Reptile · Chameleon
Parson's chameleon care guide
Calumma parsonii
The parson's chameleon is a expert-level chameleon from Eastern and northern Madagascar. Adults reach 50–70 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Very long-lived and expensive; huge planted enclosure required.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 180 cm
- Temp Basking 25–28°C, ambient 20–24°C
- Humidity 70–90%
How much does a parson's chameleon cost in Canada?
Parson's chameleon quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 50–70 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Eastern and northern Madagascar
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 180 cm (47 × 24 × 71 in, ≈ 342 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 25–28°C, ambient 20–24°C
- Humidity
- 70–90%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – roaches, locusts, hornworms, snails
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Parson's chameleon enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 180 cm (47 × 24 × 71 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls5 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: Basking 25–28°C, ambient 20–24°C. Humidity: 70–90%. UVB: Required.
What does a parson's chameleon eat?
Insectivore – roaches, locusts, hornworms, snails. Adults 2–3 times a week, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Slow and calm; minimal handling.
Health watch: Dehydration and gout from overfeeding.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a parson's chameleon bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 180 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 5 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Parson's chameleon FAQ
Is the parson's chameleon good for beginners?
No – the parson's chameleon is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Slow and calm; minimal handling.
What size enclosure does a parson's chameleon need?
At least 120 × 60 × 180 cm (about 47 × 24 × 71 inches, roughly 342 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a parson's chameleon cost in Canada?
Typically $3000–8000 CAD to buy, about $2070–3590 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $500–800 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a parson's chameleon need?
Temperature: Basking 25–28°C, ambient 20–24°C. Humidity: 70–90%.
What does a parson's chameleon eat?
Insectivore – roaches, locusts, hornworms, snails. Adults 2–3 times a week, juveniles daily.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.