Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Today I bought a pair of female chameleons, after 2 years of considering it, I decided to take the plunge, I have been careful to buy all the correct equipment, and did get advice from several people today.

The people I spoke to at the Expo I visited today said that it was ok to keep chameleons in pairs, or even a trio, (and this was NOT the person I bought them from, I spoke to a few different stands about this) but when I have come home to print off the care sheets, they suggest keeping them as individuals.......I am now confused!!

Now I just wondered if anyone on here has kept more than one chameleons, I think I will keep them together for now (they are 3 months old, from the same clutch) and if in the future they seem stressed I will buy another set up and keep them seperately.

Any advice would be gratefully recieved, as I am now worried that I have made a massive error, and under no circumstances do I want any of my pets to be unhappy/in danger/unhealthy. (we currently have a california kingsnake, african black scorpion, tropical fish, cockateil, rabbit, and now 2 chameleons)

Thanks in advance for any help!!

You don't say what species they are...it would help to know.

Its okay to keep (female)babies together until they are about 4 or 5 months old as long as there are no signs that they are uncomfortable with each other. Sometimes the stress can be unnoticed....so its important to watch.

Once they are past this age, they need to be kept one to a cage and not withing sight of the other. There are a few species that can be kept in pairs....but they are not the usual ones that are sold.

You haven't made a massive error yet....if you provide proper lighting (full spectrum including UVB not through glass or plastic, basking if needed), supplementation (calcium, and a vitamin/ mineral supplement and if not given direct sunlight they will need a D3 supplement too), gutloaded insects, proper temperatures, etc. you should be fine. Females should have a proper place in their cages to dig in case they need to lay eggs. Many will lay eggs even when not mated...and failure to provide a place to lay them can lead to eggbinging and death.

Here are some good sites that will give you some good information...and if you have any other questions, just ask. Can't guarantee answers, but I'll do my best.
http://adcham.com/
http://www.chameleonnews.com/
http://www.chameleonjournals.com/vet/