Just some questions...

[zeldaluv92]

I just joined today, and I'm really excited! I plan on getting a veiled chameleon in about a year (I have to save up some money, that's why it's so far out). I was planning on making my own habitat terrarium (I hope I didn't slaughter that) by building the wood frame then putting the screen material on all four sides and the top. I wanted to stain the wood to match the darker wood in my bedroom, but I wanted to know if there was any safe stain to use that won't hurt the chams.

Also, I know that you have to have a certain light so they get the vitamin d they need. There's also dusters (I believe that's what they're called) that have vitamin d in them along with calcium that you dust the crickets with. Is it possible to not have the light and just dust the crickets with that? I'm not the richest person in the world, and if that's possible without hurting the chams that would be great. But if i need both then I won't hesitate to get both.

Thanks and sorry this is so long.

 

[nightanole]

You have to seal the wood, either with the water clean up milky stuff or a petroleum based sealant ( or to make it last a million years use the marine grade epoxy stuff).

As for lights, the cham will use the UVB rays to metabolize the calcium. powdered D3 can supplement this alittle, and is recommended for a few dusting a month, but cant replace a light. Bulbs will cost you $25-$50 a year depending on the cage size. This is alot cheaper than a vet bill.

 

[NolaGirl]

I just joined today, and I'm really excited! I plan on getting a veiled chameleon in about a year (I have to save up some money, that's why it's so far out). I was planning on making my own habitat terrarium (I hope I didn't slaughter that) by building the wood frame then putting the screen material on all four sides and the top. I wanted to stain the wood to match the darker wood in my bedroom, but I wanted to know if there was any safe stain to use that won't hurt the chams.

Also, I know that you have to have a certain light so they get the vitamin d they need. There's also dusters (I believe that's what they're called) that have vitamin d in them along with calcium that you dust the crickets with. Is it possible to not have the light and just dust the crickets with that? I'm not the richest person in the world, and if that's possible without hurting the chams that would be great. But if i need both then I won't hesitate to get both.

Thanks and sorry this is so long.

I have a baby Veiled cham. Make sure that you have all of the essentials before you purchase your cham. A UVB is a must! There's no getting around it. Your cham will need it to produce vitamin D, which aids in the absorption of calcium. Without a UVB, your cham won't live for long. They're not expensive. I have Reptisun UVB 5.0 tube. You will also need a basking bulb. You will need to dust your feeder insects with calcium without D3 on a daily basis before feeding them to your cham. You will also need to purchase a multivitamin such as Herptivite and some calcium with D3. You should dust your feeders with the multivitamin twice a month. Dust the feeders twice a month with D3, also. Here are a few of my go to sources of info. for chameleon care....

Here's a helpful guide to cham care:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/jannb/325-info-new-keepers-young-veiled-panther-chameleons.html

Here is an easy to understand guide to gutloading:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/ferretinmyshoes/446-basics-gutloading.html


Here's a list of safe plants to put inside of your enclosure:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/gerhartrx/523-chameleon-safe-plants.html

I hope that this helps. There is a wealth of info. on here. Don't hesitate to ask for help. The members of this forum are extremely helpful and friendly.

 

[Kate]

I just joined today, and I'm really excited! I plan on getting a veiled chameleon in about a year (I have to save up some money, that's why it's so far out). I was planning on making my own habitat terrarium (I hope I didn't slaughter that) by building the wood frame then putting the screen material on all four sides and the top. I wanted to stain the wood to match the darker wood in my bedroom, but I wanted to know if there was any safe stain to use that won't hurt the chams.

Also, I know that you have to have a certain light so they get the vitamin d they need. There's also dusters (I believe that's what they're called) that have vitamin d in them along with calcium that you dust the crickets with. Is it possible to not have the light and just dust the crickets with that? I'm not the richest person in the world, and if that's possible without hurting the chams that would be great. But if i need both then I won't hesitate to get both.

Thanks and sorry this is so long.

Welcome to the forum. You are going about it the right way by doing your research before you buy. Chameleons are high maintenance creatures. I would advise you read posts on here, learn and when you are ready get your Cham. I would also advise saving up some cash just in case a vet is required during its lifetime. There is nothing worse than reading about a sick animal and the owner not having the means to treat it. Hope you enjoy being on here.

 

[Guilbo31]

when your ready to get your chameleon. This is a good site where I got my chameleon from http://www.theveiledchameleon.com/ they also have a facebook page https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Veiled-Chameleon/135885839771604?fref=ts they auction off some awesome chameleons,snakes,frogs and lighting,cages thats where I got my lil guy from. I won him for $60 and he goes for $200, shipping cost me $55 to texas they are out of Florida.

 

[Decadancin]

Welcome to the forum! First off, yes, unless you have your veiled outside year round, you will need a UVB bulb. Also, if you will be using live plants, you may need lighting for that as well. You also will need a basking bulb (many options how to do this) As for the stain, any wood stain should be fine, oil or water based, and you will have to seal it. You can choose from many different types of polyurethane but I would suggest one with fewer fumes. Here is a link to my custom cage. https://www.chameleonforums.com/its-done-94262/There is an album on my page that has some dimensions and many pics. I'll be happy to answer any questions .

Make sure to check out the sticky notes at the top of each forum category to help answer some of the basic questions, and of course we are here to help!

 

[zeldaluv92]

Thanks

Thanks so much guys, you really helped! I'm doing research every day to make sure everything is perfect for the cham's arrival. Thanks also for the website to get the chams, its really helpful!

 

[MollyT]

Hello and welcome to the forums! You've gotten great advice so far. You are doing the right thing by doing your research before buying your cham. Your little friend will be healthier and happier bc you will know how to take care of it! I have a baby veiled(3.5 months old) and just love him to death! I got him from BocaJan here on the forums and I have to say, he came to me super healthy and full of attitude, even after a plane trip, and I couldn't be any happier with him. He's quite a character! Good luck to you as you learn about chameleons and eventually get one. This is great place for any questions you might have.