When you choose a chameleon, it is essential that you pick a healthy one. Because of their delicate nature, it is unlikely that a sick or injured chameleon will survive. The animal you choose should be active and alert. The eyes should be bright and full-looking. They should display at least some ability to change colors, depending on the age and species. Make sure the animal is captive bred and from a respectable breeder. Because of their high mortality rate, wild caught chameleons should not be considered.

Age, species and the gender of the specific animal should also be part of your selection process.

If it is not your intention to breed chameleons, it is probably wise to select a male. Female chameleons are more delicate and have special needs, due to the large numbers of eggs many captive animals produce. Females need more calcium supplementation than do males. For these reasons, a female chameleon should not be considered as a first chameleon.

CHAMAELEO CALYPTRATUS

Chamaeleo calyptratus (Veiled Chameleons) are large, colorful, and hardy chameleons that are ideal for first-time enthusiasts. Because of their hardiness, captive bred animals are readily available. Care should be taken, however, to ensure that animals are purchased from respected breeders, as inbreeding with this species has become quite a wide-spread problem.

The largest drawback to keeping C. calyptratus is their size. Large males can approach or exceed 2-feet in total length. As a result these animals need very large enclosures.

CHAMAELEO JACKSONII

Chamaeleo jacksonii (Jackson's Chameleons) are highly unusual animals. Males sport 3 horns, making them resemble a small triceritops. These are small to medium sized chameleons which are available as captive bred stock. They are not as hardy as C. calyptratus. But their size and temperature requirements make them easier for some first-time chameleon keepers.