New chameleon owner

[zoester]

I'm planning on getting a chameleon in the a few weeks but I'm not sure which one will best suit me... I have expirence with desert reptiles. I'm kinda looking at a veiled or translucent veild chameleon, panther chameleon, or a Jackson's chameleon. Any suggestions?

Also any tips on cage set ups? I have a 16x16x24 cage and need the proper equipment.

 

[Vincentuanluu]

16x16x24 will work for babies till 4-5 months.

From little experience I have, I would go for panther or veiled for a little easier care requirements. They both require almost the same care.

If I could find a local panther breeder, I would get one in a heartbeat. They have wonderful amazing colours.

 

[Chameleon Mike]

https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/
This would be a good starting point for you.
I have a panther and think it's awesome.

 

[jpowell86]

If you live in San Antonio, drive over to Liveoak and see Craig at Reptile Pets Direct.

He has everything you will need in his shop and can help you out on finding a species that will work for you.

Future note: not many species will do well in a cage that small.....so be prepared for a larger size.

 

[Twitchet]

I have a panther who is the friendliest most wonderful and adored animal in the world, he was from a pets for sale private ads - He had been well handled by children so was super tame which was great but I have him in a 4ft long by 3ft high wooden viv but he also has many sessions everyday free ranging around the room, It was the biggest viv I could get for him and it would be nice if it was bigger so free range or get a really lovely big house, I know how much mine appreciates being able to walk around. Whatever you choose Get Captive bred and Best of luck.

 

[EnterThePanther]

I have owned both and especially as a new Cham owner and probably someone who wants to handle your animal, I would go panther all the way no question. Veileds are nice but wont come close in terms of vibrant color and general calm personality of a panther. In my experience the veileds tend to be much more defensive and prefer to be left alone.

 

[rminnis]

Get a Male they usually are easier to care for and live longer read up about what the differences in care are. My male veiled is as most describe fussy at best normally and looks at me like im bigfoot unless you are extremely slow and calm with him at all times and he begins to be pretty friendly actually and able to be held. Its all about building trust and keeping them healthy and happy. Even though it takes more time to earn its trust then possibly another type and may not be as colorful you have to love the personality and look of the veileds and yep they grow fast at 4-5 months you will be wanting a bigger cage in my opinion wider is important as well as depth they need horizontal hanging options. I just say this because there are lots of screen cages that just get taller not wider.

 

[rminnis]

Ready for his closeup

 

[zoester]

If you live in San Antonio, drive over to Liveoak and see Craig at Reptile Pets Direct.

He has everything you will need in his shop and can help you out on finding a species that will work for you.

Future note: not many species will do well in a cage that small.....so be prepared for a larger size.

Thats where I was planning on getting one thank you. And I'm getting a bigger cage when it get bigger

 

[Kclarke02]

If you live in San Antonio, drive over to Liveoak and see Craig at Reptile Pets Direct.

He has everything you will need in his shop and can help you out on finding a species that will work for you.

Future note: not many species will do well in a cage that small.....so be prepared for a larger size.

This is good to know! Thanks. I'm a few hours from San Antonio myself so a road trip may be in the future