Veiled or Panther

[RobertsKitty]

I am very interested in getting a chameleon. I currently have 3 crested geckos and I have been doing a ton of research on chameleons.

Here is my situation:
I really want an animal I can handle occasionally. I get the geckos out maybe once or twice a week, normally for cleaning. I know many people talk about being able to hold their panthers, and a lot of people have 'mean' veileds.

I am also saving for my wedding and the down payment for my fiance and I to get a house so money isn't plentiful but it isn't so bad that I can't afford either. I know most panthers are pretty expensive and that veileds (generally) are not.

As far as I understand the basic care needs are the same for both. I know I want a male to avoid dealing with eggs (infertile or not).

What would be best for me?

 

[CHScrusader]

for a chameleon beginner, i strongly suggest the Veiled.. like you said males are simply easier and lest complicated to take care of. Veileds are the hardiest chameleon specie and and can survive in different conditions than the panther can, but are less exotic than panthers. i have a veiled and it is perfectly healthy and it's simple to take care of. hope this helps.

 

[Kate]

Hi there. i have had veiled, one a sweetheart the other a nightmare to handle. At present i have a panther who is climbing all over me as i type. The set up is similar and can be expensive. Veiled are more forgiving of mistakes in husbandry. I would advise you to do your research on this forum before buying. I have chosen boys as like you i don't feel prepared to cope with egg laying.You have come to the right place to ask questions. Good luck with what you buy. Be warned chams are addictive!! BTW i have crested geckos as well.

 

[yojon3000]

Veileds are cheaper Panthers are more expensive Ive only had a veiled. But my view I dont have a panther cause I dont want to pay that much and have never had a cham before. a veiled I think is the same care though If Im correct. so you could possibly get a veiled. I know youll get addicted then maybe get a panther . I have two cresties .
as for being aggressive my veiled is a male yea he hisses if my hand is near him but once I take him out he doesnt hiss. and when outside he doesnt hiss when i take him off trees. Im not sure if every veiled is like that or just mine. But Im guessing mine is like that cause he know the cage is his home and hes territorial about that but not outisde he never hisses at me.I guess since hes unfamiliar with the trees and lets me move him if I need to

 

[Irwinthechameleon]

I have a veiled chameleon and there really easy to care for if you get everything right , it's not too hard and they are cheaper than the panthers. They hiss sometimes and can bite but it doesn't really hurt too bad just more of a shock .

 

[jaredg87]

I would go veiled first. They are way cheaper to purchase and easier to handle for beginners. Chameleons is a HUGE learning curve when it comes to proper care.
veiled's can be a little aggressive when picking up but there not gonna rip your finger off, just flare up. Once you get him or her out of his cage though and on your hands he will calm in a matter of seconds.

Enjoy your step into the world of cham's they are the most rewarding pets i've ever owned

 

[creddjobs]

Panthers are cool!

 

[pssh]

Get whichever you want. They are both great 'beginner' chameleons so long as you get a 3+ month old animal and give them proper care. 4-5 months is even better. Both can be 'friendly' or aggressive. Expect aggression, hope for a docile animal.

You dont want to get stuck with an animal you dont want so get the one you prefer.

 

[imcurt]

Get a Panther! There colors are better,There temperment is better,There care is almost the same as a veild .The biggest diffrence is veilds can handle heat a little better,and prefer a warmer basking spot .Most breeders have a care sheet As long as you follow that care sheet. You most likley wont have any problems.If you do,most breeder will be happy to help you thew any issues that come up.You should be able to find a 3 month male panther for around200 plus shipping I kept veilds for years .These days im all about panthers! There is a care sheet on my website that will give you the basics on keeping panthers. My signature is a link. Good luck with your quest curt

 

[Reptar88]

I have to agree I shyed away from getting a veiled as a starter cham for the exact same reason. So I decided to go with a panther instead. It's truly a matter of thoroughly doing your research first. I say this from experience because my panther is not only my first cham but also my first reptile.

 

[hpc1979]

In your circumstance, i would go with the veiled.

 

[Psychobunny]

I love them both, but to gain experiece, a veiled male is the top choice.
Panthers are not much harder to care for, but they need higher RH and
temps while still maintaining good ventilation.

I love Jacksons too, but I dont recommend them unless you have tons of
time, patience, and money.

 

[FrankTheTank]

I got a veiled a few months ago and love him. I wouldn't trade him for anything. I heard that are easier to care for as mentioned and I found mine for around $70 so that was what drew me in to befin with. I personally think veiled chams are cuter but panthers do have prettier colors usually. I guess its all in the time money and effort you want to put in. Do more research on both before deciding though!

 

[ISA my Veiled]

I honestly think you should get a Veiled before putting that 300 investment so you can see what you are getting into. Honestly my Veiled is really sweet and nice. They have their moments like all chameleons. From my experience with all the reptiles i have had, they are the most complex and take a lot of time and effort. Very worth it though, I love my chameleon so much. Veiled aren't mean, it depends on the chameleon really. A lot of people on this forum have very nice Veiled Chameleons. So I mean honestly, like I said before make the smaller investment first and then go big or go home later when you are comfortable and have more experience. Good luck though! You will enjoy whatever choice you make!

 

[Zubi]

I would just like to say that I got a panther as my first chameleon, hell, I got him as my first pet, and I love him to death. I take care of him like he's my kid, I did all my research a month before I got him, but like almost all of us, I'm still learning. Just because its going to be your first, doesn't mean you have to cancel out a panther. If it is a money issue then a veiled is the better option, but panthers are hardier than people make them out to be

 

[SvenTheChameleon]

For your situation I would recommend a Veiled just because It's less expensive.
But if your willing to pay more go with the panther because there colours are truly amazing. But that's just my opinion even though I don't have a panther. Good luck with your decision, Either one you pick you'll have tons of fun with.

 

[Calypso]

Not sure about the difference in expenses between a panther and a veiled, but not after I bought mine did I really understand how expensive they can be. After it's all said and done you can easily spend $600. Veileds really can be moody, but every one is different. Ranging from some that won't let you get close, to some that love the attention. The best route I would go is to get them used to you slowly through seeing you everyday, to hand feeding, to handling eventually. Most veileds, from what I hear, are more territorial hissing in their cage, but once you get them out they soften up. I hear veileds are easier to take care of, but honestly if I had the the opportunity I would for sure get a beautiful, colorful panther. As far as the price of the chameleons themselves; panthers are around $100 more expensive usually. However, if you get an adult of either one you can find their prices can be pretty close if you can find a good deal on a panther. Check out the part of the forum for sales. I think I saw a guy post Ambanja panther babys for $150. Just depends on how hard you look and what exactly you're looking for.