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Breeding

Breeding
 
Breeding chameleons is quite a lengthy process. But one of the most exciting aspects of chameleon husbandry is raising neonate chameleons. Many species are rare captive bred or aren't available altogether and breeding chameleons rare or not can pay off. However getting healthy females to breed and lay eggs is the hardest part and takes some extra research and care. Most chameleons are oviviparous (egg laying) however some of the montane species (e.g. Jacksons) are viviparous (live bearers). Incubation could be anywhere from 50 days (Brookesia eggs) to 2 years (Parsons chameleons) with the average being from 6-12 months. It is worth the wait! Gestation period can last from a month or more.
 
Chameleons as you have learned are very anti-social even sometimes from males towards females. Chameleons no matter the gender should not be housed together; but rather the male chameleon briefly introduced to the females enclosure to mate and then part ways. However testing their compatibility should be first in order. When a female is in sight of a male the male will puff up, expand himself, and perform the usual territorial display often seen by the keeper. He may hiss, nod his head, bob up and down and rock back and forth, often turning the most vibrant colours you never knew your chameleon had! Receptive females either sit and ignore the male or keep her colours, turn around and walk away as if nothing happened. The key is the female will usually remain calm. After this the male will make his way over to her and may nudge, bite, and claw her. Close observation during this part of the mating sequence should be in order, often males will get carried away and possibly injure the female. If all goes well the male will mount the female, cloaca's (vents) aligned, and internal copulation will take place. The male will use one of his two hemipenes (sing. Hemipenis) to copulate. Mating may last several hours; after copulation the couple will part ways and the male should be placed back in his enclosure and both animals offered food and water. The smaller Brookesia and Rhampholeon chameleons mating sequence is fairly similar. Often in the case of leaf chameleons males will climb atop the females back for as long as a few days, and copulation will most likely proceed at night.
 
*Incubation is rather lengthy, and a very picky process. I lack experience with egg incubation, I will find someone who can provide some valuable information on this topic.*
 
Live bearers gestation period is much lengthier due to the fact that the embryos must develop further before being born. Even when born, the babies are enclosed in a soft membrane which must be split soon or the chameleon may suffocate or dry out. For these chameleons it is best to be present when the babies are born to ensure all are carefully removed from the sac. Often females will attach the sticky membrane to a twig or stick. If humidity is too low the membrane will quickly dry out before the neonate breaks out; therefore high humidity is necessary for live bearers around the time of birth.
 
Baby care is rather simple; they do require higher humidity, and appropriately sized insects such as pinhead crickets, fruit flies, spring tails and baby silkworms. They may be housed together in small numbers in order to keep track of their feeding and drinking habits until they get larger (4-5 months) when they start to become restless and territorial. Glass tanks may be used to house babies, however good ventilation is a must so be creative and find ways to overcome this. I should also note that due to the miniscule size, baby chameleons should not be housed with substrate. Should a youngster ingest any, it could easily impact such a small digestive system. 
 
*Please, if you plan on selling your chameleons raise them until they are at least a few months old before selling or giving them away to ensure them a good start. I recommend 3 months old.*

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at jumaunji@hotmail.com