Veiled chameleon enclosure size and setup

Veiled chameleon at a glance

Minimum enclosure

24 × 24 × 48 inches61 × 61 × 122 cm, about 120 gallons

Warm side

80-85°F

Cool side

72-78°F

Humidity

30-50% day, 75-100% night

UVB

Zone 2 to 3

Group

Chameleons

Drinks droplets, not from a bowl, so mist or use a dripper. Cool nights around 55-65°F are healthy.

Common questions

What size enclosure does a veiled chameleon need?

At least 24 × 24 × 48 inches (61 × 61 × 122 cm) for one adult, about 120 gallons. Height matters more than floor space for this climber. Bigger is always better if you have room.

What temperature should a veiled chameleon enclosure be?

Aim for a warm side of 80-85°F and a cool side of 72-78°F, so it can move between the two to control its body temperature. Check with a digital probe thermometer, not a stick-on dial.

What humidity does a veiled chameleon need?

30-50% day, 75-100% night. A digital hygrometer in the middle of the enclosure gives the most useful reading.

Does a veiled chameleon need UVB?

Yes, Zone 2 to 3, which runs from moderate UVB, for animals that bask now and then to strong UVB, for regular sun baskers. Match your bulb and its distance to that level using the maker's chart, and replace it on schedule.

Which common tanks fit an adult veiled chameleon?

Of the common sizes, these meet the adult minimum: 2 × 2 × 4 tall (24 × 24 × 48 in), 4 × 2 × 4 tall (48 × 24 × 48 in), 6 × 3 × 4 (72 × 36 × 48 in), 8 × 4 × 4 (96 × 48 × 48 in).

These are common hobbyist guidelines for a healthy adult, based mostly on published species care guides. Babies, sick animals and specific localities can need different setups, so check with a reptile vet for anything serious.

More tools for your veiled chameleon

• Substrate
• Bioactive layers
• Running cost
• UVB bulb tracker
• Egg incubation

Other reptiles