Chameleons are rapidly growing in popularity within the reptile keeping community and they have managed to become the fifth most commonly kept reptile in the USA behind the bearded dragon, the corn snake, the leopard gecko, and the ball python and the popularity of chameleons just keeps on increasing.
As more and more people try to take their pet on trips with them or need to transport their pet chameleon to the veterinarian’s office and other locations, we have noticed people reaching out to ask about setting up a chameleon travel cage.
Due to seeing so many people make easy to avoid mistakes when it comes to traveling with their pet chameleon, we wanted to publish this dedicated article to try and help as many of our readers as possible.
Can You Travel With A Pet Chameleon?
The first question that we need to answer is whether you can actually travel with your pet chameleon and the answer to this question is a resounding yes, you can travel with your pet chameleon!
As long as you take the proper steps to ensure that your chameleon will travel safely and remain stress-free during the trip.
Depending on your location, your pet chameleon may also need an external heat source too due to the local temperatures in your area and the uniheat pad can be the perfect solution for this.
Just make sure to properly pad the bottom of the travel cage so your chameleon does not come into direct contact with the heat source.
You will also need to take extra care if you are traveling by air as the air pressure and humidity levels can fluctuate greatly which can cause stress to your pet chameleon but we would not recommend you travel by air with your chameleon, even if you are able to take your pet into the cabin with you.
Picking The Perfect Chameleon Travel Cage
Now that we have answered the first question, we need to move on to the second question of what type of chameleon travel cage you should use for your pet chameleon.
The best type of travel cage for a chameleon is going to be one that allows for plenty of ventilation while also being tall enough so your chameleon can climb and move around freely.
There are many different types of reptile cages on the market that would work great for a chameleon travel cage but we would recommend either the Zoo Med Reptibreeze Open Air Cage or the Exo Terra Glass Terrarium.
Both of these reptile cages offer plenty of ventilation while also being tall enough for your chameleon to climb and move around freely.
You will also want to make sure that your chameleon travel cage has a tight-fitting lid to prevent your chameleon from escaping.
Properly Ventilating Your Chameleon Travel Cage
One of the most important aspects of setting up a chameleon travel cage is ensuring that the cage is properly ventilated.
Chameleons are a tropical species of reptile and they require high humidity levels to stay healthy and thrive.
The level of humidity that your chameleon needs will depend on the specific species of chameleon you have but most chameleons will do well in an environment with a relative humidity of 60-80%.
In order to achieve these high humidity levels, you will need to make sure that your chameleon travel cage is properly ventilated.
We would recommend using a combination of mesh screen and plastic vents to ensure that your chameleon travel cage is properly ventilated.
You will also want to make sure that you are using a reptile fogger or misting system to help maintain the humidity levels inside of the cage.
Misting your chameleon’s cage 2-3 times per day should be sufficient to maintain the proper humidity levels inside of the cage but maintaining the correct temperature for long journeys is very difficult and not recommended.
What Is The Best Way To Transport A Chameleon?
The best way to transport your chameleon is going to be in a well-ventilated travel cage that is big enough for your chameleon to move around freely and climb.
You will also want to make sure that the travel cage has a tight-fitting lid to prevent your chameleon from escaping.
We would also recommend using a reptile carrier to transport your chameleon if you are going to be traveling by car or train.
A reptile carrier will provide an additional layer of security and peace of mind knowing that your chameleon is safely secured inside of the carrier.
If you are traveling by plane, we would not recommend taking your chameleon with you as the air pressure and humidity levels can fluctuate greatly which can cause stress to your pet chameleon.
What Are Some Tips For Traveling With A Chameleon?
Here are a few tips for traveling with a chameleon:
- Make sure the travel cage is properly ventilated.
- Use a reptile carrier if traveling by car or train.
- Do not travel by plane with your chameleon.
- Make sure the travel cage has a tight-fitting lid.
- Maintain the proper temperature and humidity levels inside of the cage.
- Provide your chameleon with plenty of food and water before embarking on your journey.
We hope that these tips will help you when traveling with your chameleon. Safe travels!
Is A Chameleon Travel Cage Worth It?
A chameleon travel cage is definitely worth it if you are planning on traveling with your chameleon.
The benefits of using a travel cage for your chameleon are many and include:
- Proper ventilation to prevent stress and maintain humidity levels.
- A safe and secure environment for your chameleon to travel in.
- A way to easily transport your chameleon from one location to another.
If you are planning on traveling with your chameleon, we would definitely recommend using a travel cage.
How Long Can You Keep A Chameleon In A Travel Cage?
There is no definitive answer to this question as every chameleon is different and has different needs.
However, we would recommend that you keep your chameleon in the travel cage for as short a period of time as possible to minimize stress.
If you are going to be traveling for an extended period of time, we would recommend setting up a temporary enclosure at your destination so that your chameleon can have a place to rest and recuperate.
