Panther Chameleon Care Guide | Chameleons on Wheels

Complete Panther Chameleon Care Guide

Differences Between Males and Females

Panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) natives from Madagascar, are wonderfu and colorful. With proper care, they typically live 5–7 years, displaying vibrant colors and natural behaviors.

This guide explains not only how to care for them, but why each step matters for their long-term health.

1. Differences Between Males and Females

Males

Grow larger and display stronger, brighter colors
Tend to be more active and territorial

Females

Smaller and with softer coloration
Can develop and lay eggs even without a male
Must always have access to a lay bin

For adults: minimum size we recommend is 24” x 24” x 48” (height is the most important factor)

Type of Enclosure

Screen enclosure: this type of cage allow for more airflow in comparison with other models in the market.
Hybrid enclosure: a mix of screen and solid panels
- We use hybrids ourselves because they maintain humidity better while still providing good ventilation.

Essential Interior Setup

Live plants such as pothos, alocasia, Dr philodendron selloum, ficus, money tree, schefflera, corn plant, hibiscus
A variety of branches and vines at different heights
A comfortable, elevated basking branch

Why This Setup Is Important

Panther chameleons are arboreal; they feel safe when high off the ground. A cage with poor coverage or few branches causes stress, poor appetite, and a weakened immune system.

Habitat (The Enclosure)

Recommended Size

Let's talk about lighting...

Use a lineal T5 HO 5.0 or lineal 6% UVB bulb

Distance: approximately 8–10 inches from the basking branch. Some chameleons are smaller and others bigger so adjust accordingly.
What has been proven to work and maintain a healthy chameleon is a UV reading of 3 in the ferguson zone.
Replace every 6–12 months or use a UVB 6.5 meter to regularly test the life of the lineal bulb.

Why UVB Is Critical

UVB allows the chameleon to naturally produce Vitamin D3, which enables proper calcium absorption.

Without UVB → soft bones → Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).

Basking Light ; 85F

Use white heat bulbs only (no red lights)

Lights : NO HEAT OR LIGHTS AT NIGHT

12 hours ON 12 hours OFF (chameleons at night need a dark place)

75w reptile basking bulb that produces naturalistic light

UVB Lighting

Temperature &
Humidity

Temperature & Humidity

Daytime ambient: 72–80°F 

Night: 65–72°F 

Humidity day time: 40-50%  

Humidity night time: 80-100% 

Why This Balance Matters

High humidity with poor ventilation leads to respiratory infections. Low humidity results in dehydration and bad sheds.

Hydration: Chameleons mainly hydrate when drinking droplets from their surrounding environment (Screen of the cage, leaves, etc)

Hydration Methods: automatic misting system morning and evening (e.g., Mist King) or manual misting with hand sprayer. Spraying should be for 1-2 minutes.

A dripper can be use to aid with hydration. Have the dripper running for 15–20 minutes.

Why They Need This?

This recreates natural rainfall and dew, supporting hydration, digestion, and eye health.