Thinking About Getting a Chameleon

Hey guys! Cortland here! I've been reading some stuff about chameleons and watching videos and they are so cool! I'm definitely not the kind of person that would see an animal they like and go out and get it the next day. I just need to know the basics of owning one or maybe some links to some care sheets or something? What are some of your experiences in caring for chameleons? I probably won't be getting one until Repticon next year so I have PLENTY time to prepare! So, chameleon enthusiasts, enlighten me! :D

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Originally Posted by Cortland V.

Hey guys! Cortland here! I've been reading some stuff about chameleons and watching videos and they are so cool! I'm definitely not the kind of person that would see an animal they like and go out and get it the next day. I just need to know the basics of owning one or maybe some links to some care sheets or something? What are some of your experiences in caring for chameleons? I probably won't be getting one until Repticon next year so I have PLENTY time to prepare! So, chameleon enthusiasts, enlighten me! :D

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"Thinking About Getting a Chameleon" <<< I've been saying the same thing for the past 30 years...lol...one of these days...

A short Cameleon and BP story of me.......

I was thinking of getting one too a few years back. I was facinated by them my whole life. No one I knew had one. My moms favorite reptile also. So she would be cool with me having one, no arguments there. Soo I went to a reptile super show with a friend(who is into snakes and I never thought much of it) to scope out Cameleons and learn what I could. After I learned what a challenge they can be, male prices, and how expencive a proper set up was; I lost hope. I took interest at the ball pythons at that show and it led me to this addiction I have now. Still no Cameleons but I do love my balls and they keep me busy enough I have no interest in getting one anymore. Ill just admire others gorgeous living works of art!

My advice to you is get a set up running far far in advance. Get a good misting system and a nice screened enclosure. Live plants are nice too! They love hibiscus.

When it comes to a chameleon, get an adult or subadult. I made the mistake of getting a hatchling and everything was fine for about 2 months... Then the poor thing's health just took a nose dive. Not eating...not drinking...sunken in eyes. I took him to the emergency vet but there was nothing they could do.. He passed away there :(


I still really want to try again with a chameleon..but this time with an adult. Yes the males are expensive, as well as the setup.

These guys are very temperamental though, be warned they are sensitive to their surroundings.

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So they are less prone to handling than a Bearded?

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Originally Posted by Blitzjg

So they are less prone to handling than a Bearded?

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Yes. Id say handling stressed them out much more than it would for a beardie. There are some exceptions though.

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Originally Posted by Blitzjg

So they are less prone to handling than a Bearded?

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If you do get a chameleon be prepared for the possibility that it may be in the animal's best interest for you to never handle it. Ever.

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Originally Posted by BLM94

If you do get a chameleon be prepared for the possibility that it may be in the animal's best interest for you to never handle it. Ever.

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I think it would be okay to handle it in the way of gently letting it climb on your hand. But of course it isn't good to pick them up because of their delicate bone structure. is it?