New to Chameleons, advice please

Simon

Simon

New Member
Hi, I used to keep leopard geckos before I went to university now I've finished I'd quite like to start up again with some lizards, I'm quite keen on chameleons. I know they are not considered for beginners, is it a sensible option for me? I kept my leopard geckos for a few years but they don't take too much looking after.

Some chameleons are apparently better for less advanced keepers than others so what are the easier species? My original vivarium was a plasticy affair which I think I'd replace, possibly with something like the Exo Terra Glass Terrarium 45x45x60cm would that be suitable?

Whilst in Prague recently I visited a pet store that had a setup with real plants and a soil like substrate(not exactly sure what it was) I've always felt real plants look 100 times better in enclosures, fish tanks etc so what plants can you safely use?

Don't really want to rush into anything so jsut exploring options, thanks for any help

Simon
 
I am a beginner, I bought a Veiled and have had him for 5 months now. He is doing great. I d researched chameleons for a year before i decided I was ready. Spent alot of time reading on here and other places. I still have so much to learn. I would get a male Veiled to start. I would also get a all screen cage, that is ok for the age of your cham. I got mine at 1 1/5 months(I would suggest a little older)he was in a 16x16x30. Now he is in a 24x24x48. Goodluck
 
Just like BG77 said, it is best to get an all screen enclosure. a good place to start is

My site: keepingchameleons.com

and brad's site for veiled chams,
raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com
 
Other questions......

Hi there.....Welcome to the group! How much interaction do you want with a lizard? Leopard Geckos are very friendy and gregarious. They can be handled more that most chameleons. Only certain species of chameleons can be housed in the glass enclosure you have. Those species are typically not species that can be handled very often. They need to be admired from a distance. The chameleons you see being handled in pictures are usually ones that have to be kept in larger screen cages. I would answer the question about the level of interaction you need first. Then get the appropriate enclosure for you choice. Trying to use an enclosure, just because you already have it, has been done many times before with bad results. Once again, welcome! And congrats on doing some investigation and research first :)
 
I'm new to keeping chameleons (i just got a panther chameleon last month), and from my personal experience, it took me about two to three weeks to do the research I needed before I purchased my chameleon, and it took me another week to set up his cage before he arrived. My expenses including the chameleon were over $400, but I would easily spend another $400 tomorrow to get another one.

You will definitely need a full screen enclosure with a reptisun 5.0 fluorescent tube uvb bulb and an incandescent basking bulb. *edit* I forgot! I have only studied on Veiled and Panthers! I don't know about other species... but you can search the forum and get information on those.

Safe plants that I prefer are ficus and hibiscus, but there are other plants, I think one called schleffera (sp?) is ok too. If you search the forums using the search function you can get a good idea of what plants are good, and you can search for other topics like temperatures and humidities and handling, etc. All the information you need is in the forums.
 
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Thanks for the replies, im not overly fussed with not begin able to hold one but it would be nice, what exactly is meant by a screen enclosure, like a netting or mesh? Any links to UK places that sell them?
 
Welcome Simon!!! As bg77 said it would be wise to buy a veiled chameleon as a start. The glass enclosure as everyone above has said needs to be replaced within the next 1 to 2 months of having the cham. Also, there are plenty of people here with excallent websites (Brad Ramsey, Mike, and SuperRad.) I have been to their sites and I give all three of them a A++ on their sites, good job guys!!
 
Simon,

I see you're in the UK, and I know there are some members there (don't know any offhand) that can maybe direct you to some suppliers in your area.

Also keep in mind that when bg77 mentioned a 24x24x48 cage, that's in inches, not cm. It would be about a 60x60x120 in cm.

Basically, the screen cages we get here are made of aluminum screen like what goes on house windows. They screw together to make a rectangular column with a door. I have made my own just from getting the materials at a hardware store, but it's kind of a pain. If you can find a premade one, it's much easier.

The best plan is to research and learn as much as you can before decide, and make sure you get your setup up and running BEFORE you bring your new friend home. All the websites listed in the previous posts are very good sources and everyone here will be helpful if you still have questions.

Cheers!
AFH
 
Thanks, I shall be checking those sites, something that the sites selling the flexariums dont expalin is how you get access into them? Side or top?
 
Hi guys another question, have been doing some reading, I understand that basking termperatures can be achieved by a standard 40w bulb placed to create the hot spot, when I had my leopard geckos I got rid of the bulb and used a heat matt because I got a bit annoyed with the light going on and off all the time as it reached temp, it was on a thermostat. All going well this will go in my bedroom but am not too keen if I have a light flicking on and off all day and night, are bulbs still used to keep the heat at night as well?
 
No thermostat.
Basking light should stay on 8 to 12 hours (daylight) constantly.
No night time heat!
NO HEAT MAT!!! (I know you know this .... but I have to say it)

-Brad
 
Another quick question, Would it be best to start with just one or go for two Veileds, are they happier in pairs or anything? If it comes down to size I have a thread in Enclosures section with a picture of the enclosure I've got.

Thanks
 
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