New to Chams

[Lando659]

Hey all-

I am looking into getting a Cham for myself. I have had snakes before, but this will be my first Arboreal pet. I have some questions that I was hoping to get some answers to from you fine folks. A little background, I live in Kansas City, MO in an apartment. I am looking for a companion that I can handle at least regularly if not every day. I work long hours, so a reptile would be optimal for me and I love the beauty of Chams. On to the questions. Is there a Cham that is more "tame" than others, as this is pretty important to me. Also, I would like some opinions on where to get one. Breeder, shop, online, etc.. Is genetics and breeding the main components as to the colors? I know that most are pretty solitary, but do any pair up and can be kept with more than one in an enclosure? I guess I'll start with these for now. lol. I'm sure that as I continue learning and reading I will come up with more. Also, if any more information is needed, let me know and I will give it to the best of my ability. Thanks!

 

[RandellTheCham]

I'd reconmend getting veiled/yemen chameleon. Females seem alot more happy to be held than males. Males have good and bad days but look incredable.

I reconmend getting them at a young age 3/4months old so you can train them at a young age.

 

[Theveiled]

Panthers are also good starters. In my opinion male veileds can be just as friendly as any other chameleon. I would NOT put more than one in a cage. I would get one from a reputable breeder so you know if will be healthy.

 

[Remkon]

Hi and welcome to these wonderful forums!

Veileds and Panther are the best starter chameleons, they are most forgiving to mistakes and also have easier care in general. I'd say of the both the Veiled has the most temperament and the panther usually is a little more mellow.

However if you look for a companion that likes to be handled every day you're better off looking for a different species of reptile.
More often than not chameleons don't care at all for being handled and you forcing him to come out will only cause him stress and health issues because of that along the way.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/veiled/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/panther/

 

[Lizzie The Chameleon]

chameleons are more of a look but not touch animal. you said you wanted to handle it daily, that would really stress it out. you also said you worked long hours, you would have to make sure you got an automatic misting system set for around 5 minutes every 3 hours. if you really wanted to handle an animal, i would recommend bearded dragons. they are very social!

 

[Peachypink]

I've had chameleons and bearded dragons. If you are looking for something to handle every day, I would suggest a bearded dragon over chameleon. Bearded dragons actually thrive with social interaction. chameleons do not. And it is really a 50-50 chance you will get one that tolerates being handled. Of the 4 chams that I have had, 2 tolerated being handles and 2 did not. I had a veiled that came to the door and came out every time and a panther that didn't come running but didn't get pissy when I took him out. Then I had a veiled that was just plain nasty and mean and the current panther that I have doesn't mind me feeding him but gets stressed when I have to take him out. Chameleons are really a "touch me not" kind of pet. They are awesome to watch and some will get to the point that they don't mind coming out but they are not a ride on your shoulder while you work on the computer or watch TV kind of reptile. And like @Lizzie The Chameleon pointed out, if you are going to be gone long hours, you will need to invest in a misting system. They need to be misted 3-4 times a day because that is how they drink and clean out their eyes. Standing water is a no no. Chameleons are also solitary reptiles. They should not be housed together, in fact, even in separate cages they should not see each other as it causes too much stress.

I loved my bearded dragon. She was such a sweet heart. If you want to look into what their needs are you can check out the bearded dragon forums over at www.bearededdragon.org Beardies do not need the standing water either, but instead of misting several times a day, they get their hydration from their feeders and fruits and veggies as well as a good soaking bath once a week. They love interaction and are so fun watch them run around the house.

By no means do I want to discourage you from getting a chameleon if that is what you really want, but really research into the care and needs for them and really be honest with what you are able to give and then decide if it is something you would be able to do.

 

[Kristen Wilkins]

Good day and welcome . I'm new to chamealon as well . What I can tell you is there in general a look but don't touch pet . As @Nursemaia says and she's 100% right they need specialized care . Take the advice from the keepers here over books . Get the set up first and heated even if you have it a week or 2 . Automatic misters are a must !!. Good feeders , a good calcium vitamin regiment and good UVB lights .

If you're looking for a great companion go the bearded dragon RT . I have had them for ever . There so very friendly and you can hold them .

 

[Lando659]

Thanks so much for your replies! While I would absolutely love to get a chameleon and hope that he is one that will hang out with me, I think I might have to start looking for something else. I'm glad I asked first! Not gonna lie, though. I still really want one. lol.

 

[Peachypink]

Thanks so much for your replies! While I would absolutely love to get a chameleon and hope that he is one that will hang out with me, I think I might have to start looking for something else. I'm glad I asked first! Not gonna lie, though. I still really want one. lol.

You won't always be in the position you are in, there will come a time when you are ready. A smart owner knows their limits and knows when not to get into something they are not ready for, that is just as important as doing the right thing for a pet you already have.

 

[MatthewGregory]

Unfortunately, For the most part, Chameleons should not be held daily. If you want a pet that you can interact with often you might want to consider a different pet. If you can deal with holding it once or twice a week give it a shot.