There is a longstanding myth that wild-caught reptiles, including chameleons, are inherently riddled with parasites and health issues. This belief originates from outdated importation practices. In the past, reptiles from Madagascar and other locations endured transit times of more than two weeks, often without food, water, or adequate space. As a result, they arrived in terrible conditions, with weakened immune systems that made them highly susceptible to parasites and other illnesses. Only a few survived, reinforcing the misconception that wild-caught reptiles are problematic.
However, this is no longer the case. Today, we work exclusively with qualified professionals who treat animals with dignity and respect. Our exporters are hand-picked for their professionalism. They house animals in proper facilities and ensure their well-being before shipping. The shipping process—from their origin to ours—now takes less than 24 hours. Animals are individually packed, shipped in an insulated box, and transported in a temperature-regulated plane. Upon arrival, they are held in a temperature-controlled facility before we pick them up. This modernized process ensures we receive chameleons in optimal health in a very short time. Once in our care, each animal is inspected, acclimated, and placed in proper setups. Before shipping to our clients, we confirm they are active, eating, and drinking correctly. If an animal is not 100%, we hold it back until it reaches its best condition before making it available.
Parasites are a natural part of all living organisms, including chameleons. In fact, they are an essential component of internal fauna, helping to regulate various biological functions. Problems arise only when a chameleon is subjected to stress, inadequate nutrition, or unhygienic conditions, which can trigger a parasitic overload.
Many assume captive-bred chameleons are parasite-free, but this is not always true. If a breeder does not maintain high standards of cleanliness—such as providing fresh water, promptly removing feces, and maintaining proper hygiene—parasites can still become an issue. This is particularly challenging for large-scale breeders managing extensive collections.
Regardless of whether your chameleon is wild-caught or captive-bred, there are a few signs that may indicate a parasite issue:
If you notice any of these symptoms, taking action and assessing your chameleon’s health is advisable.
Just as you would for a cat or dog, performing an annual fecal test on your chameleon is always recommended. This routine check-up ensures that potential parasitic issues are identified and treated before impacting your pet’s well-being.
Ignorance. Not many people are familiar with the reptile industry’s advancements over the years. Some still hold onto outdated notions of poor importation practices, while others use misinformation as a sales tactic to promote their own captive-bred animals. Unfortunately, negative marketing is prevalent in the hobby, with some breeders attempting to sway customers by criticizing the competition unfairly.
Some inexperienced exporters and importers might still have questionable business practices. So before you give someone your business, ask about the importer and their reputation in the hobby.
When purchasing a chameleon from us, you can be confident that you receive only the highest quality imports. Each chameleon is carefully inspected before delivery, ensuring your new reptile is healthy and well-acclimated to thrive in captivity.
We not only provide the best reptile imports but also stand behind them. To ensure your success, we offer coaching, tips, and ongoing support. Customer satisfaction is our top priority.
By maintaining optimal husbandry and performing routine health checks, parasites will never be a concern for your chameleon. Choose quality, choose expertise—choose us for your next chameleon companion.
If you have further questions, please get in touch with us via email, Meta messenger or WhatsApp.
These are some examples of how our animals are kept before being shipped to us.
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