Best beginner cham
- Thread starter calvin
- Start date
LilBlue
New Member
Hello and welcome to the forum!
There are many things to think about when acquiring a new pet. Things like how much money do you want to invest on set up/continuing care and how much time do you have for care.
Most people start with a Veiled Chameleon or a Panther Chameleon. Both have fairly easy care/cost requirements. Remember that if you choose a female that she will lay eggs whether she has bred or not(this isn't a bad thing, just requires one extra step in care). Although I would suggest you get a male as a first chameleon. If you like to handle your reptiles a lot, a cham may not be a good choice, as it's best to just not handle them, or only do so a couple times a week at most for only a few minutes. I really enjoy the simple interaction of misting a couple times a day and hand feeding.
Veileds can be a bit grumpy, but time and encouraging hand feeding can make them a bit more social. Panthers are a bit more laid back.
Here is a care sheet for Veiled Chameleons
https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/veiled/
And a care sheet for Panther Chameleons
https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/panther/
It is best to find a chameleon from a reputable breeder, instead of places like PetCo and the likes. Breeders will give you better info and will answer your questions even after the purchase.
Let us know if and when you are getting a chameleon. Post pictures too
There are many things to think about when acquiring a new pet. Things like how much money do you want to invest on set up/continuing care and how much time do you have for care.
Most people start with a Veiled Chameleon or a Panther Chameleon. Both have fairly easy care/cost requirements. Remember that if you choose a female that she will lay eggs whether she has bred or not(this isn't a bad thing, just requires one extra step in care). Although I would suggest you get a male as a first chameleon. If you like to handle your reptiles a lot, a cham may not be a good choice, as it's best to just not handle them, or only do so a couple times a week at most for only a few minutes. I really enjoy the simple interaction of misting a couple times a day and hand feeding.
Veileds can be a bit grumpy, but time and encouraging hand feeding can make them a bit more social. Panthers are a bit more laid back.
Here is a care sheet for Veiled Chameleons
https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/veiled/
And a care sheet for Panther Chameleons
https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/panther/
It is best to find a chameleon from a reputable breeder, instead of places like PetCo and the likes. Breeders will give you better info and will answer your questions even after the purchase.
Let us know if and when you are getting a chameleon. Post pictures too
brownie64
Avid Member
I agree these are the best starter chams. but a few things you might want to consider. Panthers are 2-3 times more expensive than veiled, but there colors are out of this world.
You definitely want to get a male. The whole egg laying thing is a little more complicated than just putting down a laying ben. They need special temps, and feeding requirements to keep the clutches to a minimum, but even then you run a risk of them becoming egg bound. That is why their life expectancy is 2-3 times less than males.
You definitely want to get a male. The whole egg laying thing is a little more complicated than just putting down a laying ben. They need special temps, and feeding requirements to keep the clutches to a minimum, but even then you run a risk of them becoming egg bound. That is why their life expectancy is 2-3 times less than males.
xraygirl
Established Member
Not always true. If you're patient, and browse enough with a smart eye, you can find amazing deals. I bought a 6-8 month old ambilobe panther for $150. Not all panthers are $400+ bucks.
Checking craigslist and going to reptile shows to look around. You never know, you might find a steal! Someone else on here picked up a Nosy be plus cage set up all for $150 I think. And my chameleon as well as this other persons are 100% perfectly healthy. You just need to have a GOOD eye to see any health issues.
ThePantherBaron
New Member
Definitely read up on what you want. I would go with a male panther. Once you get more experienced then move to females.
calvin
Member
That's what I was planning on getting so thanks now ik it a good choice
