Chameleon Help

So...Karl plans to get a chameleon in Daytona this year, and I want to research, research, research before we bring it home. Shaun (PrototypePythons) just kindly gave us a wonderful screened enclosure for it!

So - I need to know, what is the hardiest, or easiest of the chameleons to care for? One that is most forgiving to any husbandry errors we might inadvertantly make as we're learning?

Once I have your suggestions, then I plan to do a lot of research on them!

I had a female veiled Chameleon. She was great. Just make sure you give it enough calcium (dust the crickets) or it get MBD....

Veiled's and Panthers are both pretty hardy, but in totally different ballparks from a price standpoint. $15-$70 for a Veiled and $300-$500 for a Panther. The price is justified imo for the panthers...just look at this male Diego Suarez I hatched out a few years back.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y10..._MG_3648-1.jpg

Make sure you have a UVB light or a good supplement that provides D3. Also if weather permitting take them outside for some real sun, I have a male panther outside right now as I type this...he loves it and just got done eating a bunch of crickets I feed him. :)

Wow! That Panther is smoking! How hot is too hot outside? And I would you keep them in the shade or partial sun when they're outside? We have a porch that we could take it outside on nice days (and back inside after the outdoor enjoyment)!

Pygmy chameleons are about the hardiest chameleon you can get. They are much smaller than other chameleons though (only getting about 3 inches long) and do not like high temps. I almost got some last year in Daytona! Here is a good caresheet: http://www.crestedlady.com/pygmycaresheet.htm.

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Originally Posted by rabernet

Wow! That Panther is smoking! How hot is too hot outside? And I would you keep them in the shade or partial sun when they're outside? We have a porch that we could take it outside on nice days (and back inside after the outdoor enjoyment)!

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I make sure they have their choice of full sun or full shade by placing them in the sun but place a large plant (almost 3/4 the entire enclosure) inside the enclosure to provide shade and I always have water available.

Here a couple good care sheets.
http://www.bluebeastreptile.com/panthercaresheet.htm

http://www.screameleons.com/portal/a...opDefault.aspx

http://chameleonsonly.com/Chameleon%20Care.htm

http://www.flchams.com/general_chameleon_care.asp

I have kept Veiled, Jackson (xanth) and Carpet (lat lat) chameleons all with no problems. Although different species may vary in "parameters" for husbandry, if you follow accordingly you should not have a problem. I would definitely go with a less costly cham (Veiled) for your first one.
Pygmy chameleons are also very hardy but require a total different set-up than most other chameleons. If you plan on expanding your collection down the road you may want to stick with the Veiled first.

A couple of good forums that will answer all your questions are:
chameleonforums.com
keepingchameleons.com/forums

Just off the top of my head, most species of chameleons need:
All screen cage
Frequent mistings every day (They do not drink standing water so misting (and drippers) will provide the mositure for them to lick off the leaves plus help with keeping the humidity up in the cage.
Only eat live food
Need UV lighting and a basking light
Calcium supplementation (careful with the D3 and you can also over supplement)
** In general are not the type of pet to hold and handle daily

Hope this helps

Panthercz: Gorgeous picture!!! What a cham . . .

Jim

Jim

Thanks Jim! Karl isn't one for handling, so that won't be an issue - he likes to watch them instead. He has leos, and I have to take them out for him - but he loves watching his ladies! LOL

Hi Robin,

I forgot these (of course this is my opinion . . .):

Avoid the pet store chains if you can. Mike at Flchams.com has very healthy animals and it is worth the $50 shipping! (** There are others of course but the point is to use an established breeder)

If you are looking for a young one, try to get a cham that is at least 4-5 months old. They are more established by this age and well on their way to a healthy happy life . . .

And finally . . . read read read, and when you feel ready . . . read some more! :rolleye2:

Jim

Thanks Jim for the advice, I am a big advocate of researching before you buy, which is why I was asking now! :)

We'll likey pick one up in Daytona - and will be sure to ask about the age first!