Reptile · Chameleon
Veiled chameleon care guide
Chamaeleo calyptratus
The veiled chameleon is a intermediate-level chameleon from Yemen, SW Saudi Arabia. Adults reach 35–60 cm and live 5–8 years in captivity. Always solitary. Needs strong airflow (mostly mesh).
- Enclosure 60 × 60 × 120 cm
- Temp Basking 30–35°C, ambient 24–27°C
- Humidity 50–70% with nightly misting
How much does a veiled chameleon cost in Canada?
Veiled chameleon quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 35–60 cm
- Lifespan
- 5–8 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Yemen, SW Saudi Arabia
- Minimum enclosure
- 60 × 60 × 120 cm (24 × 24 × 47 in, ≈ 114 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 30–35°C, ambient 24–27°C
- Humidity
- 50–70% with nightly misting
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, silkworms, hornworms
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Veiled chameleon enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 60 × 60 × 120 cm (24 × 24 × 47 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 30–35°C, ambient 24–27°C. Humidity: 50–70% with nightly misting. UVB: Required.
What does a veiled chameleon eat?
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, silkworms, hornworms. Adults every other day, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Stressed by handling; best as a display animal.
Health watch: Dehydration, metabolic bone disease and egg binding in females.
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 veiled chameleon bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 60 × 120 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
Veiled chameleon FAQ
Is the veiled chameleon good for beginners?
The veiled chameleon is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Stressed by handling; best as a display animal.
What size enclosure does a veiled chameleon need?
At least 60 × 60 × 120 cm (about 24 × 24 × 47 inches, roughly 114 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a veiled chameleon cost in Canada?
Typically $80–200 CAD to buy, about $1040–1810 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $400–600 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a veiled chameleon need?
Temperature: Basking 30–35°C, ambient 24–27°C. Humidity: 50–70% with nightly misting.
What does a veiled chameleon eat?
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, silkworms, hornworms. Adults every other day, 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.