What kind?

[Lisa]

Katey and I have been discussing the idea of getting a Chameleon, and I'd like to know the differences in keeping the different kinds. we have a hexagonal 55G tank, heating i'm guessing would be from overhead lights, and UV from UV florecents.... Where is the best place to keep a cham? we have a room dedicated to our snakes right now, would it bother a cham to be able to see/smell snakes?

[Greg West]

You are going to want to use a wire mesh. They are more prone to respiratory infections due to stale air.. I have seen chams in glass cages that are fine, but they were fairly large. 2' X 5' X 3'

Greg

[Zoe]

Yes I suggest you use a mesh cage as well - glass tanks just don't provide the humidity that chameleons need.
Veileds and Panthers are the types most commonly seen - and what you want depends, I guess. Veileds get bigger than panthers, but panthers tend to be friendlier. I find panthers are prettier, more delicated, but don't have the "dinosaur" look that veileds have. Veileds are way less expensive.
Both are pretty easy to keep :]
Planning on getting one at the show?

[peter]

I think you are wrong Zoe, Glas holds humidity very well!!! Screen is needed for the circulation which chameleons need.

[Jaylyn]

Most species cannot be kept in a glass aquarium. Veileds can be kept in a screen/glass combo - with alot of attention to detail. 55 gallons is pretty small anywhich way. Your cage size is really going to depend on the species you decide on.

Beginner chams include veileds, panthers and jackson's. All have different requirements. You may want to go through the species profiles on www.adcham.com and www.chameleonjournals.com and narrow your search. :)

Most chams will stress at the sight of another reptile - and snakes are a natural predator to most. Some species will be more frightened of arboreal snakes - their defense is to drop to the ground. They are so cool - you'd want to keep them closer to you anyway. ;)

Jaylyn

[Lisa]

Well due to health concerns with the food for the chameleons we've decided not to keep a cham and have sold the 55G tank to wonderchunky as the 55G tank isn't really good for snakes. (it's tall)