| Length: | Maximum 27 inches |
| Weight: | 14-18 ounces |
| Lifespan: | 5-8 Years |
| Colors: | You can change colors from brown, or green to blue, black, or red |
| Temperament: | Solitary, Territorial, and Docile |
| The Best Suited for | Chameleon and advanced reptile owners |
Oustalet’s Chameleons, also known as “ooh”-stuh – are the longest chameleons in the world. An Oustalet is a great addition to any family if you are passionate about raising chameleons. Be aware! They can be difficult to raise.
Chameleons can be difficult to care for. These are not easy, even by chameleon standards. Only experts should invest in the raising of an Oustalet. This is due to their enormous size.
But, it is a rewarding experience for those who raise Oustalet’s Chameleons.
Oustalet’s Chameleons: Before You Buy…
Before you buy an Oustalet’s Chameleon, it is important to consider where it was born. Is it wild-caught, captive-bred or both?
This is vital for health reasons. Captive-bred chameleons can be tracked to determine the lizard’s diet, which makes it easier to monitor and control the parasitic infestation. Wild-caught chameleons, especially larger ones, can be difficult to know. Larger Oustalet’s Chameleons are known to eat small lizards as well as birds.
This can cause a host of health issues and parasites. Because they are larger than other chameleons, their parasite load can be much higher. Although they can be completely cleaned, it may take some time. They are also more robust and resistant than smaller chameleons.
What is the price of Oustalet’s Chameleons?
Oustalet’s Chameleons are not the most expensive, despite being the largest chameleons. These chameleons can be found for a very low price. One can be purchased for as low as $60
The sticker shock does not kick in with the chameleon, as it does with all chameleons. You will need all the other equipment to properly care for it. The Oustalet’s Chameleon requires a lot of equipment to care for. Their size makes it more costly to raise them.
We recommend that you breed and raise insects to provide a steady food supply. This is much cheaper than bulk purchasing the number of insects needed to keep an Oustalet’s Chameleon happy.
Three Little-Known Facts about Oustalet’s Chameleons
1. They are named after Jean-Frederic Emile Oustalet
Oustalet’s Chameleons are named for Jean-Frederic Oustalet (a French zoologist who was also famous), but Oustalet isn’t the one who found them. Francois Mocquard (French herpetologist) is the person who actually deserves this honor. He described the species in 1894, and gave the name as a tribute.
2. They compete with the Parson’s Chameleon to be the World’s Largest
The Oustalet’s Chameleon is the longest-known chameleon. Parson’s Chameleons have weighed heavier. Both can be considered the largest chameleons on Earth, depending on how you view them.
3. They are also known as the Malagasy Giant Chameleon
These chameleons can be found in Madagascar, home to the Malagasy ethnic group of Southeast African Austronesian people. The second name of these chameleons is derived from them.
Temperament & Intelligence for the Oustalet’s Chameleon
Oustalet’s Chameleons are generally quite laid-back. Although they can be territorial, they are not aggressive toward their owners in captivity. This can change as they age and depending on whether or not it’s time for them to mate.
Juvenile chameleons tend to be more loyal to those who feed them. They will be more patient and understanding. As they age, however, they will need less frequent food, which could lead to them becoming more aggressive. During mating season, they will also be more aggressive.
If your chameleon becomes more hostile towards you than usual, it is best to stop handling and just observe. Your chameleon may be suffering from a medical condition and needs veterinary attention.
These Chameleons are good for families
It depends on the individual. These chameleons are larger than most and can be difficult to handle for children. They aren’t as scary as smaller chameleons, but they can be frightening. They can make a great observational pets for younger children if they are kept in an outside environment.
However, it is not recommended that children are involved in the initial care. The children should learn from the expert handler how to properly rear chameleons. This will allow future reptile lovers to start smaller by themselves.
This pet is not recommended for children who can’t hold their hands. Chameleons are generally not fond of being touched or held. They will bite if threatened.
Is this breed compatible with other pets?
These chameleons have been known to get along with Oustalet’s Chameleons. These cases are rare. Chameleons are not known for being friendly with other chameleons. They can be territorial and aggressive towards other chameleons that they consider to be a threat.
You Need to Be Aware of These Things When Owning an Oustalet’s Chameleon
It is quite a task to care for an Oustalet’s Chameleon. Even chameleons require a lot of special care. Before you make the commitment, do your research.
Food & Diet Requirements
It might seem that chameleons of this size should be fed 10-20 insects per day. This is not true. In fact, the more they grow, the less you will actually have to give them.
They will need more food as juveniles. They should be fed daily. Offer 3-5 size-appropriate insects per feeding. You can swap fully grown adults for every other day.
Housing
Large enclosures are essential for Oustalet’s Chameleons. Although smaller chameleons, such as the Senegal chameleon and Jackson’s chameleon, can fit in an enclosure measuring 1 by 3 feet in length by 3 feet in height, a full-grown Oustalet will struggle to fit within. It can be hard to find the right amount of space for an Oustalet enclosure in your home.
We recommend that they have an outdoor environment to call home. It all depends on where you live. An Oustalet’s Chameleon can’t be kept outside if you live in a colder climate. An Oustalet’s chameleon may be more at home if it is in a warm, sunny environment.
Hydration and Humidity
It is vital to monitor the hydration levels of your Oustalet’s Chameleon for its well-being. Because of their large size, you will need to be more vigilant to ensure they don’t become dehydrated.
A quality hygrometer is a must-have for any Oustalet. A hygrometer measures the humidity of the air. A chameleon of Oustalet must have at least 70% humidity.
Even if your humidity levels are at a minimum, you still need to hydrate your Chameleon by spraying leaves on the plants and the lizard. But that is not enough to hydrate your chameleon. Your chameleon will need to be hydrated at least once per week. Allow them to soak in water for between 30-60 minutes. Although it may sound complicated, it is actually quite simple. Put them on your favorite potted tree and then place that tree in the tub. Turn on the shower to let the water flow on them like a gentle, cool rain.
The frequency of showering should be minimal. You should increase your water intake if you live in a hotter region or can see signs of dehydration.
Health and Conditions
Chameleons are known to be delicate creatures. The Oustalet’s Chameleon isn’t as delicate. They are actually quite tough for chameleons. They are able to withstand changes in temperature or humidity for long periods of time. They don’t have as many stress-related diseases as other chameleons.
However, they still fall prey to common chameleon conditions like gout, bone disorders, and kidney failure.
Parasitic infection is the most common issue that affects the Oustalet more than any other chameleon. Because of their size, parasites are more difficult to eradicate because they have a higher infestation load. Wild-caught chameleons are more likely to have higher parasitic counts. Although it is possible to fight parasites, it will be more difficult than any other chameleon that you have dealt with. It’s something you should be aware of.
Minor Conditions
- Stress-related illnesses
Severe Conditions
- Gout
- Failure of the kidneys
- Bone disorders
- Parasites
Male vs. Female
There are some very distinct differences between males and females when it comes to Oustalet’s Chameleons. Males can be up to twice as large as females. They can grow up to twice as tall! The females have more vibrant color patterns and changes than the males. This is a very rare trait in the Chameleon world.
Last Thoughts
It is not an easy decision to decide to raise an Oustalet’s Chameleon. It is important to take the time to think about it and decide if you are up for the challenge. From start to finish, it’s going to be a tough ride. We don’t recommend that you attempt chameleon riding if you aren’t an expert.
It can be very rewarding if you have the skills and knowledge to defeat one of the largest chameleons on the planet.
How large can an Oustalet’s chameleon grow?
Males reach a maximum length of 27 inches (68.5 cm), while females reach 12 inches (30.5 cm). The weight ranges between 14 and 17 ounces (400-500 gr). Behavior: The arboreal chameleon climbs using its long, prehensile tail and its feet.
Chameleons do they identify their owners?
So, can a chameleon identify its owner? Yes! In as little as one week, a chameleon may know its owner. This is very dependent on a variety of circumstances, including the chameleon’s species and sex, your ability to build attachments with it quickly, and the sort of care you provide.
Do chameleons enjoy being petted?
The quick explanation is that they dislike being petted. Chameleons are notoriously anti-social animals, although there are occasional exceptions, and some may accept light stroking beneath their chins. They will wander away, gape their mouths, and even change colors if they do not appreciate the attention.
What makes chameleons hiss at you?
Chameleons are slow-moving, tree-dwelling lizards that hiss at pet owners and potential predators in their native habitat. Frightened mature chameleons will hiss loudly to avoid contact with the item or person approaching them with their swiveling eyes.
How do you know whether a chameleon is a content?
The hues of a happy chameleon will be relaxed. It will be interesting, to investigate, and gently glance around at its surroundings. It will extend its tail with a delicate curve and spend time sunbathing in front of the heat lamp. A healthy chameleon will eat well, have round eyes, and stroll boldly.
Which chameleon is the most affectionate?
The Rudis chameleon is often regarded as the finest cham for handling. This is due to the fact that it never fights back and never appears to be stressed by it. However, excessive handling may cause skin injury.
Chameleons like being doused with water.
Because some chameleons might take a few minutes to become aroused to drink, this approach will produce a lot of surplus water. Remember that most chameleons dislike being sprayed directly and will flee.
Is it permissible to keep chameleons?
Chameleons should only be treated as pets on par with tropical fish beautiful to look at but not to be touched or carried. Contact with a larger species, as all real chameleons are, is the natural antecedent to being eaten or crushed to death the ultimate stress!
Chameleons do they miss their owners?
No. Reptiles do not have the emotional centers in their brains that mammals have, thus they cannot interact or communicate with their owners. People are associated with threats, non-threats, or, at best, happy experiences.
Do the chameleons of Oustalet change color?
Yes! Oustalet’s Chameleons have a green-blue color that can change based on their mood or the season. Males may turn bluer when hunting for a mate, while females may vary in varying colors of green.