opinions on chameleons?

my fiance has wanted one forever. i was just wondering what you guys think is a good kind of chameleon to start out with. we have 2 bp's but that's about the extent of our reptile experience. i know he'd like something he can handle regularly but i know i heard (for at least on species) that they don't like much handling. are there any that do?

any thoughts are appreciated!

If he wants something that he can handle, I would not suggest a Panther chameleon. They stress out very easily, and can get very sick because of this. Just based on my one chameleon, I would say that they are VERY high maintainence creatures, just because of their very specific heating/lighting/humidity/venelation requirements, and like BD's they need a lot of suppliments to their diets. Chameleons in general are also very prone to getting eye infections.
If you do find a species of chameleon that you want, make sure to find a breeder who has very few imports. When I took my chameleon to the vet for a check-up, he was telling me that the #1 cause of death in any Chameleon was internal parasites, so make sure that your cham gets a vet visit/fecal done asap!

thank you!

i have a veiled and she's been a dream to own. get a good automatic mister... a ceramic heater for the top corner... a good light with high levels of uvb (i believe double check this one as i'm in a rush and am not sure = it may be both uva and uvb)

and i feed mine silkworms daily (6-10) and crickets every couple of weeks.

she's healthy, happy and will climb on my hand to be fed!

good to know! thanks aleesha!

welcome! :D

I really want a chameleon but the ambient temps in this old house get too low in winter - they need a solid 80 or so, draughts will kill them apparently so it is something that will have to wait for the future (and central heating!).
Good luck!

Aleesha-

Could you post a pic or two of your chameleon? I've always liked them, but like python princess I only have my bit of BP experience, and no other herp experience! If I got anything else I'd be like her fiance and want to play with it all the time. :)

sure i'll take some of her when i get the chance :)

I was at the pet store and was playing "peak a boo" with one last weekend.

I hid my face and he would pop his head up and when I showed him my face he would hide behind the tree. I was going up and down like ten times.
Then the store guy came over and asked if I needed help... lol

I could have done that all day. I want one now! lol
Maybe in the future...