I am brand new to the forums and I'm learning about chameleon's before I make a purchase, I used to own a bunch of different gecko's, water dragons, bearded dragons, + other species of lizards when I was much younger. I am now 24 and haven't had a pet in over 6 years. I live in Palm Coast, FL which is 20min North of Daytona Beach. I just found out that the Reptile Expo will be in Daytona in 3-4 weeks and I remember my enthusiasm for reptiles. I have been doing some research and I am pretty sure I want a Chameleon. Now for the question's obviously I see myself as a beginner but I am not sure which species to get should I get veiled or panther? There is a big price difference and I'm not sure why, not that price is the issue. Should I get the cage and chameleon at the Expo? or order the cage now? I would like to see the Chameleon first to be 100% sure this is what I want before I drop money on a cage. I looked at screameleons.com and they have a decent starting system is that good option? Any help would be much appreciated, thank you in advance.
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ShaunaLynnA
New Member
hi there and welcome to the forums. There are many great people who will give great advice on the boards and be ready to help for anything. As JaxyGirl said read, read, read and learn. In my opinion if you know you want a cham you will want the cage set up before you get the cham. Screameleons does have some nice starter packages so that is one way to go or go to the site sponsors and create your own package with everything you will need. Another good read for you is this below http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/2007/12/keeping-female-veiled.html very informative information. I hope this helps some and good luck in your search for the new cham 
panther67
Established Member
It all depends on what you like. I first saw veiled's and thought that was what I wanted, then I saw Panthers and fell in love. Panthers are not too hard to care for and have amazing colors. Google images so you can see all of them and then go to the classifieds to find a breeder.
krbshappy71
Member
I am new to chameleons as well. I'd suggest going to the expo but not purchasing. Go, learn, get excited, check out different types, learn how to set everything up, etc. Then order your setup, get it all ready for your new baby, figure out which room of the house will work best for its needs, etc.
Then choose what you want. (male/female/type) By the time you do all this you'll be able to sit back and enjoy him/her knowing you are ready. Your baby will be able to settle in to a home that is ready for it.
Then choose what you want. (male/female/type) By the time you do all this you'll be able to sit back and enjoy him/her knowing you are ready. Your baby will be able to settle in to a home that is ready for it.
krbshappy71
Member
I have not been to a chameleon or reptile expo, I have been to other animal expos and the prices were high and people seemed to purchase on impulse. I just think it would be best to go and really see what you need, maybe look online for prices as well before you go so you have an idea when you get there if its really a deal or not.
I am new to chameleons, it could be different for them. I certainly didn't mean to imply it would be stupid, I was just going off my own experience of other expos I've been to. Just try not to get too swept away was my point, try and be sure you are ready before you get your new baby.
in my exprenses at reptile shows there are very good deals to be had. everything you will need for a cham should be there at the show. even the chams. i like to have a cage setup before i buy any animal but like i said, if you know what you want and NEED then you can get it all at the show. the main reason to buying at shows are the prices, you can get most of what you want with out having to pay shipping. a nice veiled baby is around $50, but then you have to add another $50 just for shipping. make sure you buy from a good dealer ( repticon should have the dealers listed on their site) and you should be good to go.
dale
dale
buzz
New Member
i actually did some researech about the chameleons before i went to a reptile show in my area and i found he pricing to be good. the prices tend to be a lottle lower beacuse of all the competition between the breeders in the room. also it is a tie for them to minimize their stock. I bought a nice 4-5 month veiled (yager) and his setup at the show and he is doing great. just make sure hat you know how to pick a healthy one out of the bunch and not get one that is the weaker one of the bunch. my advise is to look online see what there is. go to the show and look at ALL the breeder stands. dont just look at one and buy and then make your decision. Goodluck man
Elizadolots
New Member
I think the Expos are a great place to get supplies. Cages and stuff can be quite affordable there. They are a great place to look at chameleons and discuss them. However, I would be very careful about buying an animal at an Expo. They are often housed poorly in large groups that include males and females (so, females may well be bred by the time they go home with someone).
If it's a multi-day Expo, then maybe make an initial "supply run" and check out the exhibitors. If you see animals that are being cared for well and feel comfortable with the exhibitor, go back the next day for the animal. That way you don't have to keep the animal in the box while you put the cage together.
If it's a multi-day Expo, then maybe make an initial "supply run" and check out the exhibitors. If you see animals that are being cared for well and feel comfortable with the exhibitor, go back the next day for the animal. That way you don't have to keep the animal in the box while you put the cage together.
warpdrive
Avid Member
Ok, let's face it. You are already hooked on chameleons...
1) You already started posting here on the forums
2) Your asking for advice
3) YOUR TELLING US THAT YOU KNOW OF THE DATONA SHOW...and lots of site sponsors and forum members will be there
Come on now. Who are you trying to fool?
We all know you are going to be going home with a nice baby, so take my advice.
PM anyone who replyed to this thread and ask them to slap together a cage set up and plants/lights, all from LLLreptile.com and you will have everything by next Friday.
With a cage set up and photos posted here to help tweek it and you'll be good and ready for the show.
As others said, read and read some more.
We are also here to help.
Get ready for an adventure...it just began for you.
...And welcome to the forums.
Harry
1) You already started posting here on the forums
2) Your asking for advice
3) YOUR TELLING US THAT YOU KNOW OF THE DATONA SHOW...and lots of site sponsors and forum members will be there
Come on now. Who are you trying to fool?
We all know you are going to be going home with a nice baby, so take my advice.
PM anyone who replyed to this thread and ask them to slap together a cage set up and plants/lights, all from LLLreptile.com and you will have everything by next Friday.
With a cage set up and photos posted here to help tweek it and you'll be good and ready for the show.
As others said, read and read some more.
We are also here to help.
Get ready for an adventure...it just began for you.
...And welcome to the forums.
Harry
ChamieKeeper
New Member
Buy from a reputable breeder first and foremost.
Then all your chameleons won't have issues like mine do.
The most thing you need to look out for is the health of the pet you buy.
You won't need a cage if you get home with an unhealthy animal. Of course it's a great idea to have one ready anyways.
Then all your chameleons won't have issues like mine do.
The most thing you need to look out for is the health of the pet you buy.
You won't need a cage if you get home with an unhealthy animal. Of course it's a great idea to have one ready anyways.
buzz
New Member
yea that was like the show i had over here. there was a lot of selection it was great. Now with picking that is up to you and what you are looking for. I went to the show looking for a panther cause of their great coloring but once i started looking at the veilds and saw that they do get some good coloring as well and that they are the easier to take care of cause they are a little more hardy. Just make sure not to get on that is to young because the price is lower and look at their eyes and grip.
Champeleons
New Member
i am yet to receive my Cham, but i already have my heart set on a panther. Even with the $200 or so price difference & i am VERY frugal when it comes to $, if that tells you anything! Nothing against Veileds, but Panthers are breathtaking
