Buying a Baby Senegal Cham

L

Liz

New Member
Hello Everyone,
I am going to be buying my first chameleon, which will be a senegal. I have prior reptile experience on my side, but I need some help finding information on the Senegal. I have looked everywhere and I cannot find a care sheet and supply list especially for the senegal cham. Does anyone know where I can find one? Also, I have already gotten his enclosure, which is an exo-terra 12x12x18 terrarium and have added in some great plants. I do have a specific question related to humidity for my new baby...if I put in an exo-terra waterfall along w/ misting the enclosure w/ a spray bottle 2x a day, should that be sufficient? Please let me know. Thank you all for your help! I'll put up a pic of "Suse" when I get him.

- Liz
 
I have read posts, posted by experienced chameleon keepers saying that waterfalls are not that great because of bacteria growing in the water, or can cause drowning.

Also what are the kind of plants you are planning on using, do you have a UVB source?
 
Is the chameleon captive bred?
Most senegals in the trade are wild caught and don't have a very good chance of surviving long due to stress and or parasitic problems.
From what I have read (i have never owned a Senegal) It is not a chameleon recommended for new chameleon owners.
Is this the only choice available to you?
The cage you describe is too small for any adult chameleon. Are you getting a baby?
A waterfall is NEVER a good idea with chameleons. You will need to set up a drip system though, in addition to your misting.

-Brad
 
It's kind of early still, especially for Sunday.
I just realized you stated the cham in question is a baby in the title of your thread.
Is it captive bred? Your chances of success are much higher if it is.
Are you getting it from a breeder or pet store?

-Brad
 
Yes, I agree with Brad Ramsey. That cage is way too small unless your planning on getting a baby. Eventually you are going to have to get a bigger cage and I would also recommend a drip system.
 
Regarding the waterfall, I talked w/ my vet and they said that it would be fine as long as I put gravel in the collection tank and treat the water w/ biotize and aquatize so that the water is cleaned of all chemicals and metals and so harmful bacteria does not grow due to decaying waste. In answer to the breeding question, my baby senegal is captive bred. The plants that I am using are made of silk, for they are easier to care for while in college. I am a little confused on the exact lighting/heating that I need for the enclosure. My vet was able to give me general information on the chameleon but not species specific for the senegal. She also said that the enclosure being 12x12x18 was perfect even for an adult male senegal. Please let me know for I want to provide the best for my new baby! :)
 
I strongly disagree with the idea that a waterfall is okay. There is no great benefit to having it and it will be a pain to keep clean.
Crickets will drown in it and bacteria will be present regardless of any additives.
A drip system is much cleaner and easier and provides the chameleon with dew or rain which is how they are accustomed to drinking.

-Brad
 
Liz said:
...are easier to care for while in college...
Click to expand...
Howdy,
How about a Leopard Gecko or Crested Gecko or Bearded Dragon? The husbandry requirements match-up a bit better with the demands of College life. For optimum husbandry, the level of support for food items, hydration, enclosure size etc. can be overwhelming. Chameleons don't leave much room for error while the other species mentioned will tolerate lapses in care much more forgivingly :).
 
I believe a chameleon needs space to walk around and adventure. To me that is to small a cage, not enough leg room lol. Waterfalls are going to get dirty, no matter what you put in the waterfall. Insects will drown in it and cause bacteria to grow. Try using live plants, they will last even though you are in college. Just a light water every other or so days. Try pothos or a ficus.
 
Addressing the lighting.
You need a basking lamp and a full spectrum uva/uvb flourescent tube like the repti-sun 5.0.
You're also going to need at least one thermometer (better to have 2: one for the central area of the enclosure and one for the basking area) and a hygrometer.
You will need to experiment a little with the basking area to determine how far from the branch the basking light needs to be to create the optimal temp.
Make sure the basking light is on the outside of the cage and far enough away to prevent the cham burning itself.
You must not have any glass or plastic cover on the uvb light as this will filter out the uva/uvb rays.
All of this should be in place and running with temps, humidity and lights adjusted perfectly before you consider bringing home your chameleon.

-Brad
 
Last edited:
hey liz my uncle is a vet so i know unless he/she is a reptile specialist their knowledge is very broad on exotics. these guys here know what they are talking about and will not do anything to harm your cham but if you have your mind set why bother asking for advice you will not listen too? they said your cage is too small(unless it is a baby) and waterfalls suck and should not be used for chameleons. i hope you understand and listen to these guys.
jose
 
I believe a chameleon needs space to walk around and adventure. To me that is to small a cage, not enough leg room lol. Waterfalls are going to get dirty, no matter what you put in the waterfall. Insects will drown in it and cause bacteria to grow. Try using live plants, they will last even though you are in college. Just a light water every other or so days. Try pothos or a ficus.
 
Hey guys,
thanks for all of your advice. Since all of you seem to be saying get a bigger enclosure that's what I'm going to do as my little baby gets bigger. What size would be appropriate for a senegal? Is a 18X18X18 ok? Please let me know. And, again, thank you for all of your help!

-Liz
 
That would be better. They grow up to about 7 inches that is something to consider. Remember when getting a cham you have to give them space to adventure, walk around, and excersice. They need more height that width. If it were me I would go with 2'x2'x3'. That's big enough for it do whatever. Lol. Remember in the wild there is no barrier.
 
That will be fine. Just remember to add some live plants. It keeps up the humidity and is more natural. Plants aren't to much of a problem. A photos plant doesn't even need to me watered the often. Probably once a week and not even that much. Remember stick to natural, its better.
 
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