Chameleon Academy Podcast

Parson's Chameleons aren't hard to keep alive — but getting them through a full life cycle, from wild-caught acclimation to successful breeding, is another matter. In this episode, Craig Durbin of Primo Chameleons joins the show to share what fifteen-plus years and over 20 clutches have taught him. We cover: How Craig got started with Parson's in 2010, and what he had to figure out the hard way Why Parson's require a completely different approach than panther chameleons Madagascar's reversed seasons and how they affect import timing Acclimating wild-caught animals — hydration, patience, and reading a chameleon that's shut down Brumation: what it is, what triggers it, how it varies by species, and why Craig believes it extends lifespan The enduring mystery of where chameleons actually go during their winter dormancy Parasites, nighttime cooling, growth rates, and pairing behavior The two-year incubation cycle that still doesn't fully make sense — even to breeders who've hatched dozens of clutches Color variation across locality forms, and the realities of the Parson's market

Have you ever thought about keeping a Parson's Chameleon? As exciting as the thought of that is, you are right to think twice. Today I am going to walk you through an introduction that will give you the information you need to make an informed decision about whether to pursue a Parson's Chameleon

Ideal chameleon husbandry is a direction, not a destination. Just because our chameleon is alive, doesn't mean we can stop growing in how to improve our husbandry. In this first episode of season 11, Bill Strand lays out the concept of the tolerance zone and how understanding it can make us better keepers of chameleons.

What actually matters when you're starting with chameleons? Not the nice-to-know stuff, but the fundamentals that determine whether you succeed or struggle. In this episode, I walk you through the six core priorities that will carry you through your first year, from setting up your cage before your chameleon arrives to finding an exotic vet NOW (not during an emergency). I'll also cover the most common beginning mistakes—the ones that cost you money, stress, and sometimes your chameleon's health. Things like bringing your chameleon home before the cage is ready, cutting corners on equipment to save money upfront, or adding too many chameleons too fast because the collector bug bites hard. This is Part 2 of our Stage 1 exploration. Whether you're brand new or mentoring beginners, this episode gives you the practical framework for navigating the learning stage successfully. Learn. Understand. Pass It On.

Starting with chameleons has never been more overwhelming. You're drowning in contradictory advice from social media, TikTok, and now AI—all delivered with equal confidence. How do you know who to trust when the beginner sounds more authoritative than the expert? In this episode, Bill explores why the beginner experience feels so chaotic in 2025, introduces the "information firehose problem," and gives you explicit permission to NOT understand everything right away. This is Part 1 of a two-part series on the start of the Chameleon Keeper's Journey. If you're feeling lost, confused, or like you're doing something wrong—this episode is for you.