Panther questions...beginner kits, age, etc.

[lily2521]

I think we've decided on a Panther, not 100% yet, but with some advice received here and some more searching online I'm leaning towards a panther. I want to get setup taken care of before we bring one home.

First, are the kits sold sufficient for someone, like us, just starting out? Are there other things I need to buy, or do most kids come ready to go with what we'd need?

Also, as far as size, do we need to change size of the enclosure as the Panther grows, or can we get a larger one now (2x2x4) knowing once full grown that's what he'll need? I don't want to have to buy multiple enclosures if we don't need to, just because of the money we're already spending on this.

We have a local store that has a few juvenile panthers available, so I didn't know if a 2x2x4 cage would be too large?

And...when they say they are juvenile's, about how many months old is that? At what age should a panther be when sold, ideally? I am having a hard time finding this answer online...

 

[lily2521]

After I posted this I did find some answers on the care sheet for Panthers offered on this site

I found my answer as to at what ages they're considered juveniles versus adult.

I am still wondering about cage size, and kits, though

 

[Kiwiflage]

The care sheet is an excellent resource. Any kits you find from the site sponsors will most likely have everything you will need(minus live plants). All the owners of those sites will be more than willing to direct you to the best fit to your needs. Good luck, and welcome to the hobby! You can never read too much!!!

 

[Diego Lamb]

So I got my male Panther at 5 months described as a 'juvenile' by the pet shop assistant. He was in a small enclosure with three females of the same age. Ive had Diego a month and his growth rate has been crazy. He has grown three inches, and has become a lot 'fuller' looking. His juvenile enclosure is already too small for him. I know this by how he endlessly patrols the enclosure, and hints to come out. I strongly suggest that if the panther male is anywhere near to 5months just go straighy for an adult enclosure. Just make sure you fill bigger space with lots of hiding spots if your guy has a shy temperament. Chameleons seem to have a way of making their needs obvious if you just observe them for a while!

 

[rikerchameleon]

My panther is 3months old
And loves his 2x2x4 cage
Buy everthing on amazon when i bought my stuff for my panther amazon was the cheapest

2x2x4 cage
Monsoon rs400 misting system
A drip system

Two or more light ballast
A 5.0 or 10.0 uvb light witch ever you perfer i us a 5.0...
Basking lights witch rang from different watts . pick wich will suit your needs
A bunch of fake plant
And some live plant at home depot make sure you follow the live plant replant guidelines wich can be found on here or on youtube
A bunch of fake vines, That can bend ! Of course
Get your feeders set up befor you get your chameleon
Also you can purchase fake plants at Michaels just wash befor using .

 

[lily2521]

So I got my male Panther at 5 months described as a 'juvenile' by the pet shop assistant. He was in a small enclosure with three females of the same age. Ive had Diego a month and his growth rate has been crazy. He has grown three inches, and has become a lot 'fuller' looking. His juvenile enclosure is already too small for him. I know this by how he endlessly patrols the enclosure, and hints to come out. I strongly suggest that if the panther male is anywhere near to 5months just go straighy for an adult enclosure. Just make sure you fill bigger space with lots of hiding spots if your guy has a shy temperament. Chameleons seem to have a way of making their needs obvious if you just observe them for a while!

Thanks, If I can get away with just buying the larger 2x2x4 cage to start I'd prefer to, just to avoid extra costs, but if it's best for him to start off with a smaller cage I will do that, I'm running to the store today to see what they have for juvenile's, so i'll have a better idea of size/age after today, they just told me juvenile, didn't say how many months, etc.

 

[rikerchameleon]

Thanks, If I can get away with just buying the larger 2x2x4 cage to start I'd prefer to, just to avoid extra costs, but if it's best for him to start off with a smaller cage I will do that, I'm running to the store today to see what they have for juvenile's, so i'll have a better idea of size/age after today, they just told me juvenile, didn't say how many months, etc.

My 3 month old panther is in a 2x2x4 cage with colors fake plants and 18 feet of fake vines and drip system and he is eating and drinking and growing rapidly. Just buy on amazon cheap cheap

 

[lily2521]

My panther is 3months old
And loves his 2x2x4 cage
Buy everthing on amazon when i bought my stuff for my panther amazon was the cheapest

2x2x4 cage
Monsoon rs400 misting system

Two or more light ballast
A 5.0 or 10.0 uvb light witch ever you perfer i us a 5.0...
Basking lights witch rang from different watts . pick wich will suit your needs
A bunch of fake plant
And some live plant at home depot make sure you follow the live plant replant guidelines wich can be found on here or on youtube
A bunch of fake vines, That can bend ! Of course
Get your feeders set up befor you get your chameleon
Also you can purchase fake plants at Michaels just wash befor using .

Thanks I'll take a look, I might skip the misting system for now and hand mist 2x a day with a dripper.

Do most people mix live and fake plants, or do one or the other?

How do I know which bulbs to use, 5.0 or 10.0? same with what wattage bulb, how do I know which I need?

 

[rikerchameleon]

I have a 5.0 seems light it is sufficient. And i would invest in the rs400 is 85 buck on amazon its completely automated.its worth it and keeps the humidity where you need it.

 

[rikerchameleon]

It just depends on the person for the fake and live plants. i have both just waiting for the live plants to fill in .mainly fake plants right now