Diets That Change a Chameleon's Pigmentation

Contrary to what you may have believed, a change in diet should not affect your chameleon's pigmentation. Chameleons change color based upon their health and stress level. Males also may become more vivid during mating season. If your chameleon is not displaying the eye-catching color it once was, the chameleon could be sick or unhappy. There is a chance that the chameleon is not getting the nutrition it needs, though. Try addressing your chameleon's problems with a more varied diet.

  1. Crickets

    • Crickets are the foundation to most captive chameleons' diets. They are cheap, readily available and palatable to your lizard. They are also very easy for your chameleon to digest. Offer your chameleon a dozen or so live crickets two or three times per week. Most chameleons will only eat live feed, but it is okay if the chameleons do not eat all of the crickets right away. The crickets should be no longer than the width of your chameleon's head. Remove any dead insects from your chameleon's enclosure.

    Meal Worms

    • Meal worms, wax worms and super worms should be regularly included in your chameleon's diet if you want to achieve optimal health and pigmentation. These worms can be purchased live in plastic tubs at most pet stores and can live for a few weeks in their tubs if you do not use them all right away. Worms should be offered on a bi-weekly basis because they are very high in fat and will slow your chameleon's digestion. You can give your chameleon two or three worms at a time.

    Gut-Loading

    • The best way to ensure that your chameleon is getting the nutrition it needs to achieve maximum pigmentation is to gut-load your feed. Gut-loading means feeding the crickets vitamins before you feed them to your chameleon. Many chameleons will reject crickets dusted in calcium or supplements but will happily consume insects with bellies full of supplement. Look for a gut feed with a 2:1 ratio of calcium to phosphorus and added vitamin D.

    Treats

    • Wild chameleons eat a huge variety of insects that is very difficult to replicate in a captive situation. You can improve your chameleon's mood and health by feeding it bugs that you find in your garden or your house. Just make sure that you do not offer anything that bites or stings. Chameleons also should never eat fireflies, which are toxic.