The Ultimate Guide to Panther Chameleon Care

Everything you need to know about keeping your Panther Chameleon healthy, happy, and thriving — from habitat setup to feeding schedules.

Introduction Panther Chameleons ( Furcifer pardalis ) are among the most stunning and rewarding reptiles to keep. Native to Madagascar, these vibrant creatures are known for their incredible colour-changing abilities and expressive personalities. Habitat Setup A proper enclosure is crucial. We recommend a screen cage measuring at least 24×24×48 inches for an adult male. Ensure adequate ventilation, live plants like pothos and ficus for climbing, and a drip system for hydration. Lighting & Temperature Provide a basking spot of 85–90°F with ambient temps around 72–78°F. A quality UVB bulb (T5 HO 6%) is essential for calcium metabolism and overall health. Feeding Panther Chameleons thrive on a varied diet of gut-loaded crickets, dubia roaches, hornworms, and silkworms. Dust feeders with calcium powder at every feeding and multivitamin twice monthly. Hydration These chameleons rarely drink from standing water. Use a misting system that runs 2–3 times daily for 2–3 minutes each session. A dripper placed on top of the cage also encourages drinking. Common Health Issues Watch for signs of metabolic bone disease (MBD), respiratory infections, and dehydration. Regular vet check-ups with an exotic reptile specialist are highly recommended. At DSQUARED Reptiles, we raise all our Panthers with these best practices from day one, ensuring every animal leaves our facility in peak condition.