Looking for a good beginner chameleon.

[leovice]

I've been researching my heart out on Chameleons for a while now. For a bit I was stuck between a bearded dragon (owned one previously) and a chameleon, and although a beardy was a little bit more cost effective and I like larger reptiles, the chameleon fascinates me more. So I've come to the Cham community to ask for help.
Between a panther and veiled, which may be the best for a beginner? And are there any reputable breeders in Canada that you know of, or (Canadian) websites that ship healthy chams?
Thank you
I'm mainly just looking right now, trying to see what will be the best fit for me.

 

[NHenn]

There isn't much of a difference between the care of a Panther vs. a Veiled so they are both great to start out with. I personally prefer Panthers as they are just beautiful!

I recommend you check out Captive Creations Canada. Lindsay is a great breeder and a great person!

 

[LilBlue]

Hi, panther and veileds are both nice picks, I prefer panthers as well because of their colour. I'm sure you have read that they are solitary creatures, and don't like much handling, so if you don't mind holding your cham maybe only once a week(or never depending on the cham lol) then get one! It's also a good idea to have your set up ready, and your temperature gradients/humidity in check before you bring him home

Canadian breeders/Importers:
Chameleons Galore. Monika is great, I've dealt with her for years, she really loves her chams. Operates out of Vancouver and Calgary and will ship.

Chameleons Canada. I have not ordered from them but looks like they have nice stock and from what I hear, very reputable. They ship.

Eh Chameleons - Hoj I believe his name is(he's on here, too), I think he's in Ontario.

Another option is to check kijiji. I have adopted all 3 of my chams off there. Good deals too. And if you are out east there are tons of them on there, with enclosures too. It may also be a good idea to get an adult as your first cham, less chance for error, as long as he looks healthy. Babies are a bit more sensitive to temps and humidity.

I would also suggest a male, of either species as your first. Then you don't have to deal with gravid females, which will produce eggs with or without a male.

Maybe an idea for you, to act as a little quiz, copy and paste the "how to ask for help" from the health clinic forum on here, and fill out the sections on lighting, caging, supplements (that you plan on using)etc. There is as much good info out there as there is bad, then we can make sure you have gathered the right info to keep your new pet healthy Only if you want to of course, I just thought it was a good idea.

Happy Chameleon searching!!

 

[distortionz]

Hi, panther and veileds are both nice picks, I prefer panthers as well because of their colour. I'm sure you have read that they are solitary creatures, and don't like much handling, so if you don't mind holding your cham maybe only once a week(or never depending on the cham lol) then get one! It's also a good idea to have your set up ready, and your temperature gradients/humidity in check before you bring him home

Canadian breeders/Importers:
Chameleons Galore. Monika is great, I've dealt with her for years, she really loves her chams. Operates out of Vancouver and Calgary and will ship.

Chameleons Canada. I have not ordered from them but looks like they have nice stock and from what I hear, very reputable. They ship.

Eh Chameleons - Hoj I believe his name is(he's on here, too), I think he's in Ontario.

Another option is to check kijiji. I have adopted all 3 of my chams off there. Good deals too. And if you are out east there are tons of them on there, with enclosures too. It may also be a good idea to get an adult as your first cham, less chance for error, as long as he looks healthy. Babies are a bit more sensitive to temps and humidity.

I would also suggest a male, of either species as your first. Then you don't have to deal with gravid females, which will produce eggs with or without a male.

Maybe an idea for you, to act as a little quiz, copy and paste the "how to ask for help" from the health clinic forum on here, and fill out the sections on lighting, caging, supplements (that you plan on using)etc. There is as much good info out there as there is bad, then we can make sure you have gathered the right info to keep your new pet healthy Only if you want to of course, I just thought it was a good idea.

Happy Chameleon searching!!

Lol @ eh chameleons

 

[jajeanpierre]

Eh Chameleons - Hoj I believe his name is(he's on here, too), I think he's in Ontario.

Are you serious, eh chameleons from Canada! That's too funny. I regret not buying the T-shirt I saw at Toronto International of the Canadian alphabet--eh, b, c, d.....

 

[johnnyev]

I've been researching my heart out on Chameleons for a while now. For a bit I was stuck between a bearded dragon (owned one previously) and a chameleon, and although a beardy was a little bit more cost effective and I like larger reptiles, the chameleon fascinates me more. So I've come to the Cham community to ask for help.
Between a panther and veiled, which may be the best for a beginner? And are there any reputable breeders in Canada that you know of, or (Canadian) websites that ship healthy chams?
Thank you
I'm mainly just looking right now, trying to see what will be the best fit for me.

Male panther chameleon & if possible, Nosey Be locale. Always found this particular locale, really tame & a pleasure to keep.