Stress and it's affect's on Chameleons

Stress is without doubt one of the biggest killers of chameleons in captivity. They are quiet solitary animals that do not react well to environmental factors outside their usual habitat parameters. Even low level stress like the constant sight of another chameleon can negatively affect their immune system and leave it susceptible to infection or parasite outbreaks.

Signs of stress can include

Constant screen climbing and trying to escape the enclosure.
Taking on a dark colouration and turning almost black.
Loss of appetite.
Constantly hiding away in foliage and not basking.
Becoming very aggressive, gaping and biting.
Irregular and runny stools.

Causes of stress can include

Shipping and transportation.
Being housed with other chameleons.
Incorrect cage size for the size of chameleon.
Incorrect heating or lighting.
Bad cage positioning, like in an area of the home which is constantly passed by people or pets.
Too many uneaten feeder insects roaming the cage.
Excessive or inappropriate handling.
Inadequate hydration.
Being in view of other chameleons even through caging.

As keepers we must create an enclosure that suits the needs of the chameleon and mimic its natural habitat as closely as possible to try and minimize the amount of stress it is subjected to.

A Nosy faly panther chameleon showing stressed colouration.	The same chameleon a few days later.