Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I made a 42" long by 17" deep by 30" tall terrarium that I'm planning on heavily planting in a rainforest style (lots of broms, philidendrons, orchids, and other tropicals) I'm planning on putting dart frogs or mantellas in there, but was thinking of putting a leaf chameleon or two in there too. I've kept panther and senegal chameleons before, but never a leaf chameleon. Would there be major conflict in this large of a cage? Thanks!

Darts are pretty aggressive little buggers and i think that they would harass your little leaf chams.

Another reason is, they are from different parts of the world. They inhabit different niches that really arent similair. Darts like temps between 70-80. Leaf chams like that long with a warmer basking area (some sites said 90 degrees). And that basking area would be too hot for darts and prolly stress them.

Leaf chams also dont like such humid conditions i dont think. A glass lid wouldnt give them the ventilation they need, but a screen lid wouldnt give the frogs the humidity they need!

Its a pretty complicated combination, but i dont think you should try it. I too wanted to have leaf chameleons in a tank with anoles. But decided not to after getting opinions here and doing some research.

Both darts and leaf chameleons are GREAT animals
-----
Eric

I fight for the unconventional
My right, and its unconditional
I can only, be as real as i can
The disadvantage is
I never knew the plan
This isnt the way just to be a martyr
I cant, walk alone any longer
I fight, for the ones that cant fight
And if I lose, at least I tried....
(Slipknotulse of the Maggots)

Not trying to rain on your parade but for the sake of both species I would not recommend doing such a project. I have had several groups of darts over time and have found them to be extremely territorial as well as sensitive to their surroundings.

Even though both come from humid, heavy brushed areas, there environmental surrounding needs ARE different. Basking spots needed as well as ventilation for chams cut down on humidity levels for darts. Darts are also more sensitive to bacterial infections which can occur from the natural levels of humidity in the enclosure as well as the cham feces that drop to the floor, especially seeing that they are ground dwellers and burrow in substrate sometimes.

Also, keep in mind both species roam and hunt and are easily stressed just by the site of there own kind. Like they say, bigger is better, but to mix the two in an enclosure together, in my opinion should not be encouraged. Good luck in your dendro terrarium, post picks when it’s all done ! I appreciate and encourage enclosures to simulate their own natural locales. Looking forward to seeing it

Hi,
I know many people that keep darts and leaf chameleons together successfully and have breed both in the same terrarium.You must have a large enough terrarium and enough food at all times.It is possible you just have to have the right setup.
Thanks,
Holland Incitti
Color Creations