Reptile shows or online purchasing

[Pascalperfect]

I have been looking into where to purchase a chameleon, My friend told me she got her veiled from Repticon! From just doing simple research, it seems most people who purchase their chameleons from repticon or other reptile shows, they ended up with sick chameleons and most pass away.

I know from this website that pet stores are a huge no! What are everyones thoughts on purchasing from reptile shows? Should I purchase from a specific website instead?
Feedback always welcome.

 

[absolutbill]

I would steer you towards one of our site sponsors. While you can buy a cham from a repticon (and some of our sponsors go to reptile shows, so that's a win win!), you will probably get longer customer service by going through a sponsor. I've been to plenty of reptile shows, and by and large the chams they have there are extremely stressed out, and are just not in great shape at all.

Because I'm down in Florida, FL Chams is at quite a few of the shows I attend, so I have to mention that they are the exception rather than the rule, and their chams look great! Don't be daunted by shipping if you go through a sponsor - they are pros and know what they are doing, plus you will get to see pics of the sires and dams of your cham. Good luck!

 

[Olimpia]

I've purchased quite a few animals from Repticon and other shows, and more often than not with a very happy purchase. I did buy one WC gecko once out of naïveté but that was a mistake I haven't made again.

I wrote this blog a few months back about what to look out for when buying a chameleon from a show: http://muchadoaboutchameleons.blogspot.com/2012/07/use-caution-when-buying-chameleons-from.html

I find that it's pretty easy to spot who you can trust and who you can't from a show, and the more pride they have in their animals the better they will be displayed and caged. Take Chamalot Chameleons, for example, who will house individual males and females in their own cages, with their lights, vines, sticks, and some plants. So you know those chameleons are their pride, and they know how to care for them properly. It is evident in their displays and they expertise.

However, take someone who sells only WC stuff that's about ready to die. Usually they have 10 animals in a small screen cage, or worse, they have the chameleons in deli cups on the table. The animals have no vines, no plants, and maybe a stick or two. And if you check the knowledge of the vendor it's pretty obvious he's just an importer and not a breeder of any of his animals. No expertise.

So definitely go around and look, but just use caution and common sense.

 

[deadhd5]

Great advice given by Olimpia and Absolutebill.

I will only add that in addition to the site sponsers there are a lot of good breeders who sell chams in the classified section on this site. I would make sure they have a long track record on the site (>200 posts).

I had a very bad experience with a reptile show that ended in heartbreak, so I may be a little biased against them. Not to mention that the reptile shows in my neck of the woods are pretty lame compared to repticon. The Cincinnati and Columbus shows have very few chams and are held in an old freemason lodges.

 

[jaredg87]

I have been looking into where to purchase a chameleon, My friend told me she got her veiled from Repticon! From just doing simple research, it seems most people who purchase their chameleons from repticon or other reptile shows, they ended up with sick chameleons and most pass away.

I know from this website that pet stores are a huge no! What are everyones thoughts on purchasing from reptile shows? Should I purchase from a specific website instead?
Feedback always welcome.

what breed are you looking for? I know a breeder with great deals with amazing health chameleons. kinyongia is the breed. I have 1 female now. 1 male and one female coming in any moment I've been up all night waiting lol. If you want I can post pics and give you his links.
his username on this site is seeco