Finally a chameleon on the horizon!

[Razzledazzlebee]

Hello! I have been lurking a bit around and you guys seem like a great group of people. I would like to introduce myself and get some pointer & tips from you.

I live in the Seattle area and am a married mom of a 3 year old boy and we have 3 cats. I have been absolutely fascinated with chameleons since I was 8 years old (I'm 31 now) and have been researching them off and on ever since. When I was a kid I raised anoles for several years and bred my own meal worms for them. I have kept pufferfish in the past for several years (because they remind me of chameleons). I have gotten close to getting a chameleon repeatedly in the past but it was never the right timing...

I went to Petco yesterday to get something for my cat and looked for a chameleon as I always do. They had a young veiled there. She was extremely active and I found myself standing there for I guess 30 minutes (I lost track of time) just enthralled. It was like meditating and I ALWAYS have that happen when I watch a chameleon. I have an over-active mind and I just "zoom in" when I watch a chameleon walk, look around, change colors, eat... Anything! I just love them deeply.

I work from home and have been getting my office set up to my liking and my coworker suggested I go back to fish-keeping to have something beautiful to look at when I feel stressed or need to re-focus (I am an outside sales rep). I realized this could very possibly be the right time to FINALLY get a chameleon.

I spoke to my husband and he was on board with the idea but I am wanting to prepare and learn as much as possible before I bring one home in a fee months.

I have collected several questions and opinions would be extremely helpful.

I understand about the size of the terrarium being based on the chameleon. I have 2 potential locations for the cage. One is in a wall unit in my office (could fit a 30" wide, 24" tall, 18/20" deep enclosure) and the other is in the living room (we have a built in next to the fireplace & TV that is really big) and we could get a 3' tall x 2' wide x 2' deep cage in there.

1. Which option of location would be most suitable for a chameleon? The quieter office or the busier living room?

2. I have read that mesh enclosures are the best but I am very concerned about the cats and the toddler with a mesh terrarium (knocking it over, the cats climbing it, I shudder just imagining to possibilities...). I find myself drawn to the Exo-Terra line of glass terrariums and have read that they are quite good at keeping in moisture and still have rather decent ventilation. Does the Exo-Terra or a like-product sound good for my situation? Anyone have experience with those?

3. Which species of chameleon should I look into? I know this depends on the size of the cage which depends on the location of the house. I know for sure I don't want a giant chameleon (nothing over 12" please!) and I don't want to spend very much (for sure not over $200 with shipping). I am currently researching the Flap Neck Chameleon and the Rudis Chameleon. I like the looks of those and the Graceful and the Panther (no horns). I would like one who is sturdy and friendly would be a perk but not necessary (I am thinking of them like a fish since I know they don't like being handled much LOL).

4. Planted cage or fake plants? I am drawn to planted but my husband was concerned that one more thing to take care of. With the correct lighting and misting system is it really that much more to take care of the plants??? If I decide on a planted tank I will want to get the setup going for a while to get everything worked out (I see that like cycling a fish tank). I am willing to give it up to a few months of set up before introducing the Cham if I have to plant something and let it grow.

5. Which breeder(s) would you recommend?

Thank you for making it to the end of my rambling post. And thank you in advance for your help!!!

 

[FlChamMom]

I am answering you in red on your questions:

Hello! I have been lurking a bit around and you guys seem like a great group of people. I would like to introduce myself and get some pointer & tips from you.

I live in the Seattle area and am a married mom of a 3 year old boy and we have 3 cats. I have been absolutely fascinated with chameleons since I was 8 years old (I'm 31 now) and have been researching them off and on ever since. When I was a kid I raised anoles for several years and bred my own meal worms for them. I have kept pufferfish in the past for several years (because they remind me of chameleons). I have gotten close to getting a chameleon repeatedly in the past but it was never the right timing...

I went to Petco yesterday to get something for my cat and looked for a chameleon as I always do. They had a young veiled there. She was extremely active and I found myself standing there for I guess 30 minutes (I lost track of time) just enthralled. It was like meditating and I ALWAYS have that happen when I watch a chameleon. I have an over-active mind and I just "zoom in" when I watch a chameleon walk, look around, change colors, eat... Anything! I just love them deeply.

I work from home and have been getting my office set up to my liking and my coworker suggested I go back to fish-keeping to have something beautiful to look at when I feel stressed or need to re-focus (I am an outside sales rep). I realized this could very possibly be the right time to FINALLY get a chameleon.

I spoke to my husband and he was on board with the idea but I am wanting to prepare and learn as much as possible before I bring one home in a fee months.

I have collected several questions and opinions would be extremely helpful.

I understand about the size of the terrarium being based on the chameleon. I have 2 potential locations for the cage. One is in a wall unit in my office (could fit a 30" wide, 24" tall, 18/20" deep enclosure) and the other is in the living room (we have a built in next to the fireplace & TV that is really big) and we could get a 3' tall x 2' wide x 2' deep cage in there.

1. Which option of location would be most suitable for a chameleon? The quieter office or the busier living room? Definitely the office- especially at first. They also like it pitch black to sleep and the office would be easier to close off.

2. I have read that mesh enclosures are the best but I am very concerned about the cats and the toddler with a mesh terrarium (knocking it over, the cats climbing it, I shudder just imagining to possibilities...). I find myself drawn to the Exo-Terra line of glass terrariums and have read that they are quite good at keeping in moisture and still have rather decent ventilation. Does the Exo-Terra or a like-product sound good for my situation? Anyone have experience with those? I use the mesh cages, but I do know that people do use the Exo-Terra line. The thing you would have to consider is the humidity level (higher humidity in glass), air flow, temperature and size. Most adult chameleons (unless a smaller species) need a 2x2x4 space.

3. Which species of chameleon should I look into? I know this depends on the size of the cage which depends on the location of the house. I know for sure I don't want a giant chameleon (nothing over 12" please!) and I don't want to spend very much (for sure not over $200 with shipping). I am currently researching the Flap Neck Chameleon and the Rudis Chameleon. I like the looks of those and the Graceful and the Panther (no horns). I would like one who is sturdy and friendly would be a perk but not necessary (I am thinking of them like a fish since I know they don't like being handled much LOL).
I have a panther and a veiled, both are considered "beginner" chams, I just really like them though... On the Rudis and the Flap Neck the only thing I would be careful of is that wild caught chameleons are common in these species. WC chameleons usually have parasites, which is a challenge you may not want on your first chameleon.
4. Planted cage or fake plants? I am drawn to planted but my husband was concerned that one more thing to take care of. With the correct lighting and misting system is it really that much more to take care of the plants??? If I decide on a planted tank I will want to get the setup going for a while to get everything worked out (I see that like cycling a fish tank). I am willing to give it up to a few months of set up before introducing the Cham if I have to plant something and let it grow.
I personally have all real plants and do not have any problems. You have to tinker with the location of the plants vs your mister (my Mistking drowns some plants so I put the pothos usually under the direct spray. A lot of people prefer fake plants (no dirt or dropped leaves)
5. Which breeder(s) would you recommend?
The classifieds here at the forums are a great place to start as well as the sponsors. Both my chams were purchased from members here and I was very happy with both the price and the animals.
Thank you for making it to the end of my rambling post. And thank you in advance for your help!!!

Good luck finding your new friend- this is an addictive hobby!!

 

[Psychobunny]

Cats and little lizards do not mix well

You will need to figure out how to keep them away, and accidents can happen!!
There are loads of sad threads here where "cat got my cham".

Your cham will need to at least see you every day, so he can adjust and get used to you. But you dont want him in a "high traffic" area either, or he will stay stressed out and hide.

 

[Razzledazzlebee]

Thank you! I am thinking of the Exo terra 18 x 18 x 24. What kind of mister would I want to look at? What kind of plants? What kind of substrate?

Thanks again!

 

[FlChamMom]

There is a "safe plant" database in the Enclosures section. Any of those can work. For misters there are two favorites- MistKing and Aquazamp. I have a MistKing and I love it, I mist two cages with a basic system. I have heard the Aquazamp is very good as well. I do not use substrate in my cages, I just have the plastic bottom. I find it easier to keep clean by being able to wipe it down daily.

 

[melble68]

No substrate. There is the chance for chameleons to ingest substrate which can cause internal probs. It also will help in cleaning the enclosure w/ nothing on the bottom. Some will use paper towels at the bottom to soak up over spray etc....

 

[melble68]

She was extremely active and I found myself standing there for I guess 30 minutes (I lost track of time) just enthralled. It was like meditating and I ALWAYS have that happen when I watch a chameleon. I have an over-active mind and I just "zoom in" when I watch a chameleon walk, look around, change colors, eat... Anything! I just love them deeply.

BTW, you are so not alone w/ this condition. I'm waiting until spring to purchase my male panther, but I find myself just sitting in the back yard staring for hours at my enclosure that is primarily complete.

Typically you want to elevate the enclosure up anyways, so that may help w/ any potential cat or kids problems. Continue to educate yourself. You will find TONS and TONS of knowledge around here. There are some super incredible members here on the forum that have some intensive experience and expertise. Buy from a sponsor or member. You'll get a healthy and stable chameleon. PETCO BOO!!!!!!!!

 

[Razzledazzlebee]

Great info! Thanks! Though I am confused- what am I supposed to plant the plants in if there is no substrate??

 

[melble68]

Plants go into pots w/ organic soil, and then cover the soil w/ some kind of river rock is one technique. chameleons are sometimes "dirt eaters". you want to try to keep them from eating anything except the stuff (assortment of feeders, and safe plants) that they're supposed to be munching on. one plant that alot of chameleon owners talk about having, that chameleons like to munch on, is "baby's tears". some chams (panthers and veileds) munch, some don't. Now you have to realize that I'm planning on a panther, so hence the info i'm referring to is what i've learned over the years about them specifically. veileds are really close to the same type of care and habitat. You have to figure out yourself what you are going to be capable of caring for. chameleons aren't all the same. pygmy's, for instance, require completely different care and enclosures. do not make any rash decisions on what you feel works for you. think it out, and then think it out again. you know its kind of like what my father taught me as a very young child. dad was a life long carpenter. "measure thrice, and cut once." think about it, learn about it, ask questions, think about it more, and then some more, get the enclosure dialed in, test the enclosure and systems, think about it more, ask more questions, and then finally make your move. I only wish that 25 years ago when I had my first female panther that a community of chameleon enthusiasts was available to me like now. The Chameleon Forum is awesome for chameleons and keepers alike.

 

[Ninkylou]

Welcome to the forums.

I am in Renton, WA so welcome another PNW Chameleon addict.

I have 2 cats and have 2 - 24 x 24 x 48 inch enclosures that sit on a 48" long children's activity table about 19" off the ground. They are in my living area but my house is just myself and my 20 yr old daughter so it is pretty low traffic.

My cats are more interested in the crickets that always get loose… The chams stay to the top of the enclosures pretty much and I have had no issues with the cats. I would never free range them with the cats however.

I get my live plants at Fred Meyers and I know Ikea has some as well, I have yet to go there.

I am a pretty new keeper but I think I would recommend a male. Females have some increased care issues with the egg laying and such.

The panthers are so colorful. We have a very reasonable priced breeder in Graham, WA that is a sponsor Chameleons Northwest. They allow for pick up so you can save on shipping. I got both of my boys from Chameleon Paradise because I choose specific colors from the sires. He ships overnight from California and has great customer service.

 

[Ninkylou]

Thank you! I am thinking of the Exo terra 18 x 18 x 24. What kind of mister would I want to look at? What kind of plants? What kind of substrate?

Thanks again!

That size will not last long. 24 x 24 x 48 is about your minimum size. Take a look at the care resources on the forum they will give you a wealth of information so that you can plan and purchase smartly. I have spent a great deal of money on things I didn't need or things that weren't right. I have learned so much in my months here on the forums.

I purchased an Aquazamp Raindome system a few weeks ago and I love it!

I actually started with a female veiled but I was so freaked out and worried obsessively about the egg laying business that I gave her and all of her enclosure to a guy who was experienced with female chams.

 

[Razzledazzlebee]

Thank you thank you! What a helpful, knowledgeable group.

I just realized I have one other spot in my office I could put a chameleon cage: the wall unit has a big glass display case! I just measured and it is 36" tall, 16" wide (plus the sides taper from that) and 15" deep. Would I be able to put a 16 x 16 x 30 mesh cage in there? Would I be able to leave the glass in it? If not, I could leave it open but then we're back to the cat concern... Or I could find a glass one that fits....

What are your thoughts on carpet chameleons? Would they be able to live happily in my original 18 x 18 x 24 size?

Or, in the other place in the wall unit I could do the 24" x 18" x 24" Exo terra. Which species would do well in that size??

Thanks again.

 

[FlChamMom]

Carpets are a smaller species (and beautiful). There is an ad in the classifieds for carpets from a member who has bred them for a long time- I would check with her on specific requirements.

 

[absolutbill]

Welcome to the forums!!! You are getting a lot of great advice, and I think a carpet might be the best for you due to their smaller size and your size constraints. As has been said you want a low-traffic area that can get pitch black at night for them to sleep, or you can place a blanket over the cage to black it out if it's in a higher-traffic area. Then, when you are ready for lights out for the humans, just remove the blanket and you are all set.

As for the cats, I've had 2 who each had claws during my time with chameleons. I have each cham in a 24x24x48 cage (1 veiled and 2 panthers), and each cage is sitting on top of a plastic utility sink from Home Depot or Lowe's. I've ziptied the cages down, and this does a couple of things for the cham: 1. It give them more vertical space. I place the potted plants on the bottom of of the sink, so I can have larger plants. 2. It places them well out of the interest of the cats. I never have them free-ranging with the cats around, I'll shut the door to the room they are in if I want them out. In 5 years I had 1 cat who tried to climb the screen 1 time - I screamed at her and she never tried it again. It's doable, just keep an open eye at all times with them and good luck!