I just recently got a Sugar Glider and Panther Chameleon
today. It was for my belated birthday. I just wanted to know
how I can easily care for both of them at the same time. And
also, how can I have them play…. together??
Thank you for answering!
first of all sugar glider might not even notice the chameleon or will probably bite or attack. just dont take chances
CHAMELEON CARE
It is important to recognize that chameleons are shy, solitary animals that would much rather be left alone then frequently handled and otherwise harassed. They are prone to stress during such interactions which can lead to illnesses that are difficult to catch and treat. Further, similar stress can occur under inadequate husbandry conditions so it is important to provide an appropriate environment and consistent care.
Additionally, being solitary animals, true chameleons do not tolerate cohabitation with other animals, even their own species, very well. In most circumstances, your chameleon should be housed alone.
ENCLOSURE
Most true chameleons are easiest to keep in a screen or wire mesh enclosure. These are available in various forms for a variety of price points. Aluminum framed screen cages and PVC framed mesh enclosures are the most common but many keepers build their own wood framed enclosures with screen sides and top.
Chameleons do not do well with the stagnant air associated with most tanks. Further, there are occasionally issues with reflection and barrier confusion in glass enclosures. In general, it is easiest to keep chameleons in screen enclosures to eliminate these issues.
Many new keepers often worry about their ability to maintain humidity and temperature in mesh enclosures. Thankfully, there are various methods of doing so appropriately which make this concern less of an issue. These methods are mentioned in the "Internal Furnishing," "Lighting" and "Hydration" sections of this sheet.
True chameleons are for the most part arboreal animals. When designing their enclosures, it is important to remember this and appropriately provide for this lifestyle. Enclosures should provide sufficient vertical space but not neglect horizontal room. Adult male Panther or Veiled Chameleons do well in cages 4′ (tall) x 2′ x 2′ with females doing well in somewhat smaller enclosures.
When placing your enclosure in your home, remember that chameleons live in trees and bushes and height is one of their protection mechanisms from predators. As a result, having the cage low to the ground can be potentially stressful for your chameleon and you should consider elevating the enclosure to provide for this comfort.
Internal Furnishing
Chameleons require a decent amount of foliage cover to feel secure. While some keepers are inclined to provide fake plants, live plants are far superior and also have other benefits. To start with, live plants help maintain humidity in the enclosure which is important for chameleons. Additionally, live plants provide excellent coverage and climbing area.
It is important to stick to nontoxic plant species in case your chameleon or its feeders should ingest any of the plant. Some commonly utilized species include various Hibiscus, Pothos and Schefflera. These plants should be washed prior to being placed in the enclosure to remove any pesticides used by their supplier.
In addition to plants, both vertical and horizontal branches should be provided for the chameleon to use. Such branches should be of varying diameter to provide the chameleon with the ability to grasp surfaces of different dimensions.
Substrates should be avoided in true chameleon enclosures. They provide a risk of impaction to the animal, are a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus and are of little use to chameleons. Bare bottom enclosures or use of paper towels is recommended. It is, however, important to keep the bottom of the enclosure clean to prevent fungal and bacteria buildup.
LIGHTING
Chameleons require UVB radiation to facilitate their calcium metabolic pathways. Many lights claim to provide UVB radiation for reptiles but these claims are often over stated or inaccurate. Even bulbs that claim to have equal UVB output to other recommended bulbs frequently do not test nearly as high in independent studies. In general, the Reptisun 5.0 is considered to be the best bulb for chameleons. It provides the appropriate amount of UVB lighting with generally good results for keepers. That said, your chameleon will need to be able to sit within12 inches of the bulb to properly utilize the rays and the bulb should be replaced every 6 months.
In addition to a UVB source, an incandescent light source should be provided for basking. Wattage will vary depending on desired basking spot temperature, distance from basking spot and ambient temperature. You will want to place the bulb in such a way as to provide a temperature gradient in the enclosure for your chameleon to vary its body temperature as it pleases. This gradient should range from areas in the mid 70s to a recommended basking temperature in the high 90s. Care should be taken to prevent your chameleon from being able to get too close to a basking light as serious burns can occur, seemingly wit
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1) You should not have gotten them without FIRST researching!
2) I’m not positive about their care… I have never owned a chameleon and haven’t cared for a sugar glider in a while.
3) You shouldn’t mix species like that… I am sure they have no interest in each other. And I really hope you don’t have them housed together…
As for care:
- Go to http://www.yahoo.com
- Type "sugar glider caresheet"
- RESEARCH!
- Go back to yahoo homepage
- Type "chameleon caresheet"
- RESEARCH!
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