Chameleons are incredibly interesting creatures, and owning one is a true adventure. They’re always doing something fascinating, yet they’re also fairly low-maintenance, making them ideal pets for just about any animal lover.
However, the fact that most people have never owned a chameleon means that first-time owners have little idea of what to expect. As a result, you may not know whether your chameleon’s growth is normal or if there’s something to be worried about in regard to their development.
We put together some charts that will give you an idea of how big four common species of chameleon will be at different life stages as a chameleon’s size and weight largely depend on the specific type. These are just guidelines, so your lizard may not fall neatly into any of the ranges, but they should be accurate for the vast majority of chameleons.
Chameleons are actually part of the iguana suborder, so they’re similar to those common lizards. Chameleons have one big difference, though: they can change their skin color.
However, contrary to popular opinion, chameleons don’t change colors to match their surroundings. They change their colors for a variety of reasons, including due to their mood, humidity, or changes in light and temperature.
The colors that they’ll change to and from will vary depending on the species involved rather than their surroundings. Even within the same species, though, different individuals will sport different colors. Their coloring may also be dependent on their personalities, as dominant chameleons tend to be brighter than more submissive lizards.
Chameleons vary widely in size, with some species (like pygmy chameleons) being quite tiny and others (like the Malagasy giant chameleon) being several feet long. Most commercially sold chameleons are less than 2 feet long, however, so don’t worry about having your home taken over by a giant, color-changing lizard.
Sadly, chameleons don’t have long lifespans, so don’t expect yours to live longer than a few years. Some species will live as long as 10 years in captivity, but it depends on the species and the care that they receive.
The veiled chameleon is one of the most popular pet chameleon species. Their striking colors and hardy nature make them an excellent reptile pet. As a veiled chameleon owner it’s important to understand their growth rate and developmental stages. This allows you to ensure your chameleon is healthy and growing properly. In this article, we’ll provide a complete guide to the veiled chameleon growth chart and developmental milestones.
Measuring Your Veiled Chameleon’s Growth
The best way to track your veiled chameleon’s growth is by measuring its weight You’ll need a digital gram scale for accurate measurements, Here are some tips for weighing your chameleon
- Place a plant or branch in a pot on the scale and zero it out. The plant gives your chameleon something to grip.
- Gently place your chameleon on the plant and take its weight.
- If your scale doesn’t zero, subtract the starting weight of the plant from the total.
It’s best to weigh your chameleon at the same time each day or week. Consistency allows you to accurately track growth over time. Handle your chameleon carefully when weighing to avoid stress.
Veiled Chameleon Growth Chart
Here is a veiled chameleon growth chart based on weight:
- Hatching: 1 gram
- 2 weeks: 3-4 grams
- 4 weeks: 5-8 grams
- 6 weeks: 12-18 grams
- 2 months: 20-35 grams
- 3 months: 40-70 grams
- 4 months: 80-90 grams
- 5 months: 90-120 grams
- 6 months: 130-150 grams
- 7 months: 150-170 grams
- 8 months: 170-180 grams
- 9 months: 180-190 grams
- 10-24 months: 190-250 grams
As you can see, veiled chameleons experience rapid growth in their first few months. They reach adult size at around 1 year old. Females are smaller than males at every age.
Veiled Chameleon Growth Stages
In addition to weight, you can track your veiled chameleon’s development through key growth stages:
Baby
- From hatching until 6 weeks old
- Weighs 1-18 grams
- Sheds frequently to accommodate fast growth
Juvenile
- 6 weeks to 8 months old
- Weighs 18-180 grams
- Starts to change color around 5 months old
- Sex can be determined around 5 months old
Adult
- 1-2 years old
- Weighs 190-250 grams
- Reaches full adult coloration
- Males reach up to 24 inches long, females up to 14 inches
- Females can breed at 1 year old, males at 11⁄2 years old
Factors That Impact Growth Rate
Two key factors determine how quickly your veiled chameleon will grow:
Temperature: Veiled chameleons require specific temperature ranges to digest food and grow properly. Ambient temperatures should be 72-80°F. The basking spot should reach 85-92°F.
Feeding: Feed your veiled chameleon a varied diet including crickets, worms, roaches and veggies. Target feeding hatchlings/juveniles 2x per day and adults 1x per day. Proper gut loading and hydration are also essential.
With ideal temperatures and nutrition, you can expect your veiled chameleon to reach its full adult size within 12-24 months. Monitor weight weekly and watch for key growth milestones. This ensures your pet stays happy and healthy as it matures. Raising a veiled chameleon from hatchling to adult is an incredibly rewarding experience.
Signs of Underweight or Overweight Chameleons
It’s important to keep your veiled chameleon at a healthy weight as it grows. Here are signs of underweight and overweight chameleons:
Underweight: sunken eyes, protruding backbone, thin limbs and tail, lack of fat pads in armpits/pelvis, visible hip bones
Overweight: fat deposits in armpits/pelvis, swollen neck, tail base and limbs, lethargy, respiratory distress, inability to shed properly
Adjust your chameleon’s feeding and temperature as needed if its weight falls outside the normal range. Consult an exotic vet for help getting an overweight chameleon back into shape.
Answering Common Veiled Chameleon Growth Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about veiled chameleon growth and development:
When do they stop growing? Around 2 years old
How long does it take to reach full size? 12-24 months
When is the fastest growth period? Hatching to 4 months
Do males and females grow differently? Yes, males are larger at each age
When can breeding begin? Females at 1 year, males at 1.5 years
Can they change color as babies? Color change starts around 5 months old
Monitoring your veiled chameleon’s growth and developmental milestones allows you to provide proper care. Use the weight chart to track progress and watch for signs of underweight/overweight chameleons. With the right environment and nutrition, your pet will thrive as it matures over its first 12-24 months of life. Raising a veiled chameleon from hatchling to adult is an amazing and rewarding journey.
When Do Chameleons Stop Growing?
The time at which a chameleon will stop growing will depend on the exact species involved, but for the most part, they should be fully grown by 18 months old. That said, many chameleons will stop growing by the time they’re 9 or 12 months old.
For the most part, chameleons will stop getting longer by the time they’re 8 months old, but they’ll keep putting on weight until they’re 2 years old.
Panther Chameleon Size and Growth Chart
Much shorter than their veiled counterparts, panther chameleons are often around 6 or 7 inches long, although females can be much smaller. They’re known for their vibrant color patterns, which vary according to the region in which the panther lives. Males tend to be more colorful than females, however.
| Age | Weight | Body Length |
| Hatchling | Less than 1/10 of an ounce | 2–4 inches |
| 4 weeks | 0.1–.3 ounces | 2–5 inches |
| 2 months | 0.4–.75 ounces | 4–6 inches |
| 3 months | 0.8–1.25 ounces | 5–8 inches |
| 4 months | 1.5–2.25 ounces | 6–10 inches |
| 6 months | 2.75–4 ounces | 8–14 inches |
| 9 months | 3.25–6 ounces | 8–16 inches |
| 1 year | 3.5–6.5 ounces | 10–18 inches |
Veiled Chameleon time lapse growth 1 year
FAQ
How long does it take for a veiled chameleon to be full grown?
With proper care, veiled chameleons will reach their adult size in 9–12 months. At a minimum, an adult veiled chameleon’s habitat should have 3 feet of space or more in all dimensions (36” L x 36” W x 36” H). Always provide the largest habitat possible.
How old is a 7 inch chameleon?
| Species | Age | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | 10”-18” | |
| Jackson’s Chameleon | Hatchling | 2”-4” |
| 6 Months | 3”-7” | |
| 1 Year | 6”-15” |
At what age do veiled chameleons change color?
But in all of this, chameleons have their baby colors that fade into their adult colors and this can tell us a good deal of how mature they are. Although this only works for the first 6 to 12 months of life.
How big do veiled chameleons get?
Veiled chameleons can grow quite large. Males can reach up to 24 inches from snout to tail, while females typically do not exceed 14 inches. Generally, male veiled chameleons are much larger, more colorful, and have taller casques than females.
How fast do veiled chameleons grow?
Veiled chameleons grow the fastest from hatching to four months of age where they grow from one gram to approximately ninety grams. When do they stop growing? Your veiled chameleon should stop growing by two years of age. The size of your veiled chameleon as an adult will be determined by whether it is male or female.
What are the growth stages of a veiled chameleon?
The growth stages of a veiled chameleon can be broadly divided into three categories: hatchling/juvenile, sub-adult, and adult. Hatchling/Juvenile: This is the stage when the chameleon is newly hatched or a few months old. At this stage, they are relatively small in size, usually measuring around 2-4 inches in total length.
How do veiled chameleons grow?
Factors such as diet, temperature, humidity, and overall husbandry can affect the growth rate of veiled chameleons. Providing a proper and balanced diet, along with suitable environmental conditions, can promote healthy growth. 5. How long do veiled chameleons live?
How old is a veiled chameleon?
Your veiled chameleon is a juvenile from six weeks to eight months of age. When is a veiled chameleon fully grown? A veiled chameleon is fully grown when it reaches two years of age. Do males and females grow differently? Males develop faster than females, as they are larger when at the same age. Males develop a larger crest.
How tall do veiled chameleon head crests grow?
Veiled chameleons are unique from other chameleons because of their impressive head crests, which grow up to 3 inches tall. They are also known for their large size, docile temperament and relatively simple care.