About feeding a chameleon
Chameleons are specialised arboreal insectivores that hunt with a ballistic tongue — and they're one of the more delicate reptiles to keep, where hydration, gut-loading and supplementation matter as much as the number of insects.
How much should a chameleon eat?
Reptile feeding depends far more on life stage and diet ratio than on a single calorie number. The schedule below shows how the insect-to-plant ratio and feeding frequency change as the animal grows.
| Life stage | Diet ratio & feeding frequency |
|---|---|
| Juvenile (under 5 months) | Feed daily — as many insects as eaten in 5 minutes |
| Sub-adult (5–12 months) | Feed every 1–2 days |
| Adult (12 months+) | Feed every 2–3 days |
What to feed
Chameleons (like the common veiled and panther) are primarily insectivores eating gut-loaded, calcium-dusted crickets, roaches, hornworms, silkworms and the occasional treat feeder. Some, like veiled chameleons, also nibble plant matter. Feeders must be appropriately sized and well supplemented.
How often to feed
Juveniles eat daily (often more), while adults eat every other day or a few insects daily. Overfeeding fatty feeders and adults leads to obesity and gout; hydration via misting/dripper is critical.
Common feeding mistakes
- Poor hydration — chameleons drink droplets, not from bowls.
- Fatty feeders (waxworms) fed too often.
- Inadequate calcium/D3 and UVB, causing metabolic bone disease.
- Overfeeding adults, which contributes to gout.
Weight & health
Metabolic bone disease, dehydration and gout are the classic chameleon problems, all diet- and husbandry-linked. Gut-load feeders, dust with calcium, provide UVB and steady hydration, and keep adult feeding modest.
Frequently asked questions
What do chameleons eat?
Gut-loaded, calcium-dusted insects — crickets, roaches, hornworms, silkworms — with treat feeders in moderation. Veiled chameleons may also eat some plant matter.
How often should I feed a chameleon?
Juveniles daily; adults every other day or a few insects daily. Avoid overfeeding fatty feeders, which contributes to obesity and gout.
How do chameleons drink water?
They drink droplets from leaves, so they need regular misting or a dripper rather than a standing water bowl, which they usually ignore.
Why do chameleons need calcium and UVB?
To prevent metabolic bone disease. Dusting feeders with calcium (and D3 as appropriate) plus proper UVB lighting lets the chameleon build healthy bone.