Can Two Chameleons Live Together! Chameleon owners sometimes worry that their chameleon is lonely, so they think about buying a second chameleon to keep it company. While some animals do enjoy same-species companionship, chameleons are creatures that prefer to live by themselves.
There are certain occasions when two chameleons can stay together. Here’s what you need to know about chameleons living together, and how you can find a compatible companion by searching for a chameleon for sale online.
Can Two Chameleons Live Together?
Chameleon cohabitation completely depends on the specific circumstances. One male and one or two female chameleons can sometimes stay together. Two male chameleons cannot live together.
In the wild, chameleons are territorial and solitary creatures. They get close to one another mainly when mating or defending their territory. It’s normal for them to behave instinctively in captivity, becoming territorial or unfriendly toward other chameleons.
Chameleons are naturally aggressive and will fight until one dies to defend their territory. If a younger or new chameleon invades the territory of an older chameleon, the older chameleon will produce a hissing sound to warn them to stay back. A fight will ensue if the intruding or younger chameleon comes closer.
To keep your chameleons from hurting each other, keep each one in its enclosure after it has reached maturity or mated.
Can Baby Chameleons Stay Together?
Chameleons that are still hatching can stay in the same enclosure. Baby chameleons can live together because they have not yet learned how to fight or claim territories. As long as their enclosure is large enough to walk around comfortably, there will not likely be any problems.
Chameleons reach sexual maturity at about 8 months old. They need to live in different cages once they reach this age; otherwise, they will begin fighting. A few specific chameleon species can stay together after maturity, but it is still wise for keepers to simply separate them.
Chameleons That Can Live Together
There are only a few types of chameleons that can cohabitate well. Stump-tail Brookesia chameleons and dwarf chameleons of the genus Rhampholeon live well together, as long as the cage has enough space. A single male of these species can live well with two or three females, but two males cannot live together.
Ways to House Two Chameleons Together
Although certain species of chameleons can live together, it requires experience to keep them together since they can still get stressed. Keepers with experience can easily recognize signs of stress.
The most common signs of stress in chameleons are defensive, territorial fighting, and deteriorating health. If you recognize either of these signs in your chameleons, it could mean that it’s time to keep them in separate cages. The reality is that two chameleons can only live together as a temporary measure.
A different way to house two species of chameleons in one enclosure would be to erect a barrier to prevent them from noticing each other. That way, the keeper will not fret about them being agitated.
The other alternative would be to look for a large enclosure, similar to public chameleon exhibition spaces at zoos. The chameleons will have plenty of space to move around without disturbing one another.
In separate enclosures, you’ll need to be two thermal gradients, one to generate heat for each chameleon. There will also need to be two different watering locations, two places for basking, and two feeding stations. As long as chameleons don’t interfere with each other’s territory, they will not intimidate or fight each other.
Chameleons Mating
As mentioned earlier, chameleons reach sexual maturity at eight months. Male and female chameleons can be left in the same cage for breeding purposes. The female will display specific colors that show she is prepared for breeding.
The male chameleon will respond to these colors appropriately. If the female doesn’t display these colors, she may fight the male when it is brought into her cage. The male will attract the female by showing off during this time. It can take weeks before the female accepts the male.
After mating, which takes a few days, the chameleons must stay in separate cages. In the wild, chameleons will move to a different location after mating. A pregnant chameleon can be very aggressive and attack any chameleon trying to come near her. Compared to their natural habitat, a single cage does not have sufficient open space for both chameleons to remain calm after mating.
Finding a Chameleon for Sale Online
If you’re looking for a chameleon for sale online, research to find a breeder who has an excellent reputation for caring for reptiles. Compare multiple breeders to make an informed decision.
Prioritize one who has been selling different breeds of chameleons for many years and who will communicate with you effectively. After purchasing a second chameleon, keep it apart from your first one. This will be the best way for both creatures to feel happy and comfortable.
