Myth 138: “The Best Way to Transport a Chameleon is in a Cotton Bag”
Fatal Misconception
Decades of warnings have been ignored. Cotton bags remain in use for chameleon transport, a practice that causes lip trauma, limb constriction, dehydration, and suffocation. What is framed as convenience is in fact a death sentence.
Documented Harm
Entanglement: Fibers cut into limbs, leading to constriction, necrosis, and fatal infection.
Lip Damage: Struggling against confinement tears delicate mouth tissue. Wounds quickly become infected, progressing to mouth rot.
Desiccation: Cotton absorbs moisture, draining the body and accelerating dehydration.
Hypoxia: Vomit, urine, or feces saturate the cotton, blocking airflow and suffocating the animal.
How to Transport Chameleons Safely
Transport is stressful, but stress can be minimized and survival ensured with correct preparation and method. Chameleons are not fragile ornaments — they can withstand long journeys if handled properly.
Preparation
Do not feed for 3 days before transport.
Do not give water for 24 hours before transport.
Switch off lights and basking lamps 3 days before transport.
Cool the animal to normal sleeping temperatures or slightly lower.
Place into the transport box at night while sleeping.
Never transport sick, gravid or egg‑laying individuals unless unavoidable.
Transport Box
Use a rigid plastic box, dark or opaque, not paper or cotton.
Size: just enough space, 1–2 inches clearance around body.
Add a fixed diagonal stick for secure grip.
Drill 8–10 small ventilation holes (3 mm), edges smoothed.
Darkness inside induces sleep and reduces stress.
Conditions During Transport
Keep cool rather than warm; cold slows metabolism and prevents injuries.
Do not feed or water during transport. Slight dehydration is safer than overhydration.
Never expose to direct sun or frost.
Do not open the box or disturb the animal — let it sleep.
After Transport
Inspect for injuries and dehydration.
Rehydrate slowly, never with plain hypotonic water.
Mist the enclosure heavily.
Allow adaptation before feeding; most will refuse food for several days.
Disclaimer
Not all chameleons get injured by transport in cotton bags obviously.
But many suffer and die as a direct yet postponed result of this bad practice.
The fact that many even reputable breeders practice this is not a proof of safety.
Nothing justifies the risk of this kind of transport if there is a cheap, simple, widely available and safe alternative.
Never transport chameleons in cotton bags.
Correct protocol: plastic box, ventilation holes, diagonal perch, darkness, cooling, no food or water.
Legacy Statement
This myth is a smothering tradition that must be immediately abandoned. Those who continue it bear direct responsibility for needless suffering and preventable deaths.