Best first chameleon?

Will0W783 · 05-26-09, 07:53 AM

I am looking into getting a chameleon, or possibly a pair. I have never had one before, but I really like them. I saw several gorgeous turquoise veileds, and Jackson's chameleons, but I was wondering if those who have experience with them could recommend a good first chameleon. I am doing research on them and intend to read up a lot on whichever type I settle on before getting it.

siz · 05-26-09, 08:52 AM

Definatley veiled. They are the least challenging to care for, Jacksons for example are a montane species and require low temps etc. Many chams are very fragile and sensitive while veileds are relatively hardy. I love love love my veiled, he is for sure one of my favourite herps I own. He has attitude but I like that. Some veileds are friendly but many males do have some 'tudes

. Females are generally more placid. If you get a pair do not house them together. If you get a females MAKE SURE you have a laybox in there because they will become gravid and they will need to lay and can easily become eggbound.
Probably the most important part of keeping chameleons is watering. Many chameleon keepers I know do not measure specific humidity but spray for a good 5 mins or so 3-5 times a day depending on where you live and how much it is need. Keep in mind you dont want a wet cage. Chams don't drink still water so you need to get a dripper or a mist system. You can buy drippers or you can make a crude one by poking a couple holes in the bottom of a deli cup.
The diet is also very important. Variety is key; crickets, hornworms, roaches, silkworms are some of the best things for them. Waxworms are very fatty but high in calcium, superworms and mealworms are a little harder to digest so not as good. Gutload! Supplementation is important!! PURE calcium (no d3) almost every day - leave a day or two out with no dusting. Calcium with D3 twice a month. Multivitamin twice a month. Chams can easily overdose on D3.
You'll need to get a screen or mostly screen cage. Get a tube UV, Reptisun 5.0. The compact UV lights can cause blindness in chams.
The basking spot should be about 95f max for an adult. Temps are much lower for juvis 3 months and younger. Temps can range from 70f to very high 80s in the day. Night temps can drop to 60, 65f.

I love chams!

This is a highly recommended website on keeping veileds:
Successful Keeping of Veiled Chameleons: The Veiled Chameleon: Introduction and Guide to This Site
it covers pretty much everything
If you'd like a link to an awesome chameleon forum PM me.

Will0W783 · 05-26-09, 12:15 PM

Thank you so much Siz. I do love the colors on the turquoise veileds, and they don't seem to be too expensive. I will show your post to my fiance tonight and we'll continue to research and think about it. I am going to the Hamburg, PA reptile show June 13, so maybe there will be some there.

dank7oo · 05-28-09, 05:50 PM

If you had truely done research before on chams you would know its a veiled.

Will0W783 · 05-28-09, 06:41 PM

Thank you. My fiance seems to want a pair of Jackson's chameleons though- we will see.

siz · 05-29-09, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dank7oo

If you had truely done research before on chams you would know its a veiled.

She was asking what a good first cham would be.

Will0W783 · 05-29-09, 07:38 AM

I figured that, even though everything I read said veiled chams are quite hardy, I would ask people who have kept them here on the forum for opinions. Believe it or not, dank700, I have done quite a bit of reading on them. I just wanted to ask anyway.

Kmef07 · 05-30-09, 06:59 AM

That guy sounds like he was having a bad day...

**Aaron_S** · 05-30-09, 09:45 PM

Panther chameleon. Easier than a veiled.

siz · 05-31-09, 07:41 AM

I disagree that they are easier, they need more *slightly* specialized care but I think you could still pull off a panther. Beautiful beautiful colouration!

siz · 05-31-09, 09:13 AM

Hm for some reason I can't edit my other post but here are some things to consider:
-veileds get larger than panthers
-veileds are often more aggressive (not saying that panthers wont be..chams aren't great for handling for the most part)
-panthers need lower temps and higer humidity
-panthers are generally more expensive but that is subjective
-panthers don't really eat veggies/greens and veileds do
-they are both AWESOME!

**Aaron_S** · 05-31-09, 04:02 PM

So it seems that panthers still pull ahead by that short comparison. Although I've never seen anyone feed veggies/greens to a chameleon. Doesn't mean it doesn't happen, just never have seen it or done it myself.

Will0W783 · 06-01-09, 08:54 AM

My fiance found a pair of Jackson's chameleons he really wants to get. I showed him this thread but he says he really prefers the Jackson's so we're going to get them. I really like both panthers and veileds as well. I know chameleons are not to be handled much, if at all, and I am ok with that. I have my snakes to handle. So, any tricks with Jackson's? I figure I should separate the male and female, right? I will get 16.5x16.5x36" screen reptariums for them, and rig up a water drip system for them to drink and mist several times a day. The room they will go in will be 72-80 during the day and around 68-72 at night. I have fake vines and stuff for them to climb and I will get some live plants to put at the bottom. Anything else I need?

Kmef07 · 06-01-09, 09:23 AM

I just found this website and read the whole thing. it seems pretty informative. Chameleons

Will0W783 · 06-01-09, 09:36 AM

Thanks Kyle!