Chameleon Academy Podcast
330 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 125 ratingsHosted by long time chameleon keeper and breeder, Bill Strand, the Chameleon Academy Podcast tackles subjects from basic to advanced and brings in insight from experts in the field. There is something for everyone from beginning keepers to experienced breeders. Subscribe for a weekly dose of chameleon talk!
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Episodes
Chameleon Gift Giving, Day 1: Black Soldier Fly Larva
November 28, 2021 17:00 - 6 minutes - 8.79 MBMy choice for the second gift giving recommendation is a cup of Black Soldier Fly Larva! BSFL (as the are called) are a nutritious feeder that can give your chameleon diet variety. The bonus is that they start as grubs, which chameleons love, and turn into flies, which chameleons love! So, take a listen as to how you can treat that special chameleon in your life!
Chameleon Gift Giving, Day 1: Repti-Risers
November 27, 2021 21:07 - 9 minutes - 13.2 MBJoin me for 12 days of chameleon gift recommendations where I publish one recommendation a day for the next 12 days! My pick for day 1 of the Chameleon gift giving season is the Repti-Riser by Jason King of Kings Reptiles on Etsy. This innovative product provides an elegant solution to our problem of lifting UVB lights off the top of the cage!
Taking Care of Our Chameleon Community
November 26, 2021 09:34 - 23 minutes - 31.9 MBToday we are going to talk about going into this holiday season thinking about the chameleon community. We’ll talk about how we can make a difference just by supporting the small business and content creators that are out there right now. You can even do meaningful support without spending money! Let’s care for our community like we care for our chameleon environments!
How to Become a Reptile Community Educator
November 13, 2021 03:59 - 26 minutes - 35.9 MBIf you have an interest in reptiles and sharing that interest with others you can do so by joining the growing number of reptile educators and influencers. But you have to decide just what kind of influencer you want to be. In this episode I talk about what is involved in becoming a reptile community educator.
Sexing Panther Chameleons with Carolyn Laframboise
November 05, 2021 07:05 - 20 minutes - 28.6 MBToday we are going to learn how to determine the sex of hatchling panther chameleons. It is tricky, but a skill that can be learned. Carolyn Laframboise from Frams Chams will be joining me and share with us her method of giving that ID to panther chameleons.
Jackson's Chameleons Natural Environment with Jan Stipala
October 29, 2021 04:29 - 27 minutes - 37.3 MBToday I talk with Jan Stipala about what kinds of environments Jackson’s Chameleons are found in. Jan is the author of Mountain Dragons which is our community’s most beautiful book on chameleons. To author this book he travelled the mountains of Kenya documenting the chameleon species there. But today will be strictly Jackson’s Chameleons. I wanted to know what the environmental conditions were like if one was to stand in their natural habitat.
The Jackson's Chameleon Pregnancy
October 15, 2021 18:15 - 22 minutes - 31.3 MBToday I talk about the pregnancy period of the Jackson’s Chameleon to help you understand the steps before the babies are born. The live bearing nature of Jackson's Chameleons can be a mystery, but there are things that we can notice. In this episode I talk about the different stages of pregnancy in the Jackson's Chameleon.
Chameleons on Social Media with Neptune the Chameleon
October 01, 2021 05:28 - 42 minutes - 57.8 MBToday I talk with the creative force behind the Neptune the Chameleon show on YouTube and Tik Tok. We talk about what it takes to put on show in good chameleon husbandry and what insights she has to the state of chameleon education on the frontier edge of social media platforms.
Using Wild Conditions in Chameleon Husbandry
September 17, 2021 03:17 - 23 minutes - 32 MBThose of us dedicated to the art of chameleon husbandry have recreating the ideal conditions as our primary goal. Determining ideal conditions starts with understanding the wild conditions our chameleon species developed within. But then it must be translated into an execution in our captive environment. Today I talk about how we extract ideal conditions from wild environmental data and what the limitations of doing that are.
Discussion on Chameleon Behavior
September 03, 2021 04:25 - 25 minutes - 35.4 MBChameleon behavior is a window into what is going on in their lives. It is one of the ways they communicate with us if we have learned the language to hear what they are saying. Today I go over the basics of what behaviors mean. We will talk about the difference between a behavior that is showing an emotional issue and a behavior that is showing a medical condition.
Chameleon Behavior as an Early Warning
August 20, 2021 18:37 - 24 minutes - 34.3 MBChameleons have cryptic ways about them. And being mysterious is how they survive. But being cryptic and mysterious also hides illness and that is what we chameleon keepers want to know about right away! Today I talk about the subtle first behavioral warning signs of illness in chameleons.
Chameleon Caging Decisions pt 2- Glass Cages
July 30, 2021 01:01 - 44 minutes - 61.6 MBGood morning Chameleon Wranglers! Today we are continuing our conversation about chameleon cage type. Today we talk with Dr. Chris Anderson who shares his experiences in a wide range of conditions and why selecting glass sides enclosures was right for him.
Chameleon Caging Decisions pt 1- Hybrid
July 16, 2021 04:17 - 30 minutes - 41.9 MBDeciding on a cage type for your chameleon can be confusing. You hear that chameleons have to be in screen cages but you have all these advanced users using hybrid or even glass cages. Today I am talking with Jonathan Hill of iPardalis about why he chose to use hybrid caging for his breeding program.
Four Pillars for a Strong Reptile Community
July 02, 2021 02:18 - 33 minutes - 46.4 MBThe reptile community needs to be strong. And to accomplish that we need to be strong in our smaller communities. Whether chameleon, bearded dragon, green tree python, tarantula, or dart frog or all the others we need to maintain a strong specialized community while, at the same time, realizing we are part of a larger national and still larger global community. Today I am going to talk about what it takes for us to make our specialized communities strong.
Giving Chameleons Natural Sunlight
June 18, 2021 04:54 - 28 minutes - 39 MBSummer is approaching and it is time to take advantage of natural sunlight for your chameleons. Today we will talk about take your chameleon outside safely.
Chameleon Caresheet Confusion
June 04, 2021 00:56 - 29 minutes - 40.8 MBWhat do you do when the chameleon experts contradict each other? You just want to set up your chameleon right the first time. Why can't anyone agree on how to do it? In this episode I talk about how to reconcile different experts saying different things.
Chameleon Cage Shopping List
May 15, 2021 02:42 - 39 minutes - 53.8 MBGetting your chameleon cage set-up right from the beginning is critical for your success. It starts with getting the right cage, lighting, and hydration equipment. Today I will lay out the shopping list to prepare for a Chameleon.
Panther Chameleon Care Summary
May 07, 2021 04:59 - 41 minutes - 56.8 MBThis is your audio care guide for Panther Chameleons. Today we will review the entire care summary to get you started on the right foot.
Creating a Chameleon Egg Laying Bin
April 30, 2021 22:49 - 29 minutes - 40.5 MBI take you along with me as I create an egg laying bin for a rare species of chameleon, Trioceros cristatus. By providing multiple egg laying topographies we can allow her to choose what feels best to her chameleon mind.
Choosing Your Panther Chameleon
April 23, 2021 01:30 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MBOne of the more exciting times in your chameleon keeping life is when you have decided on a Panther Chameleon and now have to choose what locale and which breeder. Today, I talk about the choices and issues you will run into when selecting a Panther Chameleon!
Getting a Veiled Chameleon
April 09, 2021 03:30 - 19 minutes - 26.5 MBThe most common chameleon to be kept is probably the veiled chameleon. But it is one of the most impressive of chameleons. Today I talk about what you should consider when considering a Veiled Chameleon. Considering how wide spread veiled chameleons are one might think there isn’t much to think about when getting one. And, that is why so many people have trouble with Veiled Chameleons! So, this episode is going to parse apart the situation. I would love for people to be able to start off rig...
Getting a Jackson's Chameleon
April 02, 2021 01:11 - 22 minutes - 31.3 MBThere are special considerations when buying each species of chameleon. But the Jackson’s Chameleon has more pitfalls than most. Today we will go into what to consider when buying a Jackson’s Chameleon and how to avoid making a mistake that could bring an unwelcome surprise or even heartbreak.
Five Most Asked Chameleon Questions
March 02, 2021 21:06 - 29 minutes - 40.6 MBIn this first episode of season six I answer the five questions most often asked by people interested in becoming chameleon keepers. It is important to understand what a chameleon is like before getting one to ensure that you are the right fit for one. If you are excited to allow your chameleon to be what a chameleon is then this can be the start of a long, enriching experience. So, I explain what a chameleon is to allow you to make an informed decision!
Wrapping up the 2020 Chameleon Year
December 11, 2020 04:16 - 20 minutes - 28.1 MBWe have come to the close of Season five of the Chameleon Academy podcast. In this final episode of the season I am going to review 2020 through the eyes of a chameleon keeper.
Transitioning from the Chameleon Kit
November 27, 2020 14:05 - 29 minutes - 40.4 MBThe ZooMed Chameleon Kit is one of the most common starting points for chameleon keepers. But one soon learns that it must be upgraded. Unfortunately, this isn’t always expected by the new keeper. And it must often be done with an urgency that requires guidance. In today’s episode I review the transition from the Chameleon Kit to the final cage set-up.
Researching Chameleon Species
November 22, 2020 01:39 - 23 minutes - 31.7 MBWhen you step into the chameleon world you find yourself in an immense undiscovered country. You never realized how many species of chameleons there are! So how do you go about learning the species just listed for sale? Today, I take you along with me as I gather information on a rarely available Captive Hatched chameleon species.
Keeping Chameleons in Hybrid Cages
November 14, 2020 21:40 - 24 minutes - 33.9 MBWe hear about screen cages and we hear about glass cages. But what are these hybrid cages? Today I introduce you to the benefits of keeping chameleons in hybrid cages, how to use them, and even how to make your own.
Crested Geckos with TikisGeckos
November 06, 2020 21:45 - 38 minutes - 53.1 MBCrested geckos are common place pet lizards that are available from private breeders all the way to big box pet stores. They are hardy and so are quite popular. If you work during the day and come home right before your chameleon starts to turn in for the night you might find some enjoyment in this nocturnal gecko who is just getting started when the sun goes down! Today I am joined by David and Manny from TikisGeckos who got their start breeding crested geckos and now run one of the promine...
Plant Care Basics with Bonnie Person
October 31, 2020 01:47 - 39 minutes - 54 MBOne of the most important parts of creating a suitable living environment for our chameleons is the plant life we place in their home. Today I am joined by Bonnie Person of Verdant Vivariums and she will be giving us the basics of how to keep plants happy.
Temporal Gland Infections with Dr. Tom Greek
October 23, 2020 01:09 - 30 minutes - 41.8 MBTemporal Gland Infections are a bane of the keeper of the Jackson’s Chameleon. The Jackson’s is the most common of the chameleons with a temporal gland and infections tend to set in. What is this gland and how do we treat it? Today I am joined by Dr. Tom Greek and we discuss this medical issue.
Chameleon Photography with Briana O'Brien
October 15, 2020 21:38 - 57 minutes - 79.1 MBAnyone who has tried to take a picture of a chameleon has found out that it isn’t that easy. They actively plot against you and your Instagram aspirations. So, in an effort to figure out how I can take better pictures of my chameleons I searched out the person who is not only the most prolific chameleon photographer of our time, but her work looks great. Perhaps some of that could rub off on me with just a podcast interview and ten short years of dedicated practice. Of course, I speak of Bri...
The Early Chameleon Community with Jeff Hattem
October 08, 2020 19:23 - 27 minutes - 38 MBToday I have the honor of sharing with you a part of our early chameleon community. A multigenerational breeding project in the US which started in 1967. It was modelled off of a German project that took Jackson’s Chameleons to the F3 generation and a Southern California reptile club decided to replicate the experiment. I will be bringing on Jeff Hattem who, as a young man, was part of this project. Please join me in a view into our past.
Green Tree Python Husbandry Pt 2 with Patrick Holmes
October 02, 2020 17:07 - 1 hour - 94.7 MBThis week we wrap up our study on the Green Tree Python by me asking Patrick Holmes to lead us through the steps for us to get started with this beautiful snake. One of the most interesting things about this interview, from a high level, was seeing the parallels between our communities. You will hear some very familiar statements. Because they are the truth in all of our communities. I invite you to listen in and enjoy the conclusion of our study into the Green Tree Python with Patrick Holmes.
Green Tree Python Husbandry, part 1
September 25, 2020 05:01 - 1 hour - 85.5 MBGreen Tree Pythons are a quintessential arboreal serpent. With that arboreal nature comes some specific husbandry techniques. Today, Patrick Holmes returns to guide us through part one of Green Tree Python husbandry.
Green Tree Pythons with Patrick Holmes
September 19, 2020 03:06 - 1 hour - 111 MBGreen Tree Pythons fit the bill as an arboreal reptile with a dedicated community that surrounds it. This is important to us because they have studied there reptile as deeply as we have studied ours and we can both benefit from each other’s efforts. And, if there is one snake that would be a natural transition for us, Green Tree Pythons (or their boa counterpart, the Emerald Tree) would be top of the list for many of us.
Nepenthes Tropical Pitcher Plants with Jeremiah Harris
September 11, 2020 03:37 - 58 minutes - 80.9 MBThe Nepenthes Tropical Pitcher plants are one of the most striking plants we can include in our chameleon environments. Their leaves sport ornate carnivorous pitchers at the ends and they add a flash of adventure to our plantscape. With me is Jeremiah Harris to share his expertise in this exciting genus.
Nighttime Temperature Drops with Petr Necas
September 03, 2020 23:25 - 46 minutes - 63.7 MBNighttime temperature drops are an important part of chameleon husbandry. Today, I talk with Petr Necas about understanding why they are important and what they mean for us providing the best captive care possible.
Chameleon Health Points
August 28, 2020 06:24 - 23 minutes - 31.7 MBChameleon husbandry is made up of many aspects including environmental conditions, nutrition, and emotional security. Everything we do that gets our husbandry closer to the optimal conditions strengthens our chameleon. Everything we do that is off weakens our chameleon. Today I talk about the cumulative effects of stress and how we should look at each one of these husbandry parameters.
Trioceros ellioti with Michael Nash
August 21, 2020 05:25 - 51 minutes - 71.3 MBTrioceros ellioti is a small chameleon from Eastern Africa. It is a charming species where the males and females are equally desirable as far as color and shape. It is a livebearing species with the typical care requirements of montane chameleons. Ease of husbandry and hardiness of this species make it a prime candidate for establishing in captivity.
Abronia Alligator Lizards with Jason Wagner
August 13, 2020 22:52 - 1 hour - 98.1 MBOften known as Mexican Alligator lizards, the members of the genus Abronia are a beautiful and charming lizard. They are arboreal with prehensile tails and giving live birth. Jason Wagner is hobbyist and conservationist that specializes in the Abronia alligator lizard. Jason joins me today to tell us about these amazing creatures.
Tyrone Ping and South African Herp Photography
August 07, 2020 06:01 - 48 minutes - 67.1 MBToday I am joined by Tyrone Ping who is a herpetological photographer from South Africa who achieved his six year goal of photographing all the chameleon species of his home country. Tyrone comes on and shares with us a little bit about what life is like in South Africa and introduces us to his country’s chameleons and the adventures he has had recording them.
Allen Repashy and Reptile Supplementation
July 31, 2020 04:09 - 1 hour - 106 MBSupplementation powders are a cornerstone of our captive reptile nutrition. One of the most prominent supplements in our community has been the Repashy Superfoods line. In today’s episode, Allen Repashy, the founder and formulator, comes on and shares with us what got him started in reptiles and how that led to creating a diverse line of nearly 50 specialty supplements and diets.
Intro to the Chameleon Community
July 25, 2020 02:19 - 36 minutes - 49.5 MBStarting off with chameleons can be an intimidating time. Coming into the chameleon community you are bombarded with UVB, D3, gradients, and a wide range of passionate, yet contradicting opinions. Today I am going to review the basics to get you off on the right foot.
The Waxy Monkey Tree Frog with Philippe de Vosjoli
July 17, 2020 15:26 - 56 minutes - 78.2 MBToday we take a close look at the Waxy Monkey Tree Frog. No, it is not a chameleon, but you will be much more successful with this species if you use chameleon husbandry rather than standard frog husbandry. And to introduce us to this unique frog is none other than Philippe de Vosjoli.
Transporting Chameleons
July 11, 2020 01:47 - 20 minutes - 28.1 MBWe all know, more or less, that Chameleons are suppose to stay in their cage. But what happens when you have to transport them? Whether just to the vet or to a new home across the state, or to a foreign country, or as a surprise escape in a natural disaster, you will have to plan for how this is going to work! Today I talk about transporting our chameleons.
Breaking The Chameleon Rules
July 04, 2020 04:37 - 31 minutes - 43.9 MBLast week I talked about caresheets - how they were made and how we should use them. These provide guidelines for the husbandry. But then you see people breaking the rules. People you considered experts are doing it differently and then someone from left field is doing exactly what was said not to do and gloating about it. So, who do you listen to? Today, I talk about breaking the rules.
Understanding Chameleon Caresheets
June 27, 2020 00:58 - 31 minutes - 43.4 MBWhen we start with a new reptile the first thing we do is search for a care sheet. These are summaries that give us the basics of what that animal needs to thrive. But it can be confusing when you get two or three caresheets and they contradict each other. In today’s episode I talk about how caresheets are constructed and how to navigate the information they provide.
Satanic Leaf-tailed Geckos with Lawrence Erickson
June 12, 2020 05:43 - 1 hour - 94 MBOne of the most cryptic and incredible reptiles is the Uroplatus phantasticus also known as the satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko. Quite the dramatic name for such a cute finger perching gecko! Today I talk to Lawrence Erickson who has bred phantasticus for many years.
Planning a Trip to Kenya with Jan Stipala
June 05, 2020 05:33 - 37 minutes - 50.9 MBOne of the most exciting things a chameleon enthusiast can do is visit chameleons in their home country. And today I am going to talk with Jan Stipala about some nuts and bolts of planning a trip to Kenya.
Branching Your Chameleon Cage with Alec O'Brien
May 29, 2020 15:34 - 38 minutes - 52.4 MBChameleons perch on branches. They spend their lives on branches. So it is actually pretty important for us to give them the right branches. Today I go over branch functions, how to select the right branch for the right purpose, what woods to use and how to mount them in the chameleon cage. Alec O'Brien then joins me and discusses how he sterilizes his branches.