Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Did the research, got mixed reviews, some say toxic some say great...

what is the verdict?

3With adults, I don't use artificial plants because it isn't worth the risk of them ingesting a leaf.

Real plants should be non-toxic because veileds are omnivores after about the age of 6 months....and the insects might nibble on the leaves of whatever plants are in the cage. Wash plants well before putting them in the cage....both sides of the leaves.

I also cover the soil because chameleons are known to eat dirt from time to time and some soils can cause an impaction. I don't use substrates in chameleon cages either because most of them are either toxic or can be ingested and may cause impactions.

I used to use well-washed artificial plants with the babies, but I no longer do that either....its just not worth the risk.

Hope this helps!

I have used silk plants before and they are TOTALLY fine for any chameleon. Chameleons do not have the jaw strenght the to tear of a piece. One way to test if the silk plant is safe is to grab a leaf of the plant and try to tear it with your hands. IF it rips easily dont purchase that one because your chameleon will be able to tear it too. If it doesnt tear at all or easily it is fine for your chameleon.

As for plants, it is a necesity to use non toxic plants for any large chameleon! They have VERY strong tongues and if they miss a cricket and snatch a leaf, they will consume it even if it is toxic. Veiled chameleons especailly should be provided with non toxic plants due to there omniverous diet.

Covering up the soil is your personal decision. I have never kept Veileds myself so i dont know if they eat soil. My panthers never did, but my mellers male at some and got an impaction and died! The risk is up to you. What i usually do is i place paper towels over the soil. This prevents crix from burrowing into the soil and laying eggs, your chameleon cannot eat the soil, and the plant still gets water! If a chameleon ingests a little piece it should be fine and just poop it out, but there is still a chance of impaction!

This is a very controversial topic as you can see in just 2 posts about the topics! Do what you feel is best for your chameleon!
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eric

I'm not concerned with them ripping a piece out of a leaf....I'm concerned with a leaf that could be small enough to ingest coming unglued from the branch when pulled back into its mouth with their tongues as you describe..."VERY strong tongues and if they miss a cricket and snatch a leaf, they will consume it even if it is toxic". I have also seen artifical plants leach color into the water when I washed the leaves...and I con't want my chameleons licking up whatever it is that is leaching into the water. Even if its only dye...its not dye meant for consumption....so it might be toxic or cause cancer, etc.

I'm sorry...but to me when my chameleons life could be at risk...there is no choice. I'll continue to cover the soil and use real plants.

eric - you're funny... two weeks ago you posted how terible and unsafe they were. http://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=1002590,1003388. You seem to make a statement, then read some more posts and change your answer to match your newly learned info. This is not an attack, just an observation
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Chameleon Help & Resource Info

0.1 Veiled Chameleon - Luna. She's now hanging from her big jungle gym in the sky
1.0 Beardie - Darwin
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Lita
0.1 African Clawed Frog - Skipper
0.1 Mad. Hissers and she is on the loose!
0.1 Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula - Rosa Leigh
0.1 Goliath Bird-Eater Tarantula - Natasha
?.? Pinktoe Tarantula - no name yet

I do change my opinion and veiws when i find information that is reasonable and true! Your information was true(after talking to some friends) so i thought id spread the word! Every body changes there opinons at one time or another.

As for me actually using them, i really probably wouldnt because i dont like the look of them. Natural ficus trees always look better than silk ivy! And most of all the leaves make tasty little treats for the chameleons.
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eric