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Female Helmeted Chameleon CB24

Trioceros hoehnelii – Helmeted Chameleon

Trioceros hoehnelii, also known as the Helmeted Chameleon, is native to East Africa. It is characterised by its vibrant colours and distinctive casque on its head. These chameleons are arboreal creatures that are skilled climbers. They use their camouflage abilities to blend in with their surroundings in order to avoid predators.

Caring for your Chameleon

Helmeted chameleons require a tall enclosure with plenty of branches and foliage to climb on. It is important to provide proper UVB lighting and maintain high humidity levels to ensure their health and well-being. UVB works alongside calcium and D3 (offered sprinkled on food) and allows the chameleon to metabolise the nutrients it needs. Lack of the correct calcium and nutrients along with insufficient UVB lighting can lead to serious health issues, such as metabolic bone disease. This affects the chameleon’s bones and can cause disabilities such as lack of grip, bent tail and back bones, and incorrectly growing limbs.

Our Helmeted chameleons for sale live in bioactive tanks within the store. This allows them to exhibit natural behaviours such as exploring live plants, basking and finding a place to hide for a rest. We recommend housing your pet helmeted chameleon in a bioactive tank. See our bioactive chameleon kits here. We alter heating and lighting in these kits as required by the species you are keeping.

Providing the correct temperature is crucial for the health of your helmeted chameleon. They require a basking spot of around 85-90°F during the day, and the ambient air temperature should be 75-80°F; they require a night-time drop to 68-70°F. Maintaining the proper temperature gradient is essential for their overall well-being and metabolic function.

You should keep humidity between 50% and 70% for helmeted chameleons, with a misting system or fogger to help maintain the humidity levels. It is important to monitor humidity levels regularly to ensure your chameleon stays healthy and hydrated. Proper hydration is also crucial for helmeted chameleons, so provide a dripper system or mist their enclosure multiple times a day.

Helmeted chameleons should be handled sparingly, as they can become stressed easily. When handling, it is important to support their body and avoid sudden movements to prevent injury or stress. Regular observation and interaction from a distance is often preferred for these sensitive reptiles. If you have questions about chameleons or any of our other reptile pets for sale, please contact us.