Thinking about getting into another species of chameleon.

[Lizardlover]

Yes I know how demanding they are, I read a scientists journal entry who had kept some form namaqua, bred them, but ended up with none, apparantly they drank copious amonts of water and ate a ton, they bred, the babies hatched but they all died withing months, I think one problem is, the chameleons are so opportunistic in the wild since it is such a harsh climate, when they are offered alot it is hard for them to turn it down, so IMO they shouldnt have had that much water or beetles, but heck, what do i know , I also think that it is nearly impossible to recreate the clouds/fog in the early morning they need.

 

[Syn]

Now you're just being a Debbie Downer. LOL

 

[tkilgour]

Good luck finding your new chameleon species!!!!!!

 

[eisentrauti]

Dont forget around 200 of thos beetles they eat a day.

That's a bit too much. As a desert living animal they are forced to manage very bad food conditions. I knew sb who has kept them for a longer period, but they seem to be very difficult. But anyway I don't think that anybody from here is able to get them, so we could erase them from the list.
I still believe there are just round 5 species or so which fit your needs, verrucosus, oustaleti, lateralis, dilepis, gracilis maybe senegalensis. But it's not so easy to find CB ones from them, so you I wish you the best for finding some

 

[Syn]

Gonna be fun asking around for CB.

 

[Trace]

I disagree with the F. lateralis lateralis and even the F. lateralis major as being a good choice for Syn. The nominate form does have a wide distribution in Madagascar and some do inhabit the dry forests, many more are found in wet savannahs and humid forests and thus need slightly cooler temperatures and higher humidity. I do not consider them to be the ‘typical’ lowland species.

Good luck in your search.

 

[Syn]

Thanks for the info Trace. I will probably be sticking to Oustaleti and Verrucosus, but seems like everyone likes Oustaleti. I will be concentrating my research on them.

 

[Vegas Chad]

I like verrucosus way better than Oust's... I have had them outside here for most of the hot season and they loved it.

 

[Syn]

Well find me one with a good personality and CB

Any idea on the next show?

 

[Vegas Chad]

We should have F2 CBB's by the next Az show.

 

[DGray]

Oustalet's vs. verrucossus

Hey Chad, with the forbearance of the OP, would you contrast the personalities of the two species?

 

[Vegas Chad]

The main thing with the verro’s is that they tend on the shy side; I keep mine in cages that are planted more heavily than the others. They are very hardy, and have a dramatic color change from their normal (usually) drab resting colors. However males when fired up are quite striking and the females are very pretty with cinnamon browns, deep reds and xbox greens, I like the prehistoric look that the verro’s have too with the big heads and large scales, once they get used to their new homes usually open up a bit eating in front of you and not always trying to look like a stick. Like the Oust’s they are a very unappreciated chameleon.

 

[ColorCham427]

The main thing with the verro’s is that they tend on the shy side; I keep mine in cages that are planted more heavily than the others. They are very hardy, and have a dramatic color change from their normal (usually) drab resting colors. However males when fired up are quite striking and the females are very pretty with cinnamon browns, deep reds and xbox greens, I like the prehistoric look that the verro’s have too with the big heads and large scales, once they get used to their new homes usually open up a bit eating in front of you and not always trying to look like a stick. Like the Oust’s they are a very unappreciated chameleon.

Chad, your xbox greens description gave me great visuals... hehe... I think its awesome how so many ppl on here are working with other species!!!

 

[Syn]

Alright Chad, thanks!

 

[Carlton]

Not at all like the nasty verrucosus.

Nasty verrucosus? Not all of them. Mine was a gentle nice little guy. Shy, not nasty. Beautiful colors too. Tolerant of lower humidity. I wouldn't take them off the short list. But, I would suggest that you'll have to deal with your water quality no matter what you choose. You will probably need a humidifier or misting system at some point so be prepared. I used to live in CO on well water and kept melleri. Lots and lots of misting and humidifiers to maintain. If you clean out the systems regularly with vinegar it will help control the hard water deposits that damage them.

 

[Syn]

Thanks for the input Carlton, I'll keep that in mind.

 

[Ryan Jarosek]

The main thing with the verro’s is that they tend on the shy side; I keep mine in cages that are planted more heavily than the others. They are very hardy, and have a dramatic color change from their normal (usually) drab resting colors. However males when fired up are quite striking and the females are very pretty with cinnamon browns, deep reds and xbox greens, I like the prehistoric look that the verro’s have too with the big heads and large scales, once they get used to their new homes usually open up a bit eating in front of you and not always trying to look like a stick. Like the Oust’s they are a very unappreciated chameleon.

Lets not forget temperature. f. verru's can tolerate higher temperatures. This summer under close observation I kept them outside in temps (Directly in the Sun) obviously cooler in the shade. Of 105 F (107 on the hottest day). Water was constantly provided and watched a huge boost in energy and size in all the verrus I kept. One had an infected foot that healed during the process. The did not sit in the sun. Base of the plant was more like it.

They are back in side now and have slowed down a lot now that it is cooler.

 

[ijmccollum]

I have to say I am really starting to like the little Rieppeleon brevicaudatus. Not pricey, breedability -- granted not long lifespan but if you could successfully breed them you would alwys have some and possibly excess could be traded in at the local petstore for supplies or goodies.

 

[Vegas Chad]

Here you go. One of our males fired up, he has awesome green colors with a little blue and yellow.

 

[summoner12]

Here you go. One of our males fired up, he has awesome green colors with a little blue and yellow.

Pretty cool chad!