Newbie

[Mrwaylay]

Hi all,
I'm looking to setup, and start keeping, my first chameleon here in the UK. I'm not new to keeping herps / inverts in general, however I'm aware that chameleon care can be quite specific. I was hoping to get some general guidance and advice. If anyone can answer some of the points / questions below, that would be great:

First off, what would be best as a 'starter' species? I like the idea of a Panther, especially a Nosy Be if possible. Is this realistic?

From all the reading I have done, I am aware that airflow is vitally important for chameleon care. I am looking at a wooden, glass fronted vivarium. I know that this in general is a no-go, but hear me out. This viv has two vents, top and bottom, which run the length. It also has four air vent in the rear. Apparently, the top and bottom vents create a 'chimney' effect, circulating the air. What are peoples thoughts re this sort of set up?

I am also wanting to plant the viv with live plants. I have read that live plants help by taking in excess moisture, and by producing oxygen. Can anyone recommend some decent, non-toxic species? And should I use a substrate in the bottom to plant in to, or go with potted plants?

Finally, is it worth investing in an automatic fogger? I've been looking at a Lucky Reptile Super Fogger. Anyone had experiences with these?

Thanks for any advice in advance. Nothing has been purchased as of yet; I'm trying to do as much research as possible before committing myself!

Martin

 

[Cait0420]

Hi and welcome! I can help with the plants, I'd go with potted schefflera, pothos, spider vines, ficus, hibiscus, etc. there is a safe list of plants on here by one of the sponsors.
Not many people in the states or canada use the type of enclosure you're looking at but it seems they are popular in Europe so they must work for some people. Just make sure you have proper drainage for the extra water.
I did do a thread on substrate and that also seems popular in Europe but most people here will advise against it do to impaction.
Hope this helped a little! Good luck!!

 

[kplatvoet]

If you want a panther - I would say go for it - most people here in the states go with either a panther or a veiled as they are the most common captive bred and there is a lot of information on proper care - keeping temps is more of a problem in the UK and panthers don't need as high basking as veiled - captive bred is the important thing as an imported wild caught most often have more problems adjusting.
I would go with potted plants not a planted bottom and a mist king instead of a fogger - depending on the species you end up with - getting your water amounts right with a chameleon aren't always the same as with your plants and it's easier to take out a potted plant that's not doing well. With a misting system it gives your vivarium a chance to dry out and the fogger really doesn't let them drink - so you would need a dripper or spraying anyway - as Cait mentioned drainage can be a problem - I would not recommend substrate to anyone keeping a first chameleon -

 

[Mrwaylay]

Hi again. So I'm now looking at which species of Cham to go for. I've been in contact with a reputable local dealer. They have young Nosy Be's, Ambilobe's, and Jackson's available. I had asked what we be a best starter species, and was told that there's not really such a thing as a 'starter species', they just each have slightly different requirements. I just wanted to asks peoples opinions re which would be best to go for, bearing in mind this would be my first Cham.

 

[shmeenakoz]

hello and welcome I started with a baby Ambilobe myself. He is now 7 months and doing great! I acquired him in the dry winter so i decided to buy him a viv (also he was too small for his screen enclosure) to better keep RH. It was totally fine for him, i will say though that drainage is an issue with those, so come up with a good plan before planting. Mine was fully planted but soil was covered with rocks or ground cover type plants. Panthers are easier than you think, you just need to make sure your husbandry for your species is spot on and that you constantly monitor any changes. Just being observant is key. Good luck and have fun, its so exciting

 

[Mrwaylay]

Awesome, thanks for the advice. I'm being to lean towards Panther for sure. Thinking Ambilobe at the mo, but that may change between now and then

 

[kplatvoet]

Panthers are easier than you think, you just need to make sure your husbandry for your species is spot on and that you constantly monitor any changes. Just being observant is key. Good luck and have fun, its so exciting

I totally agree with shmeenakoz on the above. Different things work for different situations what works in New Jersey might not work as well in Arizona or Old Jersey. I'm not very good with plants - which is why I don't think going for a planted viv is a great idea for a newbie- It takes a bit of trial and error to get it right - Since you've had some experience with other species you might know more about a planted viv than I ever will- But I would start with pots.

The difference between my jackson and my panther as far as care is that my jackson was that my jackson really showed a difference from my so-so care as a newbie. The better I did at gut loading and changing up her feeders the happier and healthier she was. Starting with a good breeder makes a difference too. My panther show differences too but not to the same extent.
The difference between my chameleons and my daughters beardies is the chameleons are way more sensitive to change- and need a more rigid schedual - I don't find the actual care as "harder" as long as we keep them both to their care sheets -

 

[shmeenakoz]

"The better I did at gut loading and changing up her feeders the happier and healthier she was. Starting with a good breeder makes a difference too."
(sorry I don't know how to just pick a part quotes)

Exactly kplatvoet!! This is great advice I forgot to mention too. Ever since Kai was a wee lad, I gut loaded every night with fresh fruits, veg and other things a food hippie has handy in the pantry or fridge. Don't skimp on these things dry and/or fresh food for bugs. Your cham will reap major benefits plus just being a happy guy. Your bugs will also appreciate their awesome last meals Check out the food blogs on this forum for recipes and tips!
Everyone including myself were in shock how big and bright he became in no time at all! My mom even said, "my god chrissy, what do you feed him!" Lol, gotta love moms. My fiancé also calls him Godzilla And then you are filled with a crazy sense of pride that you helped "grow" that! So yeah whatever you decide read all you can on that particular species and never be afraid to ask Q's or for help.

 

[Mrwaylay]

Ok, so I've got the viv all setup. I've gone for the one described. And I'm sure I'll get shouted at, but I've gone with a planted, substrate bottom. I place a water proof sheet layer down first, followed by a layer of hydroponic clay pebbles. Next was a layer of porous weed matting, the a layer of organic potting compost. Plant wise, I've gone with a ficus, a bromeliad, a spider plant, and an orchid. I must say, it m's looking very pretty! Next in gonna add a clean-up crew of isopds, woodlice, and worms. Humidity is sitting at about 80% at the mo, which should suite a panther nicely. I've got my Big Dripper coming in on each side of the viv, and it's running nicely