5 reasons why you should NOT get a chameleon 

Too late I already got it.... I enjoy coming home after a long day of work to feed it and walk away, only looking back at it ever now and then to admire its beauty

I have a veiled chameleon about a year old now. When I got him from the store he had a respiratory infection and immediately took him to the vet. For a month I had to give him shots and I think he associated me with saving his life. Everytime he sees me he wants to leave the cage and hangout on my shoulder. I would say some chamelons do not do well with handling but I do believe others can be very friendly if you build a bond with them!

I’ve came a long way and it is tough owning a chameleon, but I choose to be responsible and constantly do research to give my chameleon the best life it can have!

I had a chameleon and i often lett it sit on my head, it was tamed and very friendly and super clever. Every time he wanted to get out of his cage he would scratch on his door until i let him on my hand. After this he always climped on my head. Sometimes when he was a little anoing i put him on the floor. He even was so smart that he had his own "toilet" When he needed to poop he walked to a basked next to an Ofen WHERE HE COULDN'T GO TO and pooped in there (i am serious) I really loved him. Sadly he died to cancer. Rest in peace Oska you were the best animal in the world

I don't have a chameleon, but you are giving real, honest facts. Thank you for giving direct and helpful information!

This cost argument is so important! A pet is a huge financial commitment. Whenever people ask me why I don’t have a pet if I love animals so much, I say it’s because I can’t afford to give them the life they deserve (yet) and I love animals too much to get one without being financially prepared. This is a long term commitment especially with the vet bills. It scares me how many people get dogs, cats, chameleons or basically any pet on a whim without a plan.

This is such a great video! My boss is an exotics vet (I work at a vet college) and he knew how much I always wanted a chameleon. I admit, I was attracted to them because they're so amazing to look at but did not do the adequate research into actually keeping one. So imagine my surprise when he asked me if I wanted one, as he was asked to rescue a young panther who was dumped at an animal shelter (of all places smh poor guy). I have learned SO MUCH after getting him, from enclosure to lighting to yes, getting over my fear of live insects. But he is the FRIENDLIEST little guy ever, which also shocked my boss as he had warned me that chams are not cuddly. He likes to come out onto my arm almost every day, as soon as I approach his door he comes rushing towards me. I take him on walks when I walk our dog, he sits happily on my shoulder or on my hand and soaks up the sun. He is an ambanja so his colors are so beautiful when he's outside! He likes to sit on my head (hasn't pooped up there yet thank goodness) and is generally just a friendly guy (except when I wear a specific pink sweater, he's not a fan of that one and will gape at me lol) Your videos have been so so helpful, as well as Bill over at Chameleon Academy, and I just hope that I can give my little guy the best life 🥰

I’ve had my chameleon for 2,5 years now, he’s literally the most adorable thing ever I got him from my moms friend sadly he arrived in a very bad condition he was very underweight and had this very dark skin his cage also had nothing on the bottom it was just simple glass but thank god to videos like yours which I had watched before I learned all these things and he’s now my lil buddy:) Sadly he’s now 7,5 years Old which is pretty Old for an chameleon (I have a veiled one and these strange bumps have started forming on him and I suppose his time is nearby) but I’m super happy I got to know my lil Zygfryd❤️

I did a lot of research before I got my veiled and came in thinking they aren’t social. Well...mine is completely opposite lol

I’m so thankful for this channel, your the reason why I have a veiled chameleon named tango, and he’s healthy and strong!!

I completely agree, if people aren't willing to spend the money on their pet (any animal) than they should not have a pet, all pets require money be it set up, collars and leashes (for dogs), enclosures, food, litter (if cats) or vet bills. Let's be real, all pets are money deposits and you need to be willing to put as much money as it takes to give that animal the best life possible. Great video and great points!

For one semester in high school we had to get a pet and keep it alive for the whole semester. I had always been fascinated by chameleons, so I got a Jackson chameleon. It was an amazing pet, but it was extremely high maintenance, and I was far too young to take care of it properly. I wish I would have been more attentive, but I know that it's not something that's right for me.

I think one major reason to NOT have a pet chameleon, is if you are or if you live with or frequently are visited by loud, quick moving, or noisy people. If you don’t have a place to keep the chameleon enclosure away from loud music, loud tv, rambunctious children, etc., the chameleon may become stressed or even die.

My chameleon is the biggest sweetheart. He comes out and walks on me. But he isn’t so fond of anyone else. I truly believe we have bonded and he knows who I am 🥰

I absolutely loved mine but the moment I got sick I wasn’t able to take care of him so he now lives in a veterinarians office 👏🏻

I’m surprised short lifespan isn’t on the list. They live fast and die young, for a medium sized lizard, you would expect them to live a little longer than 6-8 years. But for the most part I agree, chameleons are the equivalent to rabbits, they always need vet care at some point in their lives. A great deal of reptiles may live past their average lifespan and pass away from natural causes.

That’s very important you address realistic expectations and you are very transparent.

I was briefly thinking about buying one if the opportunity would come up, but after watching this video. I feel like you provided valuable tips about cost and dieting. So, thank you for the warning. This helped a lot. Thank you.

LOL about the loose roach - crickets actually weird me out more than roaches. I found the most difficult issue with mine, was that sometimes I had trouble finding live food fo them. Occasionally, my normally-reliable sources would be closed or out of bugs. I was not going to breed my own. Multiple potential sources = a good idea.

This is an amazing video. I go to reptile expos and see parents and their kids walk off with juvenile chameleons and I wonder if they know what they’re getting into.

Hi you might not remember me but March 2020 I got my Cham and you taught me everything I know thank you so much he is now healthy and strong

I think it's possible to get used to dealing with bugs, but you have to be willing to try. Thanks for the dubia comments too.

Your videos are so helpful! How do you handle excess water and drainage in your enclosures? I would so love a video on that. I know there are threads about this on the chameleon forums but an actual visual aid or demonstration would be wonderful.

Wow , this is really informative tutorial on Chameleon keeping! You're a Responsible Chameleon keeper indeed! Thank You So Much! Stay Safe & Stay Grateful! 🌷🌿🦎

I take my chameleon to the grocery store all the time 😂😂😂 lol he doesn't mind too much just chills on his little tree in the cart.

so a strange chain of events happened and i ended up with a chameleon yesterday. long story short.. he was found walking in the road near some busy residential roads. when he was found, luckily the person had a large tup and just scooped him up and took him in for a few days. after no success in finding the owner, he was donated to me.. ive rescued many reptiles over the years but never a chameleon, and never such a bizarre find.

You should get a tv show

My chameleon thinks it's a bearded dragon. She loves fruits, veggies, and live bugs. My Chameleon snuggles with me.

Just got my Veiled Chameleon and I spend 10x more than what he actually cost lol I love just to sit from afar and just watch him 🤣🥺

If you are not committed to running around in your flat butt-naked to catch a cricket that you happened to see the moment you wanted to get into the shower or searching for 5 nights for that damn cricket that has been hiding inside the vivarium and chirping as if his life depended on it, you should not get a chameleon. Not that I am talking from experience here *coughcough* You also got to be willing to feed the insects, clean their enclosures, deal with dead bugs and so on. I spend more time on the insects than on my chameleon loool and yes, even after more than five years I still hate this part. All these five reasons you mentioned are SO true, they need to be taken seriously. A proper enclosure is expensive. I had to learn it the hard way and had to rebuy stuff more than once. Luckily vets are not that expensive in Germany as in the US but still. My late Buddy cost me about 1000 Euros (~ $1200) when he became really sick. If you want to have a chameleon you need to have the funds. Period. No cutting corners, don't buy the cheap stuff. Also I highly suggest having a friend who would be willing to take care of your chameleon (read: handle insects) when you are on vacation or sick. I am so incredibly lucky and grateful for having a friend who takes great care of my little one when I visit my parents.

I’m hoping to save up for a chameleon in the future. I’ve already got a parrot so all of this is not an issue because I’m used to stuff being expensive (parrots can cost thousands of dollars for the bird alone sometimes) space is no issue because my bird has a big cage so I’m used to that, and interaction wise I’ve got a bird for that :) I’ve already gotta make sure I’ve got an avian vet near me and they usually are part of a larger exotic pet vet service (including reptiles) and having to deal with bird poop has gotten rid of any squeamishness I could’ve had long ago. Plus it’ll be nice to have a pet that WON’T make my ears ring

Thanks for this, I had iguanas growing up, and am very interested in getting a chameleon. I had a beautiful enclosure for my iguanas with a waterfall and little pool area. So i definitely understand the setup stuff. I think they're beautiful to look at...good stuff to ponder.

Thank you for this video, it's awesome. And I'm happy to know that even after hearing your reasons, I'm still very willing to get a chameleon in my near future.

We have two and Spock hates to be handled and Gorn lives with it. lol 😂 Spock will try to bite and hiss at you if you Try to get to close

Ive had mine for about 2 years! His name is skittles! I feed him crickets but i think its about time he gets something juicy like those bluish worms that look like they have horns lol! He deserves it! Every time im upset for some reason he walks out of his cage into the bamboo tied to this fake vine pathway down to my closet and onto my bed and lays on top of my head

I thought my veiled was a girl, Liz Taylor, super sassy. Was 50% off because she was bullying the other lizards, I felt bad for her so I took her home. She’s got her free roaming habitat in my window in south Florida. Light, vines, bugs, water. She stays in her window area mostly but sometimes she comes and climbs on my bed and hangs out with me. I take her outside and she loves it. Turns out she’s a he but I can’t get used to it 😂 but she has bitten me several times, for moving her back into her area in the mornings to bask. Doesn’t like being woken up. I think they’re awesome 👏 might like them better than beardies even

I tell people all the time that they are definitely a handful I've had one since December and he's healthy and strong :) definitely a handful but he's my handful lol

Thank you for convincing my fiance not to get a chameleon because that would have been a DEAL BREAKER for me unfortunately since I can't tollerate this. I have a cat at most. Great video!

I am glad to hear the upkeep is cheaper than the set up. Great advice about not buying things twice because the first purchase was not the right item. Your upfront cost of 500.00 is about right, maybe a little more when you add live plants etc. I love your informative videos. I want to be set up for success by someone who has done this for years. Thank you for all your videos!

they are so beautiful, I would love to take great care of one some day

I've always wanted a chameleon but I'm currently jumping into the tarantula hobby and I don't want to reach too far.. But great video thanks for the content

Dubs will positively breed happily in your reptile room. My veiled cham decided that he didn't want to eat them, they got in between layers on the cage bottom and 'set up shop'.

We have had our veiled chameleon for 4 days now..we named him Rango…I’m still a lil fearful oh him & I’m sure it stresses him out but I’m hoping to get better..we gave him waxworms & had placed them on the bottom of the screened cage,somehow they crawled out …… we are learning to love him & hope we can give him. Good home…I love the videos they are helping me to relax more..thank you

Im getting a chemeleon for my birthday so let's hope that I give him a good life

You should do a video on chamelion transport.

I would love to have a chameleon but the career i desire might not give me time to be there as much as i should and if i would be able to i would certainly do A LOT of research beforehand... but if i manage yo do that i definetely want one.

I knew I shouldn't! But I saw two chameleons, that would likely be dead anyway. Petco had them in an enclosure way too dry and cold. They were malnourished juvies. I knew I could only save one, knowing they are loners and the size cage they would need. And that I would have to build a temporary terrarium when I got home. And another in the house. Till I can get an enclosure made for in the house. I'm in Florida. It's summer. He can stay outside in morning, evening and night. But not between 12pm and 5pm. No way short of air conditioner in the enclosure. So it's baby sitting everyday. Checking temps until I can regulate the enclosures seasonally. The weather is usually stellar. But it's been rather hot this month. He loves going outside under supervision in the citrus trees. And a moment in the grass to get some much needed earth energy. So cool to see them go from fight or flight, to chill outside. Being a natural lizard, eating his favorite flies. Which means o have to have him checked for parasites. More cost, lol! I am looking to convert a beautiful display cabinet. Furniture is plentiful here. And aquariums and screen cages are ugly. This is awesome ro take a 6'×4'×2' antique cabinet into a mini vivarium. I will have to make a container that will fit the bottom to hold all the buggies, soil, loam and plants. I want nothing short of a rainforest, so it will take making sure everything is well sealed will non toxic sealant. It won't be cheap and take many hours to perfect. One more reason not to get a Chameleon! Lol! The ultimate goal is screen enclosure in the mini forest and a green house for winter. So he can be full on wildin. Another $500 and hours of regulating Temps, lol!

I want one but I love these animals so much, I don’t want to risk not be able to care for one.

I have had one and it’s been with me for 8 years

Thank you for that video. When a mad idea hits you, there should be someone telling you study and think first

Watching this video with my 2 chameleon pets lol

Once in a while I buy crickets with delivery and some time ago I bought with post delivery, all of them o most 1k run away from box in post office :D

Thanks and great video. I love the detail. I wanted to get one but after seeing all the issues and requirements, namely the temperature swings from day and night, I feel it would not be in its best interest for me to get one at this stage . It’s in conflict with my other pets needs. I think it’s important to learn everything before going in. I’ve done that with all my other pets. Thanks again for all that information.

Aww man I've always wanted to play Fetch with a chameleon in my near by park 😫

I would love a chameleon but it dosent sell in my country

I’m thinking about getting a beaded dragon but I also want a chameleon

I REALLY appreciate this video! I want to buy one, unfortunately I don’t have the space right now. I’m really glad I watched this video. I will get one for sure when we move! Also, you are just gorgeous. 😍🔥.. I think your setup is really cool!! That would be so awesome to come home too lol

I really like that you did this video. A thorough explanation of why certain people should not get a specific pet. People always told me they were getting a Great Dane when they saw me with mine in public. I almost deterred people who just didn’t know what a royal pain they can be and how expensive. Hopefully these types of videos can keep animals safer and with the correct owners/caretakers.. Thanks for the informational video.

I love chameleon

you said that chameleons dont like to be handled. however, as long as you're not moving around a lot or giving it too much attention, is it alright to(when its comfortable and has gotten used to you) have it just chill on your head or shoulder or something while you're being still(reading, scrolling through phone, etc.)? or no?

I am planning to get one for myself that why I go though all your viedo . Thx for all the info and just save a lot of time to do my own research .

This helps alot of people, i will subscribe.

Yesterday my pup found an injured chameleon I doubt will survive in the wild. I put her in a tree and she was still there today. If she is still there tomorrow I am going to bring her home. Any advice? How much food do they need?

You make some really practical points, thanks.

Getting one this week

Cracking ’ video as always. Know what you mean about the Locusts/insects turning up in the most unexpected places (my trainers and boxer shorts, the wife’s bra, bath towels and god knows where else etc). Wouldn’t trade my boys in for anything or anyone! My Ziggy brings the place to a standstill when he makes an appearance (annual health vet check and so on).

I love the enclosure you have.

can i not go to a vet every year if i know the symptoms of a unhealthy chameleon?

As a reptile lover. I have 2 bearded dragons. Jupiter and Saturn. I love chameleons. I had 4 green iguanas before. I thought bout getting a chameleon. But due to the maintenance and my busy schedule. I just grabbed the beardies. And the cost for them was crazy. But since we really love our pets. The price didn't mean much. I seen my lizard react to getting his new environment and new enclosure made me happy. Reptiles can be costly. But i love dinosaurs and i always had a love and passion for reptiles and lizards

Even tho I don’t have a chameleon. I have a bearded dragon and he eats bugs. I wasn’t that afraid but after I saw Lions eating on nature shows, I never was grossed out by bugs.

Still I'm getting one caus I had a leopard gecko that passed away and I handled a lot of those bugs

Thanks great videos i love ur channel

Actually in where I live any healthy chameleon costs usually from 15-50 $. And enclosures and that type of stuff are really easy to find . And I’m not really that afraid of bugs, I’m used to seeing them but I do feel slightly disgusted by them but that won’t be an issue

How many vets in a chameleon’s natural habitat? They cost $3 here

Thanks for the insight! i am considering getting one for myself and i am financially ready and motivated. in a process of finding out as much as i can right now. Question, i have a cat? does it get stressed if it even sees a cat? should i consider making a terrarium into a room (office) and not let the cat in ever? is it worth to maintain a bioactive terrarium over plastic plants?

Mines chillin on my screen to my porch with me rn

My chameleon walks to the people around my house, always wants to be held

Hi so I have a Chameleon his name is Cam, we typically feed him live crickets every day twice a day multiple crickets a day and he has a nice big home lots of foliage and we have the proper lights one yellow one cool and one red light for night time, when we first got him he was pretty active and eating decently but lately this past week he’s at the bottom of his terrarium hanging out in the dark and when he moves he appears to be weak and it’s breaking my Moms heart.. do you know what could be the issue with him?

Can a chameleon live on crickets and mealworms? Also I Is there any way to take a chameleon traveling? I live in pr we have someone to take care of him when we go back to the states for summer and we r trying to find out how to bring him to the states bc there is vets there and I don’t trust a lot of people with my cham

What a great and informative video! Thank you!

Thank you so much for this video it is extremely helpful and you saved me money. 🙏🏼💓 they’re adorable but I have a tremendous fear of a bug escaping into my home with my child.

Thank you for the info. Greatly appreciated

Great video. I so appreciated your practicality.

I Love your videos! And I have a Chameleon, I'm not sure what breed he is. he's only a baby. We do have an enclosure with live and artificial plants, We don't have a misting system so we mist the enclosure with a spray bottle. I'm not sure if what you said in the video was also including babies (we got the all reptile enclosure kit from what I believe is pet smart.) Are those conditions ok for a baby? also is it normal for Chameleons to Molt or shed? It would be Amazing if you made a video on caring for baby chameleons! Thanks for your time!

Hi, so I'm going to be getting a veiled chameleon, and I need some pro tips😅 I want to be the best owner I can be for the little dude, so I would appreciate if you tell me some advice:) also, I dont know what heat lamp and UVB light to get him, can you tell me? And I live in Indiana so I don't know what temperature lamp to get

We have cape dwarf chameleons and we rescue them including other animals and they live everywhere in our garden outside with fly baitbags and we sprinkle water on the bushes where they live,and they never leave even if they want to,my favourite ones always comes to me when they see me,It climbs on my hand and I aim the chameleons to the flies and it eats them,all reptiles including chameleons do have emotions,you just have to put in a lot of effort and patientce, WE NEVER PUT THE ANIMALS IN CAGES THATS WHY THEY STAY.

Me as a boer in South Africa....knows how to take care of animals

I have a valid chameleon he's 4 years old in 2months When I bought him I was 15 knew barly anything about taking care of him his starting cage,supplies and him were about 300 all together also I hate bugs😅 he's been great the only issue is he has calcium bumps but I brought him to the vet last year(check up $100)(vet for him is 30min away) they were in shock and said he looks great and that most of the one they see are way tiner and in bad condition 4 years into having Yoshi I buy $8 of crickets every week along with $12 of horn worms When I first got Yoshi I thought wow a pet that's cool and cheap I found out after 5months he ain't cheap😂 which I can laugh at now cuz finnaly was able to get him everything he needs I've bought him 3 cages 1st($68) lasted him just a year 2nd($185) last 2years and 3rd($400) one will last him forever All the fake leaves and climbing stuff he has adds up to about $280 The lights are together were about $30 and I have to get new bulbs every 3 to 5months Yoshi is doing great and I hope and am asking God to allow him to live on past the 5 to 8 year expected for pet valid chameleons

Thanks for the information this helps a ton

Yeaaaahhh I’ve been thinking about it. Because these guys seem to be better suited for real expert owners, who are advanced and know what they are doing with any complicated reptile or amphibian. I’m no expert or beginner, but I can say I’m at the medium/middle level of owning a bearded dragon, a leopard gecko, a crested gecko AND a Pac-Man Frog. They are all extremely easy for me to take care of. They are all awesome too! And after watching this video, I still have my question standing: Do I still wanna get a chameleon and go for a challenge? Or do I just wanna get a red eyed tree frog instead? Lol

have to say it. i love red heads ! her especially

I have a question, can candles harm a chameleon?

I absolutely love chameleons! I always say God was showing off when He made chameleons because - wow - they are just too amazing! I have a neighbor that is moving across the country and is needing to sell his Cham because he thinks the trip will be too hard on her. I expressed how amazing I think they are and he has offered to teach me how to take care of her. I am seriously considering it. I was wanting a saltwater fish tank, but these seem much easier to take care of in exchange for the same value of observing something amazing (I love watching a beautiful saltwater fish tank). Except for the laying of the eggs thing. That seems kind of gross. Thank you for this video. All things look like a go except for the bug thing and the egg thing. I think I'd be ok with the crickets and those green wormy things, but I could never on purpose have roaches.

As a new Cameleon owner they are very high maintenance. Your videos are so helpful, I made many mistakes but corrected them all quickly. After thoroughly researching diet and husbandry it cost me over 2k to get it right. (Because I did not do appropriate research prior to buying). But! My panther is thriving today

is it ok to feed a chameleon regular roaches? I live in florida, and we frequently get roaches or palmetto bugs, but im not sure if theyre too big for the average chameleon(i dont have a chameleon yet, i just plan on getting one soon).is the average florida palmetto bug ok to feed a chameleon?

super cute 😍

Ive been looking foward to getting a chameleon but should i get a leapord gecko instead

Would it be better to get a baby chameleon rather than a juvenile in an attempt to build a bond with it.

Tarantulas are in my opinion are the best pet,they don’t take up much space,enclosures are cheap,they are pretty healthy,so no vet needed,all in all, a very nice pet.

You explained this perfectly