gathering info before mking the purchase

[nhchameleons]

hello all my girlfriend and i have decided we would like to get our first chameleon. we have been doing alot of reading on thier habbitats and enclosoures. we are going to get either a mistking or a herbimist(sp?).we would like to known several different things. first off, which breed would be good for the beginer to get, personally we like both the panthers and jacksons but we want to find one that will be good for a beginer. second we have been scouring the net and have a long list of plants that can be put in, what do you recomend? i will build the enclosoure after we have decided what kind we are going to get since different chameleons like different sizes. she wants to do a terarium set up for the enclouser and would like to known or see pics of the way to set it up. like the different layers of dirt and rocks for drainage. and if you would happen to know of anyone in NH,MA,or ME that is a repitable breeder. like i said before we are new to the chameleons and want to get it right the first time. any help on this would be gratly appriciated. sory if these questions have been asked a million times.
thanks
kevin & cathy

 

[beeze]

I would recommend a veiled or panther
For plants ficus and pothos
Screen cage for ventilation

Plant list on left side of forums home page
Good information here on this forum if you just search and look around

 

[Dave Weldon]

Howdy Kevin & Cathy,

I toss-up a couple of my thoughts about chameleon selection...

If you are really ready to make a fairly large commitment in time and money then choosing between Panthers and Jacksons (and Veileds too) can be based more on what grabs both of your imaginations (and hearts ) rather than which one is "good for a beginner" . This will be a long-term commitment, so jumping in with both feet (that would be 2 pairs of feet for both of you) is what will make the difference between success and failure. Their differences in husbandry and environmental needs can all be easily overcome with the Chameleon Forums keeper's advice and a little "tuning".

 

[jannb]

Amen Dave!!!! That pretty much says it all.

 

[Julirs]

she wants to do a terarium set up for the enclouser and would like to known or see pics of the way to set it up. like the different layers of dirt and rocks for drainage. and if you would happen to know of anyone in NH,MA,or ME that is a repitable breeder.

The only chameleons that you use substrates and layers for are the tiny pygmies, everyone else does better with nothing on the cage floor, and with a mister you will have to figure out a drainage system.
Anyone would recommend the breeders that support the site, and you need not live near them as chameleons really do ship just fine.

 

[PantherVeileD]

Since your a beginner. I would say get a MALE JUVINILE or either veiled, jackson, and panthers. If your into the colors I would recommend panthers or veiled IMO. Remember to get a male juvi. With female they have a little bit more of responsibility. If you are more confident and have a little experience with reptile then a baby would be alright. Make sure its at least 3 months old. Good luck and let us know when your setup is ready so we can help you double check everything before purchasing.

 

[nhchameleons]

Thanks for the replies. We have seen both Veiled and Jacksons at the local pet store but the "cages" they are in are small and have 3-4 per cage. We would like to find a breeder instead of the local shop because that we will know they have been takin care of. We were going through some pics last night and saw several that we liked. I think we are going to get either a Veiled or a Panther. We are in the proces of gathering plants for the set-up. Next weekend I will start building the cage and getting the dripper and mister set up. We are glad we found this forum and look forward to "showing off" our chameleon and set-up when its complete. I am sure we will be asking questions to make sure we have things tweaked the right way. I know all about spending lots of time and money on something, I currently own a Jeep Cj, a.k.a. the money pit. I am now selling that and getting into chameleons.

 

[THECHAMMAN]

flchams.com, chameleonsonly.com, screameleons.com

 

[addicted]

If you have the option, I would definitely suggest getting your chameleon from a breeder, even if you have to wait a bit longer, it's well worth it.
Most pet stores don't keep the chameleons in a proper set-up, they usually use those compact light bulbs, which anyone on here will tell you are dangerous and can cause blindness!
I was shocked to walk into a local pet store which I've come to trust, to see an adult male panther in a glass enclosure measuring 18x18x18.
Just be careful if you try to give them advice, you may just get a lifetime ban like I did!

 

[jannb]

Where do you live? Several breeders on this forum have babies....check out the classified section. Jann

 

[mczoo]

My 2 cents if i had to do it all again:

I would get my cage ready including trial of misting technique and repotting plants.

i have herpmist (misting system saves me lots of time)

get accurite thermometer hygrometer from lowes or walmart for every cage

use ficus or Pothos plants

get a screen cage purchased from LLLreptile on sale

purchase a veiled (least expensive, easiest cham to find for me) over 4 months old from a reputable breeder

start with crickets, but also start raising silkworms.

good luck

S