Chameleon Supplies
The reason that the Supplies Section is first on the list of information pages is
because you MUST know what supplies you need to properly take care of a chameleon. This
page is one of the most important because it is often skipped and many people don't
know the proper supplies/tools to be used in chameleon care. Well, here they are...
Here is a list of supplies and products that I use for my chameleon:
1.) Cage-
Cages can be found online at any chameleon supplies stores, and they can also be found in many pet stores. Never hesitate to get a bigger cage than you think you need. In many cases, you end up with less room and more accessories for you cage that won't fit.
My cage that I built:
I made my own cage to save money, it wasn't that hard to do, and it was actually fun. It was originally bigger but I reduced it to this size over the summer. *Note: The key thing to remember is that you have to make your cage big enough to fit the plant and all of the other accessories inside. Cage size varies according to the age of chameleon that you have. You should have 3 different cages for your chameleon as it grows, as the chameleon gets older, the cage should get slightly bigger. *Note: Another thing to remember is that if you make your cage, you must put the door on the front of the cage, NOT the top. If the door is on the top of the cage, then it is such a hassle to reach down into the cage for daily cleanings, etc.
2.) Plant-
I recommend the Hibiscus plant. Also you might want to try a Pathos plant, many people find these to be a great plant for their chameleon's cage. Live plants are a must, because not only do chameleons love live plants, but also it is a natural environment for them. It helps them to hunt, navigate, and drink. Live plants will also help keep the humidity at the optimum level.
3.) Cage accessories-
Cage accessories include fake climbing branches, heating rock, and some type of Reptile Bark Blend for the bottom of the cage. I also use a fake branch called Flexi-Branch, which can bend into any shape or form that you want it to. This gives your chameleon the option to navigate throughout the entire cage. The more branches and climbing accessories the better.
4.) Lights-
The lights that I recommend using are the Zoo-Med's Repti-Sun 5.0 UVA/UVB strip light with hood fixture, and a 100 Watt light bulb with a dome fixture and clamp. Last, you may want to get Zoo-Med's Nocturnal Infrared Heat Lamp (optional) with dome fixture and clamp (use this light if you cannot maintain the proper temperature at night). These can all be found at most pet stores. You should also have a power strip because there will be numerous things that need to be plugged in.
(Zoo-Med's Nocturnal Infrared Heat Lamp)
5.) Hand Gel-
Hand gel should be used before AND after handling a chameleon to rid of any bacteria.
6.) Cricket Duster-
A cricket duster should be used to dust crickets with Rep-Cal products. The product in the picture below is made by HerpCare.
7.) Supplements-
You must dust your crickets with Rep-Cal with Calcium and Vitamin D3, and Rep-Cal Herptivite to give your chameleon the proper vitamins and calcium. There are other supplement products such as Miner-All, these products are fine to use too.
8.) Two or three (2-3) Housing units for insects-
You will need insect housing units for your chameleon's food. These can be plastic insect houses with a lid on top that has slits to allow an air flow. Or you can use 10 gallon aquariums.
9.) Spray Bottle-
You must have a spray bottle in order to mist the chameleon and it's cage for drinking and humidity.
10.) Temperature and Humidity Gauges-
You will need BOTH of these to properly maintain the temperature and humidity inside the cage, including the basking spot.
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