Advanced Parson's Chameleon Husbandry with Craig Durbin

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