turtlelover1992
New Member
Ok so for my 18 birthday my parents are getting me a Chameleon. I was just hoping for some advice on what kind to get. Any input would be greatly appreciated. 
Getting a Chameleon :D
- Thread starter turtlelover1992
- Start date
renzo0684
Avid Member
I would start off by getting a veiled chameleon.
Read this it is very helpful http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/
Read this it is very helpful http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/
Leilaskeeper
New Member
Veiled chameleon or a panther chameleon
Use the search feature to read up on topics such as supplementation, enclosures, feeding schedule, plants, humidity, temperature ... study! It's very important to know how to handle an care for a chameleon. They require much more dedication and attention then other reptiles.
Be very careful - they are quite addictive.
Use the search feature to read up on topics such as supplementation, enclosures, feeding schedule, plants, humidity, temperature ... study! It's very important to know how to handle an care for a chameleon. They require much more dedication and attention then other reptiles.
Be very careful - they are quite addictive.
jeanjacket812
New Member
Panthers are awesome!
Sir Spiral Tail
New Member
i second panthers! My first is an ambilobe, it has been a great experience. It's your personal preference though, they take work, so do your research first.
Elizadolots
New Member
I'd like to suggest that if you do get a Panther, you get a male.
Sir Spiral Tail
New Member
i want a nosy be...
Olimpia
Biologist & Ecologist
I would like to pipe in with the vote of Jackson's! Lol they are great, and they really aren't harder to care for than the other common species. My first cham was a Jackson's male and we haven't had a single issue. Just somethin else to consider
It all depends on the research you do and what you feel ready to handle. Obviously the requirements for something might seem dificult to one person but not so much to another. But I think we all recommend you read lots of online caresheets, or go to a book store and read through a couple care books and see what you think about each species.
It all depends on the research you do and what you feel ready to handle. Obviously the requirements for something might seem dificult to one person but not so much to another. But I think we all recommend you read lots of online caresheets, or go to a book store and read through a couple care books and see what you think about each species.
Elizadolots
New Member
Size can be a factor too. Aren't Jackson's smaller so require a bit less space?
Plus, the males have those cool horns.
Plus, the males have those cool horns.
jamncristian
Established Member
jacksons require a higher humidity and are a little less tolerant of beginner mistakes. I am not trying to discourage you i am just warning you ahead of time
i sent you a PM (private message)
i sent you a PM (private message)
Olimpia
Biologist & Ecologist
Yes, they're much smaller than panthers and veileds. I can't give you a measurement but I've added a photo of my Othello (about 15 months old, so adult) in comparison with my hand. So he's not that big. I think the recommended minimum cage size is 24" x 24" x 36" which is a foot shorter than the cage for the other two species. I have mine in a 4' cage reardless for the extra space and so it matches my panthers' future adult cages.
And yes, look at those horns!
How can you say no to a face like that? (edit) yes they need more humidity, and there's stuff you need to be aware of if you get a wild caught animal like I did, but again, it's something you need to research about all species and evaluate honestly if it's within what you can and want to do. I was very lucky that my guy has a spectacular personality and has tolerated my learning curve like a trooper, but each animal is different. Regardless of what you choose it's a hugely rewarding experience to care for a chameleon. They're just so darn interesting!
turtlelover1992
New Member
Well Ive looked at alot and read alot. Nothing against Jacksons I just dont care for the horns lol. I think Ive narrowed it down to 2. Either a Veiled or an ambilobe. Now I just have to talk to the local pet store. They get all their reptiles straight from a breeder so I know they are trust worthy and they are almost $70 cheaper than the other pet store and who knows where they get theirs from. Does anyone else have any good advice for me?
renzo0684
Avid Member
I would try a site sponser before a pet store... Try Chameleons Northwest I jsut ordered my baby ambilobie cham... Awesome and they are great to work with
Elizadolots
New Member
That's funny....when I was talking about getting a Jackson's my daughter was "anti-horn"...
Read the link provided in the first response: http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/
The information there will be invaluable. Please keep in mind that while your local pet store might be full of wonderful, trustworthy people*, it's possible they won't give you the best advice. There are people here who've been breading and raising chameleons for many, many years so their advice is practical and tested. If you have any concerns or questions on advice you've been given, consult one of the moderators. They'll help you cut through the confusion.
*One guy at mine just told me I should be primarily feeding meal worms to my chameleon because they are "soft"....even I know that's not right.
Read the link provided in the first response: http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/
The information there will be invaluable. Please keep in mind that while your local pet store might be full of wonderful, trustworthy people*, it's possible they won't give you the best advice. There are people here who've been breading and raising chameleons for many, many years so their advice is practical and tested. If you have any concerns or questions on advice you've been given, consult one of the moderators. They'll help you cut through the confusion.
*One guy at mine just told me I should be primarily feeding meal worms to my chameleon because they are "soft"....even I know that's not right.
Olimpia
Biologist & Ecologist
Blasphemy! lol Just kidding, to each his own of course. Both other species are great too, I love my panthers to death too.
heatfreakk3
New Member
Jacksons are very hard to care for IMO. Mine isnt doing too well at the moment. I think Vield's are good begginers.
Roa
Member
Just a friendly warning - I've raised several veiled and had to watch 2 of them die, so Yes a veiled is a though cham, but they still need the correct care and handling - ppl tend( not the ppl in here) not to water it enough and then it will die - but again it IS a good starter as long as you study and supply the right environment.
Atm I've only got a male, but what a cham
and you will find once you start cham'ing you cant stop
jamncristian
Established Member
Yes, they're much smaller than panthers and veileds. I can't give you a measurement but I've added a photo of my Othello (about 15 months old, so adult) in comparison with my hand. So he's not that big. I think the recommended minimum cage size is 24" x 24" x 36" which is a foot shorter than the cage for the other two species. I have mine in a 4' cage reardless for the extra space and so it matches my panthers' future adult cages.
And yes, look at those horns!
(edit) yes they need more humidity, and there's stuff you need to be aware of if you get a wild caught animal like I did, but again, it's something you need to research about all species and evaluate honestly if it's within what you can and want to do. I was very lucky that my guy has a spectacular personality and has tolerated my learning curve like a trooper, but each animal is different. Regardless of what you choose it's a hugely rewarding experience to care for a chameleon. They're just so darn interesting!
by the way that is a gorgeous jacksons, just saying
