Need advice on chameleons

[Blu Mongoose]

We have experience with most types of herps. But are considering getting either a Panther or veiled cham. I know they are one of the harder herps to keep, so I am wondering which is the hardiest of the 2 ? I got a couple books on them, but it doesn't say one way or the other. Also, if they stress easily how safe is it to buy one at a show. Transporting animals even stresses me. I tend to worry too much. What is the best way to transport them?? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[daniel1983]

If you are looking to get a 'starter' chameleon, I would suggest a subadult male veiled. From the experience I have with veileds and panthers, veileds seem to be a bit more forgiving.

As long as it is an healthy animal, getting from a show should not be an issue. However, I would not put it past some of the sketchy vendors to sell stuff that has not been kept properly(which could lead to issues to you). So if you know somebody honest that cares for their animals I would not hesitate buying from them.

[Blu Mongoose]

That's a problem. I don't know anyone that I trust who even has chams. Kelly was wanting a veiled though. So that will make her happy.

[Purrrfect9]

I've heard that veiled's are easier to keep than the panthers, but my first (and only so far) chameleon was a panther. I bought him from www.screameleons.com, and the only problems that I have had with him was an eye infection, which after a vet visit cleared right up. He's been an absolute dream to keep, even if he can be quite moody *hehe*. I waited until he was over a year to start 'handling' him, which I only do once a month when I completely take apart his cage and do the major bleaching/cleaning. After keeping him for a year and a half, I'm still amazed by him no matter if it's watching him hunt, drink, or even just him roaming around his tank. Not to mention Panthers have an unbelieveable coloring, and a large variety of coloring.

[raptorslovepuns]

I've really wanted to keep one as well, but they seem so exacting. I figured I could provide them with the humidity they needed, I knew I could provide them with the heat and caging, but then I found out about the sheer AMOUNT of food they can put away!

Seriously! 8-10 crickets a day as a juvie! 6-7 every other day as an adult! And that's not even getting into stuff like silkworms, hornworms and phoenix worms.

[chris B]

I've really wanted to keep one as well, but they seem so exacting. I figured I could provide them with the humidity they needed, I knew I could provide them with the heat and caging, but then I found out about the sheer AMOUNT of food they can put away!

Seriously! 8-10 crickets a day as a juvie! 6-7 every other day as an adult! And that's not even getting into stuff like silkworms, hornworms and phoenix worms.

Think thats alot, try seeing a baby bearded dragon eat

[raptorslovepuns]

Think thats alot, try seeing a baby bearded dragon eat

Yeaaaah seriously. Beginner lizard my tuckus. How in the world do you even GET that many crickets? And maintain them long enough to feed the critters?

[chris B]

It's all about ordering in bulk, 1,000 crickets a week at 20 bucks adds up quickly. My dragon eats around 120 crickets a day on average, and that's taking the advice of as much as they can eat in 10 minutes rule 2x a day lol.

So did you end up getting either of the above Blu Mongoose?