The popularity of keeping pet chameleons is slowly starting to increase again and although they are still relatively niche as far pet reptiles go, more and more people are choosing to add a chameleon to their family.
A steadily increasing number of people reaching out and asking questions about keeping their own pet chameleon also means that there is a steadily increasing number of people asking various questions about caring for their pet chameleon too.
We have tried to answer some of the more serious and commonly asked questions about keeping pet chameleons recently and a larger number of people have reached out about making a chameleon nesting box recently.
So many people tend to drastically overcomplicate the process of building a chameleon nesting box so we wanted to publish this dedicated article to try and help as many of our readers as possible.
What Is A Chameleon Nesting Box?
A chameleon nesting box is simply a small, enclosed area where your female chameleon can lay her eggs undisturbed.
While it is technically possible for your female chameleon to lay her eggs without a nesting box, it is generally not advisable as there are many benefits that come with providing your chameleon with a nesting box.
The nesting box should be placed inside of your chameleon’s enclosure and it should be large enough for your chameleon to comfortably turn around in, but not so large that she feels exposed.
You will also need to make sure that the nesting box is tall enough for your chameleon to be able to stand up straight in without her head touching the top of the nesting box.
When Should I Put The Nesting Box In My Chameleon’s Enclosure?
You should aim to put the nesting box in your chameleon’s enclosure around two weeks before you expect her to lay her eggs.
This will give her time to get used to the nesting box and to start laying her eggs in there.
If you put the nesting box in your chameleon’s enclosure any sooner than this, she may not use it as she will not have laid her eggs yet.
If you put the nesting box in your chameleon’s enclosure any later than this, she may not use it as she will have already laid her eggs elsewhere.
Do You Need A Chameleon Nesting Box?
While you technically do not need a chameleon nesting box, it is generally advisable to provide your female chameleon with one.
There are several benefits that come with providing your female chameleon with a nesting box, such as:
- It gives her a safe place to lay her eggs undisturbed.
- It helps to keep the eggs warm and humid.
- It makes it easier for you to find the eggs.
- It reduces the risk of the eggs being eaten by other animals.
What Materials Do I Need To Make A Chameleon Nesting Box?
The materials that you will need to make a chameleon nesting box will depend on the type of nesting box that you want to make.
If you want to make a simple cardboard box nesting box, you will need:
- A cardboard box
- A knife or scissors
- Tape
If you want to make a more complex wooden nesting box, you will need:
- Wooden boards
- A saw
- Nails or screws
- Tape
How Do I Make A Chameleon Nesting Box?
Making a chameleon nesting box is a relatively simple process, regardless of the type of nesting box that you want to make.
If you want to make a simple cardboard box nesting box, follow these steps:
1. Cut a hole in the top of the cardboard box large enough for your chameleon to fit through.
2. Cut a hole in one side of the cardboard box large enough for you to be able to check on the eggs.
3. Line the inside of the cardboard box with paper towels.
4. Place the cardboard box inside of your chameleon’s enclosure.
5. Tape the top and bottom of the cardboard box closed.
If you want to make a more complex wooden nesting box, follow these steps:
1. Cut two pieces of wood to the desired size for the top and bottom of the nesting box.
2. Cut four pieces of wood to the desired size for the sides of the nesting box.
3. Assemble the pieces of wood to form a box.
4. Cut a hole in the top of the wooden box large enough for your chameleon to fit through.
5. Cut a hole in one side of the wooden box large enough for you to be able to check on the eggs.
6. Line the inside of the wooden box with paper towels.
7. Place the wooden box inside of your chameleon’s enclosure.
8. Tape the top and bottom of the wooden box closed.
How Do I Know If My Chameleon Is Using The Nesting Box?
There are several signs that you can look for to see if your chameleon is using the nesting box, such as:
She is spending more time in the area of the enclosure where the nesting box is located.
She is scratching at the ground or walls near the nesting box.
She is inside of the nesting box.
What Do I Do If My Chameleon Lays Her Eggs Outside Of The Nesting Box?
If your chameleon lays her eggs outside of the nesting box, you can try to move them into the nesting box.
To do this, gently pick up the eggs and place them in the nesting box.
Be careful not to damage the eggs.
If you are worried about damaging the eggs, you can place a piece of paper towel over the top of the egg and then pick it up that way.
Once the eggs are in the nesting box, you can tape the box shut to keep the eggs inside.
Where Should I Place My Chameleon Nesting Box?
The ideal location for your chameleon nesting box will depend on the type of enclosure that you have.
If you have a glass enclosure, the best place for the nesting box is on the cool side of the enclosure.
If you have a mesh enclosure, the best place for the nesting box is on the warm side of the enclosure.
Why Won’t My Chameleon Use A Nesting Box?
There are several reasons why your chameleon might not be using a nesting box, such as:
- The nesting box is not the right size.
- The nesting box is not in the right location.
- The nesting box is not the right type.
- Your chameleon does not feel safe in the nesting box.
- Your chameleon does not feel comfortable in the nesting box.
If you have tried all of these things and your chameleon still is not using the nesting box, you might need to try a different type of nesting box.
How Do I Know If My Chameleon Is Going To Lay Eggs?
There are a few signs that you can look out for which will indicate that your chameleon is going to lay eggs in the near future.
The first sign to look for is that your chameleon’s stomach will start to swell.
This is because the eggs are growing inside of her.
The second sign to look for is that your chameleon will start to act differently.
She might become more aggressive or she might stop eating.
The third sign to look for is that she will start to dig in her enclosure.
This is because she is looking for a place to lay her eggs.
If you see any of these signs, it is important to provide your chameleon with a nesting box as soon as possible.
