Veiled Chameleon | Chamaeleo calyptratus
Plan the habitat for the adult animal, with secure housing and room to carry out its natural behaviour.
At a Glance
| Origin & natural habitat |
Yemen and Saudi Arabia; elevated scrub and vegetation. |
| Adult size |
Males up to around 50–60 cm including tail; females smaller. |
| Lifespan |
Around 5–7 years; females often shorter-lived. |
| Temperament |
Individuals vary; allow time to settle before any handling. |
| Activity |
Day-active. |
| Social needs |
House individually. |
Housing & Setup
Enclosure dimensions are length × depth × height unless stated otherwise. Plan for the adult animal; larger, suitably furnished housing is encouraged.
| Adult housing |
At least 60 × 60 × 120 cm for one adult. |
| Enclosure type |
Tall, well-ventilated arboreal enclosure. |
| Temperature |
Basking around 29°C; daytime ambient 22–25°C; cool nights with the schedule checked for the animal’s age. |
| Lighting & UVB |
Provide a regular day/night cycle with darkness at night. Select species-appropriate UVB, with shaded retreats and safe lamp distances. |
| Humidity / moisture |
Around 30–50% by day; higher on cool nights, with ventilation and drying between mistings. |
| Substrate |
Species-appropriate, pesticide-free substrate; avoid aromatic woods. |
| Furnishings & filtration |
Branches, substantial foliage and a suitable egg-laying container for mature females. |
Behaviour & Compatibility
House alone. Territorial display animal; minimise handling and visual contact with other chameleons.
Feeding & Nutrition
Offer varied gut-loaded live insects; juveniles need more frequent meals than adults. Gut-load feeder insects and use calcium and a reptile multivitamin according to the product instructions and the animal’s UVB provision. Avoid overlapping vitamin D3 products; ask our reptile team to check the schedule for this animal. Provide clean drinking droplets and drainage. Females need an appropriate laying site even when housed without a male.
Routine Care
Check temperatures, humidity, appetite and behaviour daily. Replace drinking water and remove waste promptly. Clean bowls and contaminated furnishings regularly; monitor weight and shedding. Arrange advice from an exotics vet for persistent changes in appetite, breathing or movement.
Important Before Buying
Run and check the enclosure before collection. Adult housing requirements apply even when the animal is sold as a baby. Confirm the animal’s current food, age and supplement schedule with our reptile team.
Live Animals Are Click & Collect Only
We do not ship live animals. Order online and wait for confirmation that your animal is ready before collecting from Newlands Home and Garden Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Have the enclosure prepared and its conditions checked before collection.
