provide heat with a basking light 6-12 hours a day.

• Include exposure to artificial UVB lighting or natural sunlight 10-12 hours a day.

Housing

• Be at least a 10 gallon size enclosure for juveniles.

• Consist of a screen enclosure for adults: minimum size 24"x 24" x 36".Glass aquariums are  acceptable only for hatchings and small juveniles.

• Have no substrate, only plain plastic or glass as cage flooring.

• Be easy to clean with good ventilation.

• Provide branches fro climbing and artificial or real plants for shelter.

• Maintain a gradient of temperatures in the daytime, from 65-75 ° F on the cool end to 90-110°F on the warm end.