Help a Daddy Out!!
- Thread starter Daddymike
- Start date
camimom
New Member
Yes.
I own 7 chams, and have been bit by both my adult male panther, and my adult male veiled.
They at most, leave tiny scrape marks on the skin, that scabbed a tiny itty bitty bit the next day. that's about it.
like when you scrape the first layer of skin on something, it leaves tiny flakes of skin that you can see are raised, but doesn't draw blood.
However, if you get bit, do not pull away, let them release you, because that's how you damage both yourself and them.
Camimom, thanks for the reply.
I am definitely leaning towards getting my son a Bearded Dragon after the excellent advice from all of you....Chams are a pet for the future IMO as I really want my son to take the responsibility for his pet.
Chams obviously need more time and attention and are less of a hand-pet than Beardies.
I really can't thanks you guys enough for your invaluable advice!
I am definitely leaning towards getting my son a Bearded Dragon after the excellent advice from all of you....Chams are a pet for the future IMO as I really want my son to take the responsibility for his pet.
Chams obviously need more time and attention and are less of a hand-pet than Beardies.
I really can't thanks you guys enough for your invaluable advice!
For what its worth. I dont think 6 years old is to young,as long as the child understands it cant be handled like a dog or cat and you understand, you will be doing 99.99 percent of the work.
I have a 4 year old and she understands the chameleon is more for watching and not touching. She will even hold still and not move during feeding time, so she can watch without scaring my panther. She helps me with small things like adding water to the reservoir, locating poop to clean and preparing feeder gut load.
Now, the feeder insects are a different story. I let her handle them all she wants, while I clean their cage and add new food. Im pretty sure I have have the only 4 year old girl who knows the difference between, and loves to handle. Silkworms,super worms, Dubai roaches and crickets. I think she likes them more then the Chameleon. LOL. Her favorite activity is unboxing a new shipment of feeders. I found that out the hard way. One time I did it when she wasn't home. Once she got home she proceeded to cry for the next hour because I didn't wait for her. Im waiting for the day she tells me to stop feeding them to the Chameleon.
Again this is just my opinion. But I wanted to share my experience with you because I went back in forth for months trying to decide if it was a good choice for a young child. Im glad I decided to do it. Its been a huge education tool and hobby we can share together and hopefully we will always share together.
I have a 4 year old and she understands the chameleon is more for watching and not touching. She will even hold still and not move during feeding time, so she can watch without scaring my panther. She helps me with small things like adding water to the reservoir, locating poop to clean and preparing feeder gut load.
Now, the feeder insects are a different story. I let her handle them all she wants, while I clean their cage and add new food. Im pretty sure I have have the only 4 year old girl who knows the difference between, and loves to handle. Silkworms,super worms, Dubai roaches and crickets. I think she likes them more then the Chameleon. LOL. Her favorite activity is unboxing a new shipment of feeders. I found that out the hard way. One time I did it when she wasn't home. Once she got home she proceeded to cry for the next hour because I didn't wait for her. Im waiting for the day she tells me to stop feeding them to the Chameleon.
Again this is just my opinion. But I wanted to share my experience with you because I went back in forth for months trying to decide if it was a good choice for a young child. Im glad I decided to do it. Its been a huge education tool and hobby we can share together and hopefully we will always share together.
Jaklz, thanks for adding to this. That is great to hear, long may it continue! The difference with me is that my son really wants to get involved with the Cham or Beardie, as in it is a pet he is choosing for his 6th Birthday. We have had tropical fish before and due to the lack of involvement, his interest waned very quickly. Even after we added new fish to the tank which he selected, his attention to them was short-lived. Beardies, from what I have seen and be told are a lot more "hands-on" and in the main, easier to look after too.
I'm completely new to cham ownership but I do not think it is a bad idea for a six year old to help with the care and raising of a chameleon. Aside from the obvious chores keeping feeders and gut loading them properly is a time consuming activity. If he can handle that he can handle anything. The fun stuff is getting your cham to eat out of your hand or from tweezers. It never gets boring. Good luck to you. I think you would be happy with either a cham or a bearded dragon.
Thanks sm0lder! I'm not of the opinion that it's a bad thing for a 6 year old, just that after much research and great advice on here, and going by my sons personality, a beardie is the way to go! The Cham will be next though!
Lathis
Chameleon Enthusiast
I have not owned a bearded dragon myself, but from interacting with them on the limited level I have, my experience is that some of them can be downright friendly. They just look a bit scary
Just keep in mind that this could be a long-term commitment. Beardies can live as long as 10 years if kept healthy and happy. I got my first lizard, a swift, at just a little older than your son. I have always loved reptiles, but I admit now that not only did I do everything wrong, but my interest did wane quickly. My mom ended up being his reluctant primary caretaker. He only lived about two years.
Not trying to scare you or dissuade you. Just something to consider. You might look into adopting an adult beardie. There are always pets that need good homes.
Just keep in mind that this could be a long-term commitment. Beardies can live as long as 10 years if kept healthy and happy. I got my first lizard, a swift, at just a little older than your son. I have always loved reptiles, but I admit now that not only did I do everything wrong, but my interest did wane quickly. My mom ended up being his reluctant primary caretaker. He only lived about two years.
Not trying to scare you or dissuade you. Just something to consider. You might look into adopting an adult beardie. There are always pets that need good homes.
I have not owned a bearded dragon myself, but from interacting with them on the limited level I have, my experience is that some of them can be downright friendly. They just look a bit scary
Just keep in mind that this could be a long-term commitment. Beardies can live as long as 10 years if kept healthy and happy. I got my first lizard, a swift, at just a little older than your son. I have always loved reptiles, but I admit now that not only did I do everything wrong, but my interest did wane quickly. My mom ended up being his reluctant primary caretaker. He only lived about two years.
Not trying to scare you or dissuade you. Just something to consider. You might look into adopting an adult beardie. There are always pets that need good homes.
Lathis, appreciate the response....my wife and I have taken plenty of time to exlain to our son that a Bearded Dragon is a long-term commitment so we are hoping that it has sunk in and that we do not become the primary carers lol.
Wish me luck in trying to convince him that a panther Cham is for the future!
lainezor
Member
I have a male panther who is about 8 months old, never have I met a more grumpy chameleon. His nickname is grumps because hes always so mean lol. I have been bitten by him before and let me tell you IT HURT. I have been bitten by tarantulas and that cham bite was worse. If you put your finger near Floyd(his real name) he will puff up, hiss and even lunge at you. I also agree that the claws are very sharp when they walk on you and leave scratches everywhere they step. Chameleons are very fragile creatures and you'll find yourself obessing over every little detail, why is his eye closed, is that a scab, how's his poop today, why isnt he eating anymore, etc. All in all (proper setup and vet bills) mr. grumpypants has cost me about $1000.
I agree with everyone here on the beardie! They are great, loving reptiles, they love to cuddle and be pet. As for your son being afraid of an angry beardie on youtube, check out an angry chameleon lol.
I agree with everyone here on the beardie! They are great, loving reptiles, they love to cuddle and be pet. As for your son being afraid of an angry beardie on youtube, check out an angry chameleon lol.
Lathis
Chameleon Enthusiast
Lathis, appreciate the response....my wife and I have taken plenty of time to exlain to our son that a Bearded Dragon is a long-term commitment so we are hoping that it has sunk in and that we do not become the primary carers lol.
Wish me luck in trying to convince him that a panther Cham is for the future!
Well... He's only 6, so he gets what you give him. "Long term commitment" means nothing to a little kid. They just don't have the capacity to understand what "years and years" really means. Get what would make YOU happy since it really will be your pet
ChamLady
Established Member
With chameleon, you get temperature and humidity guages, misting system, drainage system, I keep a log book of supplement dates, weights, shed dates, UVB light dates, and I need a step stool to reach the top of the cage. I wouldn't change a thing, but I don't trust any of my adult relatives to care for my Chams if anything happens to me. I wrote instructions for them to come here and list them for sale.
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Djturna4thakidz
Established Member
My first lizard was a beardie when I was 7 and it really sparked my interest in herps. All the beardies I have met have been really friendly and laid back. As a kid I always wanted a chameleon, but I am glad that I waited until I was older to take on chameleons. The time invested in terms of care is much different for the two species. Chameleons are a stressful pet, you are always looking to see if something is wrong or they appear sick. Beardies care is much more straight forward.
In my experience, I am glad I started with bearded dragons. hope that helps.
In my experience, I am glad I started with bearded dragons. hope that helps.
Well... He's only 6, so he gets what you give him. "Long term commitment" means nothing to a little kid. They just don't have the capacity to understand what "years and years" really means. Get what would make YOU happy since it really will be your pet
We will have to agree to disagree on the capacity children have but I get your point LOL
Chamlady and Jaklz, many thanks for your valuable input ...i owe you!
Lainezor...brilliant!! You actually made me LOL! Oh and FYI, we checked out the angry Chams and they had the desired effect!
Bearded Dragon it is!!!
Many many thanks to everyone, this is a lovely place to be!
Lainezor...brilliant!! You actually made me LOL! Oh and FYI, we checked out the angry Chams and they had the desired effect!
Bearded Dragon it is!!!
Many many thanks to everyone, this is a lovely place to be!
Djturna4thakidz
Established Member
Whatever herp you decide, make sure to post some pics!
For sure DJ!! I know this is a Cham-focused place, but will definitley spread some Bearded Love as soon as possible.
It will be within the next 2 weeks!
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