General questions from a first-timer

N

NickEG

New Member
Hello, I am new to this site, sorry if this thread isn't where it's supposed to be. I've recently stumbled into the world of chameleons and i'm generally interested in purchasing one. I'm not ignorant to the fact that owning and caring for a chameleon is by no means a menial task. I've read the different threads on here about basic husbandry, care, etc. I am particularly interested in panther chameleons. Its the wide array of colors that I like the best. My first question is simple, can any of you recommend a TRUSTWORTHY place to order a panther? In addition I've read numerous stories of heartbreak and I can say,obviously, that I want to avoid this at all costs. I live in Pennsylvania where the weather fluctuates extremely depending on the season. Also, do any of you have tips, stories, pics, etc that you can share with me about your own panther/chameleon in general? Thanks for you time and support, it means a lot! :D
 
I picked up my most recent panther Cham at Midwestdubia.com
He is very healthy and active, I would recommend checking them out. Talk to rob. He also colonized Dubia so he can get you good prices.
If your going to get a Cham do it the right way, get a cage from DIYcages.com you can purchase the largest size at under $100 shipped.
Get the dual fixture light with the Arcadia bulb and 6500k plant light and lightyourreptiles.com
Order yourself a mistking.
Go to ghanns crickets for crickets and Phoenix worms.
Don't feed them junk food like waxworms, they can cause serious issues if fed too often.
Make sure you have everything setup (cage, interior foliage, lights, misting system, timers, etc) before you purchase your Cham. Then you are going to want to check the humidity level and temperature to make sure everything is 100% correct.
Panther chams are smart but it will take them time to trust you, not going to happen over a couple of weeks, or even months. Some never like people, it's the name of the game.
As far as interior cage design try getting some live plants to help hold humidity and make sure you have different levels of items he can climb on for temperature gradients.
I know I'm forgetting something but it's 4 am LOL
 
Oh, and don't shop at Petsmart. Their feeders are garbage and everything is waayyyy overpriced. Most employees do not know what they are talking about when it comes to chameleons, although I will not speak for all.
 
Hello, and welcome to the forums!

If you purchase from any of the site sponsors you will be fine, and can be assured that you will be getting a healthy animal.

As far as Pennsylvania goes, trust me Im well aware I also live in PA. Where abouts are you from?
 
Where in PA are you? If your close enough you are more then welcome to stop in and see my collection. I don't keep any panthers though just lateralis and werneri.

Carl
 
I live in central PA, about 10 minutes from Altoona if that helps. I was wondering what the typical upkeep cost of feeding, vet bills, the animal its self, ect would be. I have money saved up but I am planning on becoming an account major so I just want to have everything in order first. Thanks for all the help BTW
 
Altoona's a good drive away. If you are ever near Reading PM me and you can stop by.

Initial costs are the most expensive. I've never really sat down and added up what I spend a month.

Carl
 
After initial startup. It's not that bad. Mainly it's food. For a single Cham. Crickets can run $20-$30 a month plus any other feeders you want. Your electric and water will go up slightly.

Startup for a panther will be anywhere from $250-$450 if you want a male from a reputable breeder. Cages, supplies, lights vines etc. Can run upwards of $200-$300 if you get the good stuff and depending on size of cage.
 
I vote kammerflage kreations. Check out there website. They are incredible. Very helpful. I have a jackson. Just rushed into that purchase. Terrible idea. I very quickly figured out they are one of the hardest chams to keep. On e I got everything set up correctly, it's not bad. I initially had him in terrible living conditions until I stumbled across the forum when researching for a new Cham. Panthers are my favorite. I'll be purchasing one from the kammers as soon as my weather is warm enough to ship! Also- jump around the forums. Read EVERYTHING you can. I recommend setting up your cage and letting it run for a few days before purchasing your Cham. That way you can work out all the kinks and get a routine. Don't by it all at once and then have to go home and set up the cage while the Cham waits. You want to make the new home transition as fast and smooth as possible. Put the cage where there is little human traffic. I have three children. Initially I wanted to keep the Cham in my sons room because it's his Cham. It's just too stressful to be in a child's room. He now resides down stairs, and is soooo much happier. We still go down there and visit him, it's just better down there because my kids aren't constantly running and playing around the cage. One thing I find a MUST for a Cham, cage, would be an outlet timer. It will 1-make turning on lights easier 2- ensure routine times for lighting. I found it very easy to get off schedule. Especially on the weekends when we would sleep in past 6am. Research gut loading. It's crucial for chams. You can get all the vitamins and cAlcium powder you want, but quite frankly, your Cham can not live on that alone. Just like you could not live on vitamins alone. What your crickets and worms eat before they go to the Cham is what will be put into your cham. Theres a woman on here named Sandra. Her gut load recipes are amazing. Gut loading is also something I would get a firm grasp of before purchasing your Cham. It seems like keeping a Cham is extremely hard just from reading, but once you get the routine down its easy breezy. Oh and hey, welcome to the forums! It's amazing here! So much help at just the click of a button!
 
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