Surprise Chameleon

[kendalllarue86]

Normally I do a lot of research before I buy a pet, but this one was intended as a gift so I did not. I'm a little worried about not giving him everything he needs. Are there any special things that I need for him? How often should I dust the crickets with the calcium and multivitamin? Should I feed him anything besides the crickets? I have a heat lamp and a uvb flourescent lamp both set up on top of the cage, should I have anything else? Also, I have just been placing a solo cup with some holes in the bottom on top of the cage for moisture, because I read online they will not drink out of a bowl. Is that ok? Also, I've read different accounts of whether or not you should hold them. What do you recommend? And which kind of substrate should I use? I have aspen small pet bedding for my juvenile corn snakes, and a bark substrate for my pacman frog, so one of those would be convenient if possible, but I will absolutely buy something else if it is better! Sorry if I ask too many questions, I'm just trying to make sure I keep this little guy as healthy and happy as I can. Any other tips would be greatly appreciated! I hate feeling unprepared to care for this adorable little guy.

same thing happend to me 5 days ago had to keep the lil guy in a 20 gallon tank for a day or two he stayed some what green in it didnt stress him out to bad but now he has a big 4x2x2 cage a monsoon mister a little dripper and some vines and i use moss in the bottom of my cage to soak up the extra water on the tile i put in the bottom since you really dont wanna use substrates because he could eat it and get compacted and i have jackson chameleon by the way it was kinda stressfull to me to know that i had an animal that i couldnt really provide for at the time as of now im still gathering supplies and vitamins and etc but were geting there!

 

[dacrazycanadian]

Here's a link with a few blogs to help you get started:

https://www.chameleonforums.com/basic-husbandry-38769/