chameleon or no chameleon

[Debbie61]

So here I am again confused as to whether to get a chameleon or not. Have chatted with some owners and am worried about taking proper care and making proper conditions for it. I would hate to spend a bundle of money only to have it die. Any suggestions or comments? And is there certains species that are hardier than others?

 

[Thompson]

Do your research and make sure you know that this is a very expensive hobby! Make sure before you buy one you have a good vet to go to.

 

[draetish]

I agree 100% with Thompson but on the other hand we all were first time cham owners. Make sure you buy a healthy cham from a breeder here on the forum. Starting with a healthy cham is one way to avoid problems the other is to not skimp on their husbandry requirements. You have spend any where from 2-3 hrs a day, everyday.

 

[jannb]

I totally agree with the two posts above. Chameleons are truly fascinating animals but are very high maintenance and expensive to care for unlike many other reptiles.

 

[Texas Panther Man]

and good luck stopping with just one. If you do buy one, I bet you will have at least 2-3 more within 6 months. lol

 

[Monkeykungphu]

I agree 100% with Thompson but on the other hand we all were first time cham owners. Make sure you buy a healthy cham from a breeder here on the forum. Starting with a healthy cham is one way to avoid problems the other is to not skimp on their husbandry requirements. You have spend any where from 2-3 hrs a day, everyday.

I have one chameleon, & I would say I spend 2-3 hours a day, maybe once a week with cage cleaning/upkeep, but not everyday. Most days I don't spend nearly that much time with typical daily spot cleaning, misting & feeding. Maybe ~30 min or less most days for me. I could see the amount of time necessary to go up substantially with each additional chameleon you acquire.

I typically clean out my cricket bin every couple of days & that takes me about 10 minutes. My dubia bin requires much less frequent cleanings.

 

[sandrachameleon]

If you are willing to do the research prior to purchase, spend money on the right things (good lights, good cage etc), are not afriad of bugs, can afford to take the animal to the vet as needed, you understand chameleons are Look and not touch animals (you cant cuddle and play with them), and most importantly you have the TIME necessary to care for the animal - then by all means get one. They are awesome creatures. Veileds and panthers over six months old are best for beginners, and males are a bit easier than females.

You might find these blog entries helpful in making your decision:

http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/
http://www.chromachameleons.com/index.php?page=care
http://www.chameleonnews.com/Reference.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/ryan-jarosek/119-new-arrival-bringing-home.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/74-feeders.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/92-hydration-importance.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/65-supplements.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/75-feeder-nutrition-gutloading.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/185-chameleon-related-chores.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/68-lighting-links.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/82-enclosures-housing.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/nutritional-information/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/syn/238-faq-starting-off-directory.html

 

[draetish]

I have one chameleon, & I would say I spend 2-3 hours a day, maybe once a week with cage cleaning/upkeep, but not everyday. Most days I don't spend nearly that much time with typical daily spot cleaning, misting & feeding. Maybe ~30 min or less most days for me. I could see the amount of time necessary to go up substantially with each additional chameleon you acquire.

I typically clean out my cricket bin every couple of days & that takes me about 10 minutes. My dubia bin requires much less frequent cleanings.

I agree and didn't mean cleaning, more like watering, misting, observing to make sure the cham is well, etc. I do like to watch mine too, which takes time away from other things.

 

[happy14]

Hello,

chameleons are very beautiful and it`s very nice if I can look them.
But chameleons are very cheap!
You must think they are very sensible animals... .

 

[Symbiot]

As Thompson already stated, you need to do your research before deciding for sure whether you're ready to purchase a chameleon or not. If after all that you do decide to, make sure you have your enclosure already set up and ready to go with all appropriate lights/uvb so minimize the stress of bringing the chameleon to a new home.

As for what are considered great first time owner chameleons, veiled and panther chameleons are said to be very hardy species. In my opinion, a male veiled over 4-5 months would be easiest to care for. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Debbie61]

Thank you all for your honest comments. I do understand the cost and care of these beautiful creatures. I have also been in contact with Chameleons Northwest. I did have one further question: is one species more hardy than others? Thanks

 

[bigwigwabbit]

Yeah, verry high maintenance but verry rewarding as well. Id say go with a veiled first time there a little hardier not as complicated to take care of and not as expensive $$$ as a panther. Thats what i i did & now ive got a panther...

so here i am again confused as to whether to get a chameleon or not. Have chatted with some owners and am worried about taking proper care and making proper conditions for it. I would hate to spend a bundle of money only to have it die. Any suggestions or comments? And is there certains species that are hardier than others?

 

[sandrachameleon]

. I did have one further question: is one species more hardy than others? Thanks

Veileds and panthers over six months old are best for beginners, and males are a bit easier than females.

 

[Silkyslim]

I just got my panther less than a week ago, he was the last piece I bought. I read up on every aspect of proper husbandry and planned out the most efficient way to take care of him. I have had it in my head to get a cham for bout 3 years now, 7 months ago things looked right so I found this forum and its wealth of info and started cramming until I felt comfortable with what I had read from everyone. There really is a lot to learn from everyone here, take advantage of it and you should have a good time.

 

[Psi]

and good luck stopping with just one. If you do buy one, I bet you will have at least 2-3 more within 6 months. lol

Nah, doesn't happen to everyone...

Oh ...

Shi ...

 

[Symbiot]

Bought my first cham at the beginning of July. It's Auguest and I already have two. It's a very addicting habit! I'm already raising my own superworms and crickets to save on costs. Found two hornworm eggs on my tomatoe plants I'm going to hatch out and feed to my chams as well.

 

[Debbie61]

Well I think that I have made my final decision. I have decided to get a Veiled Chameleon from Chameleons Northwest. After much thought I have decided that I should go with a Veiled for my first Chameleon and then proceed onto a Panther at a later time. Now I just need to get my cage and supplies. Can't wait, but looks like mid September I will have my first Chameleon

 

[jeanjacket812]

I'll tell ya chameleons are not that difficult to care for at all. I spend about 30 minutes a day tops through out the weekdays on my cham and he couldn't be healthier or happier. Just make sure you get everything you'll need before you get your cham and you'll be in good shape. Everyone makes them sound like caring for them is comparable to rocket science and it's really not. supplement, water, monitor temps. care for your feeders and thats about it.

 

[Chameleons Lover]

I'll tell ya chameleons are not that difficult to care for at all. I spend about 30 minutes a day tops through out the weekdays on my cham and he couldn't be healthier or happier. Just make sure you get everything you'll need before you get your cham and you'll be in good shape. Everyone makes them sound like caring for them is comparable to rocket science and it's really not. supplement, water, monitor temps. care for your feeders and thats about it.

i totally 100% agree with jean jacket its easy if you take a good care for them

 

[Debbie61]

Thanks for the encouragement. Looks like I will be getting him on the Second Weekend in September. Now it's time to shop for his cage and supplies.