Different age groups

[smilespop1207]

Now that I have decided which chameleon is right for me, I was wondering at which age group I should buy the chameleon. I know that as they become older, they become more expensive(in most cases). I still don't understand why, but anyways, what age is best for a first time chameleon owner. I doubt it would be when they a a month old because they are more prone to diseases and illnesses. I don't want to get one too old because I want to raise it up to be more sociable. So what do you think?
P.S. I know that a first time reptile owner should not get a chameleon because they are a lot of work and will need a ton of responsibility, but I've been doing months of research and fell in love with them fom the start.

 

[Kate]

Well done for doing your research BEFORE you buy. Young ones are very fragile. The ones I have had have been 3-4 months. They have done well. I have just acquired two tinys. See lizard lounge thread Guess what I've got now. They are soo small, I'm not sure that they are going to make it, but I will try my harest. Good luck with what you choose and will look forward to seeing pics.

 

[smilespop1207]

Thank you!

 

[drcrossfire]

They get more expensive because the time/energy/food put into them is that much more. The costs associated with raising a 1yr old (when you include food/overhead) is a lot higher than that of a 3 months old. Hope that makes sense

 

[Trik]

Imho, there's three main reasons for getting them young

1. Start socializing young
2. See them grow and develop, both color and temperment
3. Save money

So, if you can afford to get one a little older (5+ months), you will be getting a hardier lizard. Also, just because it has more time with YOU not socializing it, doesn't mean the breeder wasn't doing so beforehand.

Also, when you get an older cham, you tend to be able to get the breeders "holdbacks" which were picked out for their size, and color to be either kept or sold later on when they will look better.

 

[azgnoinc]

I would say that a good age would be anywhere from 3-6 months old if you want to help in the "social" aspect of their upbringing. Older than that and they may already have a different "personality" then what you want, any younger than that and you could be in real trouble until you have had some experience with chameleons and what all it takes to raise and keep them in a healthy and successful manner.

Also- what kind of chameleon are you thinking about? My suggestion would be either a Panther or a Veiled seeing as how you are a beginner with chams in general.