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