First Post! Atlanta Help

[Kidatl]

Hey all, I am looking into acquiring a chameleon for the first time. I have kept small snakes and anoles before but nothing as involved as a chameleon. I am thinking either a veiled or panther male.

I have reviewed a lot of sites and this forum. I still have questions. Here they are:

1) Is there a reputable dealer in the Atlanta area?

2) I have seen some enclosures that were made out of old curio cabinets. I think these would make more attractive enclosures for the room that I would like to keep the cham in, and most are tall and wide enough but are only 14-16 inches deep. Is this deep enough assuming they are at least 48" high and 24" wide? I see the minimum is really 48X24X24 but the screen cages arent the most attractive - I guess I could build my own. I want to get the enclosure perfect first before buying the cham.

3) The panthers (male) seem much more colorful generally than the male veiled. Is this right?

4) If you all have any good leads on dealers for product/enclosures/chams - please advise. Thanks in advance. We are excited about a new addition to the house.

 

[Carlton]

I have reviewed a lot of sites and this forum. I still have questions. Here they are:

1) Is there a reputable dealer in the Atlanta area?

Check the forum sponsors...not sure who would be closest to you. This forum isn't set up to evaluate suppliers but you can check their reputations on the Fauna Classifieds BOI.

2) I have seen some enclosures that were made out of old curio cabinets. I think these would make more attractive enclosures for the room that I would like to keep the cham in, and most are tall and wide enough but are only 14-16 inches deep. Is this deep enough assuming they are at least 48" high and 24" wide? I see the minimum is really 48X24X24 but the screen cages arent the most attractive - I guess I could build my own. I want to get the enclosure perfect first before buying the cham.

The 48x24x24 is a minimum for either of these species. Cabinets that are too shallow actually make it harder to place the larger types of live plants you would want to use. And, unless you completely seal and design drainage for a converted cabinet water can end up being a continual problem. A properly-designed screen cage can be very attractive IMHO. You would have to put some screen panels in the curio cabinet anyway. If you buy a simple metal-framed cage you could always trim it out with wood to hide some of the fixtures (such as the clutter on the top for example). Check out forum members' setup pics to see some very nice furniture-quality ones (at the top of the Enclosures and Supplies forum).

3) The panthers (male) seem much more colorful generally than the male veiled. Is this right?

I wouldn't say more colorful, just different. I've seen absolutely stunning veileds produced in captivity, and stunning panthers too. Veileds may have less variation in their color (no reds or purples for example), but a lot of that is because F. pardalis has evolved into more local color variations in Madagascar than C. calyptratus did in Yemen. Its a result of the coloration that provided them the most benefit in their particular native habitats.

4) If you all have any good leads on dealers for product/enclosures/chams - please advise.

Again, check for good sources from the forum sponsors. As for picking which species, its hard...they are both great especially for beginners. Pick the species that appeals to you visually. If you think about which photos you tend to go back and look at over and over, that's probably the species you really want.

 

[Kidatl]

Thank you!

 

[breauxaustin]

I live north of Atlanta in Braselton. On the Mall of Georgia exit there is a reptile store that sells supplies and chameleons. Not a site sponsor but very reliable and has a great reputation in the area. Just bought my second chameleon there and is a 5 week old panthered chameleon. The name of the store is Reining Reptiles. Even if you live a hour or so away defiantly worth the drive in my opinion. They will have everything you'll need to get started and are very knowledgable on their reptiles.

 

[laurie]

You need to go take a look at the http://dragonstrand.com

Dragon Strand is a forum sponsor, and has the very best cages on the market!! Take a look at some of the cages Bill has put together. My chams seem very happy in their cages.

Well I have a female that is out the door every time you open it. She thinks she owns the whole room.