Veiled Chameleon

[Rebecca]

Ok I know that they have to have a UVB/UVA lamp, A drip system, and a large cage. I know there's more, but is there any tips people can give me?? I plan on getting on next week or sooner. Also how are they for being held??

[reptilez]

There not as good as leopard geckos or beaded dragons for example.....but they can be held, it just stresses them out easier.
-Reptilez

[Trace]

Well... I guess I should congratulate you first on getting a new pet. Welcome to the chameleon addiction! LOL

Wow... umm... what tips can I give you? I have about a bazillion! I could write pages and pages of chameleon information for you, perhaps be a bit more specific with your questions and I'll be glad to help you out.

Otherwise, get a male. They tend to be larger and more colourful, and don't have the breeding issues that females do. Both sexes though are terribly grumpy in this species and for the most part DO NOT want to be held. They are considered a display animal. If you are looking for a lizard that you can hold everyday, a chameleon is not the best choice.

Check these sites out for general husbandry tips and tricks:
www.chameleonjournals.com
http://www.adcham.com/html/taxonomy/...lyptratus.html

Good luck!

Trace

Plus, Chameleons can drop dead if you scare them too bad because of the stress! lol, I don't know how true that is but they do get stressed very easily! The only way mine would let me hold it is if I left his cage door open and he would crawl out and then unto me. Other than that, I had no chance of him letting me hold him. He would bite and hiss like crazy!

[Trace]

Plus, Chameleons can drop dead if you scare them too bad

Ok, that's not true! I have yet to see a chameleon fall over dead because I've scared them. Sorry Jeff, I'm not trying to pick on you, I just want to correct that old wives tale!

This is where you have to know your animal well. Some of my chams love to be handled, in fact they scratch at the cage door to be let out. Some even follow me around the house, they like the attention so much. Others in my collection are more shy and would rather be left alone. Let your chameleon decide if he wants to be held.

Cheers!

Trace

Originally posted by Trace
Ok, that's not true! I have yet to see a chameleon fall over dead because I've scared them. Sorry Jeff, I'm not trying to pick on you, I just want to correct that old wives tale!

Of course I know it's not true, I even said so on the second line! lol