Hello everyone!

[thegreatfantasmo]

I'm a new member of the forum! My main reason for joining is because I have spent the last year (just over a year actually) of my life with my first wonderful chameleon. When he came to me I was told his name was "Grouchy" but I renamed him The Great Fantasmo. Along with the upgrade in name I upgraded his lighting and home as well. Sadly, Fantasmo passed away and I buried him yesterday. He came to me by chance, someone my Uncle knew was giving him away so I jumped at the opportunity. When I spoke with my Uncle last night he told me that Fantasmo was actually several years old although we didn't have specifics because I am/was (at minimum) his third home. I thought maybe I had done something wrong but in reading through the forum (which is extremely helpful!) it sounds like old age got him.

So here I am....on a chameleon forum yet I have no chameleon lol. Having Fantasmo inspired me to learn more about Chameleons and their care. He sure was a kooky chameleon and so full of personality! I'm looking forward to my next experiences as a chameleon owner (someday) although it will probably be some time before I find another little one. My uncle recommended that I find a younger chameleon that will be with me for years. To be honest I have a soft spot for senior animals or abandoned animals so it really will depend on the situation.

Thank you for creating and maintaining such a wonderful community for Chameleon lovers! For some of us the information we have found here is priceless. Thank you also to the more experienced keepers for helping us along and providing much needed information and support.

 

[DavidBuchan]

Hello, welcome to the forum Sorry to hear of The Great Fantasmos passing. What species of Chameleon was he? Something sounds like a Veiled to me.............

 

[laurie]

Welcome to the forum. Losing your beloved cham puts all of us in a sad state. I cry a ton. Some of the guys do to. Others are less expressive. But be ready because we will have you with another chameleon in no time at all. There are just to many beauties here for you not to find one calling your name. Just browse the classifieds at the top.

 

[thegreatfantasmo]

Thank you for your welcoming David and Laurie! I'm not actually sure of what kind of Chameleon Fantasmo was. Although it would be a great name for a veiled with a high crest The name actually came about because his name had sounded so negative and I wanted him to hear a positive word when I said his name. I know, that's weird.

What I had been told is that he was a veiled with a deformity because his crest was low and formed two soft orbs on top of his head. I attached a couple pics of him. One shows how he got his head stuck in his basket that he liked to sleep in and the other is when I got him out. Poor little guy with his eyes closed He had apparently wanted out of the basket and thought that was the way.

He sure was awesome though! When I got him he was in a 18 inch screen enclosure with two bunches of fake plants and some twigs stuffed in there. One light for heat but no UVB. He hadn't been given any vitamins either for at least 4 months that I know of. For four months he'd been owned by an 11 year old boy who got tired of him. All the information I have about him is second and third hand

 

[DavidBuchan]

That's an unusual deformity, I haven't seen one quite like that before - he's a Veiled though
I totally understand the name change, that's not weird at all...........

 

[thegreatfantasmo]

Well then I'm sticking with veiled chameleons Because he was so sweet! To begin with he didn't want to trust and he puffed up but once I moved him to the big cage and gave him real plants he became a softie. Wow I sure miss him!

 

[Olimpia]

Welcome to the forum! What a grandiose name for such a unique chameleon He has the sweetest face, even with his unusual casque.

I'm happy that you have him a good home for his remaining time, that was very kind of you.

 

[skittles1234]

welcome!! sorry to hear about you chammy.