Basic Chameleon Questions (I'm a beginner)

[neonsammy]

I've just joined today since this looks like a very helpful site since I have read quite a lot in my long research. I am a beginner in this reptile deal and I know chameleons are not the first choice of a beginner but I think I am responsible enough to own one and care properly. I have an exotic vet not too far from where I live I just have to make sure they've worked with chams before. But basically my first post will involve some questions I feel only people with experience would know.

Is veiled a best choice for a beginner? I've done research for a year now, I just got into them last year but I finally decided that I want my dream to come true.

Would a male be the best choice it sounds like? I know all Veiled Chams will be colorful, but I don't want to be naive and let a female suffer if she becomes egg bound.

Will size be too risky? And should I try a different species or a female.

These are pretty much my most concerning questions, thanks for reading. And I hope I can get help with this website!

 

[Cait0420]

I'd go with a male for a first Cham because you won't have to worry about egg bound females or a laying bin.

 

[neonsammy]

I'd go with a male for a first Cham because you won't have to worry about egg bound females or a laying bin.

Thanks I've heard a lot of people say go with the males I just wasn't sure because they can get quite large and sometimes end up being aggressive once they grow up. I want a friendly cham.

 

[Devokid]

I would get a male panther. They are usually more friendly and have some amazing colors. While there are exceptions to this, as other members will tell you, veileds are pretty grumpy.

 

[Devokid]

I am a beginner in this reptile deal and I know chameleons are not the first choice of a beginner but I think I am responsible enough to own one and care properly.

Honestly I think that this is better. If you have never owned a reptile, then you do not have any preconceptions of what it will be like caring for a chameleon. If you have owned other reptiles, like a bearded dragon, then you will have more of a tendency to falsely believe that you can just throw some food in there and they will be good.

 

[neonsammy]

Honestly I think that this is better. If you have never owned a reptile, then you do not have any preconceptions of what it will be like caring for a chameleon. If you have owned other reptiles, like a bearded dragon, then you will have more of a tendency to falsely believe that you can just throw some food in there and they will be good.

Nah, I haven't. But my brother has and I was always fascinated by his geckos and beardie. But then I fell in love with the chameleons. So yeah, I guess I wouldn't get confused. And going into panthers, I know they're a little pricier. Is their care similar?

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the forums. I keep veileds and panthers and both are friendly but my veileds show the most personality. They are kept pretty much the same. Here's my blog for new keepers.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blo...-keepers-young-veiled-panther-chameleons.html

 

[neonsammy]

Welcome to the forums. I keep veileds and panthers and both are friendly but my veileds show the most personality. They are kept pretty much the same. Here's my blog for new keepers.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blo...-keepers-young-veiled-panther-chameleons.html

Wow thanks so much! I will be sure to read that when I have the time. Yeah I've heard they can be grumpy but I've also heard some are the sweetest chameleons someone has ever owned. I guess it depends on the chameleon. Thanks for your help again.

 

[oblgobl]

Welcome to the forum!

I think it's important you go with the species you like best. Panthers and yemen chameleons are generally the best begginer chameleon, and their care is almost identical.

I think veileds are generally more grumpy than a panther chameleon but it depends alot on individual personality and how much time you spend 'taming' him. There's a really great blog written by psychobunny on how to tame your cham I'll link it in the end.

A females care is a bit more complicated than a male so it's not recomended to get a female as a first time cham. Males tend to look more impressive aswel especially in a panther chameleons case not that females are ugly by any means.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/psychobunny/746-taming-chameleon.html

 

[neonsammy]

Welcome to the forum!

I think it's important you go with the species you like best. Panthers and yemen chameleons are generally the best begginer chameleon, and their care is almost identical.

I think veileds are generally more grumpy than a panther chameleon but it depends alot on individual personality and how much time you spend 'taming' him. There's a really great blog written by psychobunny on how to tame your cham I'll link it in the end.

A females care is a bit more complicated than a male so it's not recomended to get a female as a first time cham. Males tend to look more impressive aswel especially in a panther chameleons case not that females are ugly by any means.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/psychobunny/746-taming-chameleon.html

Thanks! Yeah I first got into chameleons after seeing some beautiful male veiled so that's what I've don't research on. The only panthers I've seen were grumpy so that may be blinding me. Plus they're more I think in money. I do have a newish interest in Jackson's but I heard their care is even more in involved. I don't want to drop everything just for a new interest that I'm naive to. I think I'm going for the veiled and I'm going to work my
Best to get the little guy to be happy and nice. Jackson will be a good 2nd chameleon unless I wanted to try a female veiled. Thanks for your help I will be sure to check out that link.

 

[exasperatus2002]

Is there a beginner chameleon that isn't cost preventative ? I love panthers but they're ridiculously priced. $200 or more for a newbie is a lot to loose if we get it wrong or get from a bad source. Does anyone sell baby panthers like they do veiled's so the price is lower?

 

[jannb]

Is there a beginner chameleon that isn't cost preventative ? I love panthers but they're ridiculously priced. $200 or more for a newbie is a lot to loose if we get it wrong or get from a bad source. Does anyone sell baby panthers like they do veiled's so the price is lower?

If you do your research, prepare, buy from a reputable small breeder and take the proper care of your chameleon then you shouldn't have a problem. If you are not willing to completely commit then a chameleon is probably not for you.

 

[BKFritz]

My only word of advise is to start buying your setup several months in advance, unless finances aren't a real concern. The chameleon will be the least expensive part of it all. Assuming you go with a veiled, and you don't figure in future vet costs. An empty premade enclosure can cost $50-150 depending in size and if you get a small, you will eventually have to upgrade to a larger size.

I think most everybody would recommend a high quality misting system like aquazamp or mistking. Those will run anywhere from $100-200. Lighting could cost upwards of $100 if you want a plant light or higher quality bulbs and you will want a few good live plants. So about another $50ish dollars. Add supplements and a feeder setup (gutload, bin, etc) $15-25. It adds up quick.

I'm sure you realize all this (you seem like a smart cookie ), but I didn't realize how costly start up was when I got my first baby. I probably spent right around $400 start to finish, not including the cost of Daryl. I would just make sure you have everything bought and setup before you order your guy and have your feeders arrive a few days before he does so they can get good and gut loaded!

Good luck in your journey and I hope you stick around the forums and let us watch your kiddo grow! You seem to have a pretty level head about what it takes to be a responsible Cham parent!