New to the forum

[seagrasser]

Thought I would drop a little note to say "Hi".

Been thinking of getting back into reptiles for a long time and have always had a fascination for chameleons.

I am here to learn and will be taking a bit of time to read up on body of knowledge already here in the forum. I may have have to ask a question or two, so please be patient with the newb.

I like what I have seen so far and look forward to contributing when I can.

I am really interested in the panther complex so many of you have. Would love to hear any insight you have to encourage/discourage me from going down this path.

Cheers,

Jason

aka seagrasser

 

[pssh]

I'd go for a male first! The females often are more docile, but with the boys you get to watch them color up! It's best to get a baby of at least 3-4 months old as by then they're usually pretty well off and probably won't die. Of course, if you want a female go for it! Just gotta be careful about eggs and what not.

 

[nick barta]

A good choice. Many breeders here that can provide quality Panthers. Where do you live? You possibly could pick one up, which will allow you to see the breeders setup, and avoid shipping, which can result in deaths.

Be sure to have your cage, watering system, temperatures, feeders, and location for your cham set up BEFORE you get him/her.

Buy a Captive Bred, not a Wild Caught cham so your firsy experience is a good one.

Nick

 

[sandrachameleon]

Welcome.
Im sure you will continue to find this forum informative - I do.

My first chameleon was a panther, and I believe they are one of the better choices for beginners. Females as slightly more work, due to egg laying, but I find they have very interesting personalities and there's nothing wrong with or dull about their colour patterns. But most recommend starting with a male, 5+ months old. Babies are harder than well started juvies.

The more research you do ahead of buying one, the better
Here's some links you may find useful:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/ryan-jarosek/119-new-arrival-bringing-home-new-chameleon.htmlhttps://www.chameleonforums.com/new-arrival-bringing-home-new-chameleon-25076/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/general-care-true-chameleons-5943/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/75-feeder-nutrition-gutloading.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/92-hydration-importance.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/65-supplements.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/82-enclosures-housing.html
http://www.adcham.com/
http://www.chameleonnews.com/
http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/ (panther care is similar to veiled care)
http://www.chromachameleons.com/index.php?page=care
http://www.zorabellarose.com/Careshe...Chameleons.pdf
http://chamworld.blogspot.com/
http://www.herpvetconnection.com
http://www.chamaeleonidae.com
http://www.animalarkshelter.org/cin/
http://www.exoticpetvet.com/breeds/chameleons.htm
http://www.chameleonsonline.com/

 

[laurie]

seagrasser, well i don't Know that is very close to my last name, Sageser. I get sa ge ser, which does sound like your name.

But hey welcome to the forum. We learn a lot, have some spirited discussions, share pictures & other stuff. All in all a great place to hang out. Jump in, ask questions & enjoy.

 

[seagrasser]

Thanks guys,

Great food for thought.

Sandra, I am just south of you in the Seattle area. Nice to know there are people local. You wouldn't happen to know of any breeders around us?

A newbie questions:

Of the panthers, who has the better tempermament or is it on a case by case basis?

Is there any advantage to buying older than 5 months...say 1 year or so?

 

[pssh]

Temperment depends on the chameleon. Sometimes when you buy then younger they seem to turn out more people tollerant. But then again, it can change when they reach maturity. So if you were to buy an adult you could ask about the temperment. Sandra raises chameleons from time to time (or is it all the time?)

 

[seagrasser]

Laurie,

My screen name refers to what I study. I am a seagrass ecologist. It is pretty obscure, but a very important part of the marine environment.

see here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seagrass

pssh...I guess you get what you get, better to ask the breeders ahead of time.

Back to reading the volumes that Sandra posted.

 

[laurie]

Breeders in your area????? Oh yes you have Sandy & Elliott AKA Chameleons Northwest who is one of our sponsors and Sandy is a real sweetheart. Elliott wants to hog all his mellers so I may not class him as nice. OK he is nice and very helpful. Give them a call and you will own an excellent cham & have a great support system.

PS Your job is a bit off the beaten trail.

 

[seagrasser]

Thanks Laurie

I'll give them a call.

In regards to my job...I'm just trying to save the world, one ecosystem at at time.