Wanting to purchase

[Science_cham]

Hi.

I am wanting to purchase either a male Panther or a Veiled Chameleon with the entire cage setup. I live in North Texas and concerned with the temperature changes. I also have three young children and a dog. I have read a couple of different books but still have questions. I am a science teacher and I would like to be able to bring it into my classroom but I don't want to stress it out.

I want to purchase it from FL Chams and want to get the upgrade kit with mist king, but don't know what size to purchase. The reason I ask about the cage is because I only want to purchase one. I do understand that if I take it to my classroom I will need another cage but this is just the initial cost that I am concerned about.

The question I have about the two different chameleons is which one will be easier to handle with children around. This is because they are going to want to touch it and or handle it.

Also feeding what is the best thing to do since I do teach and my wife works during the day. I don't want to feed it to many crickets at a time and then them bite at the chameleon. This is a big purchase and I want to be set up for chameleon when I get it and not do something wrong or have something come up unexpectable.

Thanks for any help in advance.

 

[Syreptyon]

Honestly, the truest answer is that the best kind of chameleon to bring around children is a stuffed animal chameleon... Especially if this would be your first chameleon, it should be allowed to acclimate for many, many months in order for it to get used to even just you. Only the tamest chameleons should be brought into classrooms in my opinion and, even then, that's an huge source of stress (which is a no-no for chameleons' immune systems). I know the kids will want to handle the chameleon, but please don't forget to ask yourself what's best for the chameleon... The chameleon is 0% interested in being handled by children. Just don't forget to weigh the cost-benefit-analysis of what the children want and what the chameleon needs. There are many reptiles, which are more suitable for classroom activities.

As for species, it's really a toss up. I think, generally, veileds are considered more aggressive than panthers, but it completely depends on the individual. As for feeding, just feed once during the day. As long as there are no stray crickets by the time it's lights off, there is no problem - and you can just remove extra crickets if need be. I would personally just start off with a 24 x 24 x 48 enclosure right away. That's always worked for me.

 

[Science_cham]

Honestly, the truest answer is that the best kind of chameleon to bring around children is a stuffed animal chameleon... Especially if this would be your first chameleon, it should be allowed to acclimate for many, many months in order for it to get used to even just you. Only the tamest chameleons should be brought into classrooms in my opinion and, even then, that's an huge source of stress (which is a no-no for chameleons' immune systems). I know the kids will want to handle the chameleon, but please don't forget to ask yourself what's best for the chameleon... The chameleon is 0% interested in being handled by children. Just don't forget to weigh the cost-benefit-analysis of what the children want and what the chameleon needs. There are many reptiles, which are more suitable for classroom activities.

As for species, it's really a toss up. I think, generally, veileds are considered more aggressive than panthers, but it completely depends on the individual. As for feeding, just feed once during the day. As long as there are no stray crickets by the time it's lights off, there is no problem - and you can just remove extra crickets if need be. I would personally just start off with a 24 x 24 x 48 enclosure right away. That's always worked for me.

Thank you for the information. and I understand about the children. I am the one who wants it. I am jsut trying to decide what to get and what the best time to get it would be.

 

[JacksJill]

I understand wanting to get the complete setup but understand that there will be more needed to create a proper habitat. FlChams kit is far better than most but you will still need plain calcium, a lot more plants for good cover (plastic or preferably live), many more branches and some kind of drainage.
This links to a good blog post on the forum that lists many things you may need. https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/average-cost-of-owning-a-chameleon.522/ The pricing is probably outdated. The 24x24x48 cage would house either species into adulthood.
Panther owners will tell you panthers and veiled owners will tell you veiled. Buying either from good bloodlines that have never been housed in a pet store is the way to go.

 

[Science_cham]

I understand wanting to get the complete setup but understand that there will be more needed to create a proper habitat. FlChams kit is far better than most but you will still need plain calcium, a lot more plants for good cover (plastic or preferably live), many more branches and some kind of drainage.
This links to a good blog post on the forum that lists many things you may need. https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/average-cost-of-owning-a-chameleon.522/ The pricing is probably outdated. The 24x24x48 cage would house either species into adulthood.
Panther owners will tell you panthers and veiled owners will tell you veiled. Buying either from good bloodlines that have never been housed in a pet store is the way to go.

Okay I have seen something about putting a doll rod as a basking branch in the cage. Also what kind of drainage because this is the first time I heard about it. Thank you for the information this has been very helpful.

 

[Crashbandit05]

Here's my .02 with my panther and kids. First thing that comes to mind is a large, adult panther in good health will have a very strong grip that can puncture skin with ease. My 5 year old likes to hold my panther but as soon as he starts to climb up my son's arm, he gets a bit nervous with the "pinching" and I have to gently take the chameleon off. My son's friends have held him too and they generally have the same reaction once the kids feel the grip and claws dig into skin.
When my panther was a baby/juvenile, his cage had a dowel rod frame that I built to help keep him off the screen but I also had many horizontal branches of various thicknesses (Which is good for muscle development/dexterity). For proper hydration, you will need an automatic misting system which will put out tons of water. What works best for me drainage wise is to drill several holes in the bottom panel then place a container underneath for collection.
Panthers are generally more tolerant of handling than veileds but there are exceptions of course. I highly recommend if you get a panther/veiled, get a juvenile and start to acclimate it with hand feeding, your presence, kids, etc. It will need a good while (least a few months) to get use to everything before being around kids. Also having the cage's highest point at at least 6 feet high will help the chameleon feel secure. For example, I'm 6'5 and I have to stand on my toes to look over the top of my enclosure.

 

[Science_cham]

Thank you for the information about the the kids and your panther that helps a bunch. Also what kind of misting system do you have? Also where did you get your panther from if you don't mind me asking.