Are chams hard to take care of

[meow_mix450]

Hi i was just wondering if chams are hard to take care of i heard they are but i think you pplz would kno better so if anyone knos and is taking care of one rite now can you tell me if it is hard to take care of and wut do they eat? im just intrested

[Zoe]

It isn't hard if you do the research, ask the questions, and follow the (correct) advice given to you.
But if you just buy any chameleon and hope you get it right, you will end up with a dead or sick chameleon.

BASIC requirements are:
UV full spectrum lighting.
Heat (not close enough to burn the chameleon)
Humidity (spray for 10 minutes twice a day [varies slightly by species])
Plants (live pothos or plastic vines) and branches
Food (silkworms and crickets)
Dusting (Calcium 4 times a week, vitamins once per week)
Cage with at least 2 mesh sides and mesh top for good airflow, and big enough
Water dripper (most chameleons won't drink standing water).

Now, all of this could have been found in any caresheet. If you don't even know what they eat, I don't suggest you get into chameleons right away. Start with something simpler and work your way to chameleons.

Zoe

[meow_mix450]

oo ok do u kno any good sites on chameleons???

[Zoe]

Well that depends on the species you'd like to work with. Either way, I suggest you get a male. They are bigger, more colourful, usually more docile (not always true!), and you don't have to worry about egg-bound females.

The two most common species are Panthers (130-200$) and Veileds (35$-100$). You also find, on occaision, Jacksons, Werners, Fischers, etc. But lets stick with Panthers and Veileds for now.

This is a male panther (smaller, tamer, more colourful but small colour palette):
http://www.indiepool.com/privateftp/archermultimedia/zoestevens/images/cham/panther0201.jpg

And this is a male veiled (bigger, more agressive, wider colour palette and great patterns):
http://www.chameleoncondo.net/images/434_105-0543_img.jpg

Of course, some chameleons look better than these, and others look worse. You'll need to look up more pictures if you haven't already chosen.

I myself went with panther chameleons. I really like them - very cool to work with. Smaller size makes them easier to house, too. Unfortunately I was cursed with aggressive chameleons, but I don't mind ;)

If you live near me in Toronto you're welcome to come take a look. Or if you're going to the show there'll likely be lots for sale (however I don't suggest you buy this soon - you don't have a cage set up and haven't done enough research).

But tell me which you like best and then we can start on looking for caresheets and going over specific aspects of care.

Zoe

[Charm_Paradise]

meow_mix450 -

My website has lots of great info on chameleons, care, setup, and so on, with links to other great chameleon only sites with correct up to date info! You can't go wrong. Click the link to your left. Hope this helps!

[meow_mix450]

Ur site is great i learned a lot from it thanks

[CDN-Cresties]

I agree, your website is fantastic, i like the pics!!! Very colourful