First chameleon?

[Aries19]

Hi,
I've been keeping reptiles for a few years now and I've always wanted a chameleon. I won't be getting one any time soon, right now I'm just looking at my options. I've narrowed it down to either a veiled chameleon or a pygmy leaf chameleon. I know that veileds are very hardy and I've read that the pygmys aren't difficult to care for, but then I've also heard that pygmy chameleons have very specific care requirements and aren't for beginners. Which is more accurate? Basically, my question is which would be a better choice for a first time chameleon owner?

 

[Carlton]

Hi,
I've been keeping reptiles for a few years now and I've always wanted a chameleon. I won't be getting one any time soon, right now I'm just looking at my options. I've narrowed it down to either a veiled chameleon or a pygmy leaf chameleon. I know that veileds are very hardy and I've read that the pygmys aren't difficult to care for, but then I've also heard that pygmy chameleons have very specific care requirements and aren't for beginners. Which is more accurate? Basically, my question is which would be a better choice for a first time chameleon owner?

I think I'd vote for the veiled. Pygmies may not be technically more difficult, but they are not commonly available as captive bred or of known age. They have short lifespans, so the least expensive imports you find available could well be older. Pygmies are harder to treat for problems being tiny, and if you are new to detecting visual signs of illness they would be a bit harder, as their behaviors are more secretive. You also need to be ready to produce tiny insect foods for them. On the other hand, they can be housed in a small group in a large glass terrarium instead of a big arboreal cage that can take up a lot more space.

 

[junglefries]

I would go with a male panther. Veils are easy to get MBD with a newcomer to the sport, especially with one with bad dna. Male panthers are very easy to keep, mostly friendly, attractive, active, somewhat easy to control temps, etc... Veils being partial to questionable dispositions, large cage requirements, and MBD make me rethink their being great for newbies.

 

[Aries19]

I think I'd vote for the veiled. Pygmies may not be technically more difficult, but they are not commonly available as captive bred or of known age. They have short lifespans, so the least expensive imports you find available could well be older. Pygmies are harder to treat for problems being tiny, and if you are new to detecting visual signs of illness they would be a bit harder, as their behaviors are more secretive. You also need to be ready to produce tiny insect foods for them. On the other hand, they can be housed in a small group in a large glass terrarium instead of a big arboreal cage that can take up a lot more space.

Thanks Carlton, I'm planning on ordering from flchams.com if that helps any with the availability problem. They have both CB pygmies and veiled chams available.
Other than that, your points about it being harder to treat illnesses in pygmies makes me think that a veiled chameleon is a better choice, but your points about the additional space a veiled cham needs makes me lean towards pygmies as space&cost is a big factor for me. And they're both so adorable which makes it no easier haha

Do you personally own either? I think getting an idea of their personalities may help my choice

 

[Blink]

I vote Veiled all the way! I love my little Veiled boy. They are amazing chameleons. The personality really depends on the individual chameleon. You could get one very antisocial and defensive chameleon and then another "friendly" one of the same species. I have 0 experience with Pygmyies, so I can't really compare, but Veiled are great "beginner" chameleons, as they are relatively hardier than many other species. Good luck deciding! I'm sure it will be adorable either way.

 

[Kayroxyoursox]

I have a veiled, and he is amazing. I didn't have much choice though because I didn't know anything about them when I got him and ended up buying him from petco. I am thinking about getting a male panther Cham very soon as well from a more reputable online breeder.

 

[Aries19]

I think that I'm going to go with a veiled, given that everyone has such good things to say about them. And if I ever have any questions it'll be easier to find the answer since veileds are so much more common. Although I'm sure I'll end up with both eventually lol. Thanks for all of your input

 

[Iceman716238]

i personally wouldn't get a veiled. i have a veiled and a panther. the panther runs onto my hand when i open the cage. the veiled is the biggest ahole..... he bites me, hisses, and goes very defensive when i enter the room.... trust me, go panther!!!!!

 

[Blink]

i personally wouldn't get a veiled. i have a veiled and a panther. the panther runs onto my hand when i open the cage. the veiled is the biggest ahole..... he bites me, hisses, and goes very defensive when i enter the room.... trust me, go panther!!!!!

Just because your veiled behaves that way, does not mean that all Veileds do. My Veiled is a sweetheart. So are many others. There are panthers that behave the way you describe too. It is impossible to predict a chameleon's personality simply by it's species.

 

[reptileguy112]

i personally wouldn't get a veiled. i have a veiled and a panther. the panther runs onto my hand when i open the cage. the veiled is the biggest ahole..... he bites me, hisses, and goes very defensive when i enter the room.... trust me, go panther!!!!!

It really depends on the specific chameleon, just because your veiled is mean and your anther is nice doesn't mean all veileds are going to be mean. I have a very nice veiled that has NEVER bit me.