Should I get a chameleon?

[ragidi]

Hello. It's been quite a while since I last posted. Last time I posted it was in memoriam when my veiled chameleon, Alphys, passed away.
Now I'm back 1 year later, and considering getting a chameleon again.

A huge part of me thinks it's a bad decision. There aren't any reptile vets where I live, so if the chameleon gets sick, I'm afraid the worst could happen.

But I cannot deny my love for chameleons. Taking care of Alphys was one of the best times I ever had.

I've been to a pet store in my city where they sold chameleons. They were kept in a horrible habitat. All the chameleons, regardless of gender, were kept in one cage. The cage was filthy, and most of the chameleons looked sickly, save for a few. Part of me wants to rescue one of them and give it the best life I could give it.

Is it selfish of me to think this way? Should I get a chameleon?

Update: I found a veterinary clinic that says they can treat chameleons

 

[Goose502]

Based on your situation and the situation of the chameleons you saw, no.

 

[April McGregor]

If the Chameleons you saw looked sickly it's not a good idea to purchase one especially if you do not a have a specialised vet you can go to, sounds like a bad recepie to me.

It might be worth branching out and seeing if there are any specialised vets further out from where you are that you would be willing to go to if you did want to purchase one and attempt to nurse them to health if need be.

 

[ragidi]

If the Chameleons you saw looked sickly it's not a good idea to purchase one especially if you do not a have a specialised vet you can go to, sounds like a bad recepie to me.

It might be worth branching out and seeing if there are any specialised vets further out from where you are that you would be willing to go to if you did want to purchase one and attempt to nurse them to health if need be.

I saw one Male veiled chameleon who looked health and colorful. I've also found a vet just now.

 

[ragidi]

Based on your situation and the situation of the chameleons you saw, no.

I've found a very just now. And regarding the chameleons I saw, one of them looked healthy and colorful.

 

[bobbydigital]

I'm on my third chameleon. My first two were rescues who were both short lived. My current who i have yet to debut, is a healthy baby who is growing like a weed which i bought from a reputable breeder. As much as I want to rescue from my local pet store again I won't. It's too much stress and heart break. If you decide to buy another chameleon I would suggest getting one from a site sponsor or someone on here who you know raises healthy babies.

 

[April McGregor]

I saw one Male veiled chameleon who looked health and colorful. I've also found a vet just now.

That's great! If you do purchase him just keep in mind that if the others are unhealthy then there is likely some health issues brewing that might not yet be visable.

It is up to you to decide if you can handle taking on a most likely unhealthy cham but in my opinion I would take on the suggestion by @bobbydigital

 

[Brodybreaux25]

Buy from a reputable breeder. We all want to save the ones at the pet store but all your doing is encouraging the store to produce more unhealthy chams. It’s tough but please resist. If the conditions are present to make all the others sick the same is true for the colorful one, he’s just doing a better job of hiding it. Bright colors can be a sign of stress as well.

 

[JacksJill]

Spare yourself the heart ache and get a well cared for chameleon that you could have for many happy years. I know having one shipped seems stressful but it is much less so than than the pet store experience for the chameleon.

 

[Decadancin]

Agreed, I wouldn't support a place that is continuing to have animals (of any kind) in bad shape. It just continues the cycle. If you do wind up with the one, sounds like the first thing would be to try out your new vet! I would also advise using a reputable breeder. There are no guarantees, but you are starting out from a better place.

 

[ragidi]

Thank you all for your quick replies! You're right, I should buy from a breeder. I'll work on finding one. If I do get a chameleon, I'll post about it!