How to Maintain the Right Temperature and Humidity in Your Veiled Chameleon's Enclosure This Summer?
Keep your Veiled Chameleon's enclosure at a basking temperature of 85–95°F (29–35°C) and an ambient temperature of 72–80°F (22–27°C) with a humidity range of 50–70%.
Basking and Cool Sides
Maintain a basking temperature of 85–95°F (29–35°C) on the warm side of the enclosure. This is where your chameleon will spend most of its time to regulate its body temperature. The cool side should be 72–80°F (22–27°C) to allow it to move to a cooler area if it gets too warm.
Veiled Chameleons are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. They will move between the basking and cool sides to self-regulate their temperature throughout the day.
The gradient between the warm and cool sides is crucial for their health and behavior.
- Basking temperature: 85–95°F (29–35°C)
- Cool side temperature: 72–80°F (22–27°C)
- Temperature gradient: 13–23°F (7–13°C)
Humidity Control
Humidity should be kept between 50–70% in the enclosure. This range is ideal for Veiled Chameleons, especially during the summer months when temperatures are higher.
To control humidity, use a water dish, a mister system, and a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels. Adjust the mister system to maintain the desired humidity range.
It's important to ensure that the humidity is not too low, as this can lead to respiratory issues, and not too high, as this can cause skin infections.
- Humidity range: 50–70%
- Use a mister system to maintain humidity
- Monitor humidity with a hygrometer
Lighting
Veiled Chameleons require a strong UVB light for at least 12 hours a day to synthesize vitamin D3 and maintain healthy bones and metabolism.
Use a UVB light with a minimum UVB output of 5% and a lifespan of 6 months. Position the light so it provides full coverage of the basking area.
It's important to keep the light on a timer to ensure consistent exposure to UVB light.
- UVB light exposure: 12 hours a day
- UVB light output: 5%
- UVB light lifespan: 6 months
Monitoring and Adjusting
Regularly check the temperature and humidity levels in the enclosure. Place a thermometer and a hygrometer at the animal's level to get accurate readings.
If the temperature is too high, increase ventilation or use a lower wattage heat source. If it's too low, use a higher wattage heat source or add a heat mat.
Adjust the mister system if the humidity is too low or too high. Ensure the substrate is not too wet, as this can lead to mold growth.
- Monitor temperature and humidity at the animal's level
- Adjust heat source based on temperature readings
- Adjust mister system based on humidity readings
Keep reading about Veiled Chameleon: Veiled Chameleon care sheet
Related questions
How often should I check the temperature and humidity in my chameleon's enclosure?
Check the temperature and humidity at least twice a day, especially during the summer months when temperatures and humidity can fluctuate rapidly.
What should I do if the humidity in my chameleon's enclosure is too low?
Increase the frequency of misting or use a humidifier to raise the humidity to the desired range of 50–70%.
How can I tell if my chameleon is getting too hot or too cold?
Observe your chameleon's behavior. If it's staying on the warm side for too long, it might be too hot. If it's seeking out the cool side more often, it might be too cold.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your veiled chameleon is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.