A number of problems effect captive chameleons. Some of these troubles are subtle when they first develop, but can lead to a rapid downturn and death if not dealt with quickly. It is therefore essential that chameleon keepers remain on the alert to any sign of difficulty and that they take corrective actions quickly when trouble is spotted.

Generally, captive born and bred chameleons experience significantly fewer problems than do imported animals. The reasons for this are many, and are best described in an article authored by Ardi Abate of CIN titled, Assessing the Health of Wild Caught Chameleons.

Following is a list of some of the most common difficulties experienced by captive chameleons.

Parasites:
Chameleons - especially wild caught chameleons - are very susceptible to internal parasites. It is wise, therefore, to have your chameleon's stool sample checked periodically by a veterinarian familiar with reptile parasites. Parasite eggs are present in captive as well as wild-caught insects. They can easily be passed on to your chameleon, especially if your chameleons is experiencing stress. Since it is impossible to prevent exposure to parasite eggs, reduction of stress is an important factor in maintaining your pets health.

Internal parasites that are self-limiting in nature become serious life-threatening entities in captive chameleons. It is therefore essential that parasites be identified and treated in captive animals.

While many sellers of wild caught chameleons will label them "deparasitized" or "parasite free", it is not typical practice for these people to perform the necessary laboratory work necessary to identify and diagnose parasitic diseases in their animals.

Veterinary diagnosis is essential in identifying and treating parasites in wild caught animals. Generally, a series of at least three veterinary visits are required before an animal may be deemed "parasite free". The costs associated with these veterinary visits and the lab work necessary to perform an accurate assessment of an animals health should be factored into the cost of your initial purchase. See Hunger Strikes.

Metabolic Bone Disease:
Malformed, fragile bone tissue may result from a variety of circumstances present in captivity. The most common cause of this condition is a diet either too high in phosphorus or too low in calcium; or from some other condition that prevents the animal from properly absorbing the calcium that is present in their diet. (Note: the relationship between the amount of calcium and phosphorus in an animal's diet is generally referred to as the calcium/phosphorus ratio.) The ideal ratio of calcium to phosphorus in an animals diet should be about 2:1 - 2 parts of calcium to one part of phosphorus. In captivity, this is difficult to achieve, because most captive insects are very high in phosphorus. To compensate for this, it is essential that a good quality, phosphorus-free mineral supplement be used. See Lack of Sunlight.

Dehydration
Inappropriate delivery of water is the most common cause of dehydration in captive chameleons. Signs of low-level dehydration may be easy to miss. In its most advanced stages, it can lead to a loss of appetite, lethargy, sunken eyes and eventually, death. Maintaining proper humidity levels in your animals environment will also help to prevent dehydration. See Hunger Strikes and Kidney Failure.

Kidney Failure
Kidney failure is a common cause of death in captive chameleons, probably the result of a general lack in the overall quality of water delivery systems provided to captive chameleons. Kidney disease is detected through diagnostic blood tests, which your reptile veterinarian can perform. Providing ample drinking water in an appropriate form is the best preventative. See Dehydration.

Other Nutritional Problems
In the wild, chameleons consume countless species of insects, as well as other vertebrates and invertebrates. This results in a varied diet filled with all sorts of proteins, carbohydrates, amino acids, fats, trace elements, vitamins and minerals. In captivity, it is important to provide the most balanced diet possible. (See Food). Failure to do so may result in a host of medical problems.

Mal Adaptation to Captivity
In her article Assessing the Health of Wild Caught Chameleons, author Ardi Abate provides a case study of an animal suffering from this condition. It is generally thought that mal adaptation is primarily caused by stress -- the animal's inability to cope with the loss of their freedom. Signs of mal adaptation include pacing the cage, lethargy, depression, poor coloration and a host of other symptoms for which the wild-caught chameleon owner should be always on the alert. Generally, this condition is not often observed in captive born and bred animals. The best action to take to mitigate the potential for mal adaptation in wild caught animals it to provide large, well-planted spaces for the animals to live and feel secure. See Stress.

Stress:
All captive chameleons experience some level of stress related to their captivity. Stress can be fatal to chameleons. Chronic stress can suppress their immune systems, making them more susceptible to parasite infestation and other illnesses. The successful keeper of chameleons will do everything in their power to minimize stress. 1) Keep their cage in a low (or better yet a NO) traffic area of your home. 2) If weather permits, build a sturdy outdoor enclosure for use when temperatures are appropriate. 3) Put up visual barriers between your chameleons and human activity. 4) Chameleons think people are their predators. Every time your chameleon sees you, they will be stressed. 5) When you want to spend time observing your chameleon, remove the visual barrier, and sit still. The less you move, the more calm your chameleon will be. 6) Only handle your chameleons when ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. See Mal Adaptation.

Hunger Strikes:
There are many reports of chameleons refusing food. This is, in fact, a common cause of death in captive chameleons. They starve themselves to death. The lack of eating is likely a symptom of some other problem. Stress can cause an animal not to eat. Internal parasites can cause a loss of appetite. Lack of an essential vitamin or mineral could be at work. Sometimes chameleons will refuse one food item, but gobble up others. Therefore, it is important to have multiple food sources available all of the time. See Stress, Mal Adaptation, Dehydration, Kidney Failure, and Parasites.

Lack of Sun Light:
In many areas it is impractical to house chameleons outdoors (where they are the most happy!) And normal glass filters out about 100% of the sun's UV light. However, natural sunlight can still be made available indoors by placing the chameleon cage near an east, south, or west facing window. During nice weather, the window can be opened to allow your lizards to bask in unfiltered sunlight. Full-spectrum glass (often referred to as low iron glass) is also available. By replacing the panes in the windows with low iron glass, you can provide your chameleon with a wonderful, energy-efficient source of natural UV light. They will be happier and healthier! When exposed to natural sunlight, or other strong, UV-B light source, your chameleon's body will naturally produce vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is required by all reptiles in order for their body to property utilize the calcium in their food. See Metabolic Bone Disease.