Ok. I will
If they say it is younger then 3 months then I would hesitate to get it with it being a first chameleon. They are a lot of stress and work when they are babies much less being under 3 months.Ok. I will
Okay, Last time I was there, I’m pretty sure they had a few ages. They had one enclosure with babys that they said they wouldn’t sell for another two weeks and another enclosure of ones that look a bit older, I’m not sure the ages, but I’ll ask when I’m there next. If they’re under 3 months I’ll find another place to buy from
Ask if they check fecals for parasites as well.... what are you getting?
I am getting a veiled. I forgot about parasites.. is this something that is passed down or do they have to actually “catch” it? I was wondering because I’m thinking they might breed their own, but I’m not too sure
Sooo this is one of those depends on the parasite.. Most common is exposure from an insect walking through fecal matter that has the parasite oocyst from a chameleon that has parasites. Say the cage was never cleaned properly and they put a new cham in it or a babies. The baby eats the cricket that picked up the oocyst on its body. the Chameleon is now infected. Then there is also parasites that they get from dirty feeders. Same process but the cricket is the carrier. While some parasites are easy to treat others like coccidia is not. It is a nightmare to get rid of and clean. So knowing that the breeder is doing fecals is important and not all breeders do.
Thanks for all the info. If the store does not test for the parasites should I try to find another store Or should I get it tested myself? How much would it cost?
That is your choice honestly and not one I can make for you... a simple fecal can cost anywhere from 30-125... depends on what a vet would charge you. But that is not where it adds up. It is ongoing fecals and meds and vet trips. It is throwing out plants and items purchased because you can’t properly clean them depending on the parasite.
ThanksThat is your choice honestly and not one I can make for you... a simple fecal can cost anywhere from 30-125... depends on what a vet would charge you. But that is not where it adds up. It is ongoing fecals and meds and vet trips. It is throwing out plants and items purchased because you can’t properly clean them depending on the parasite.
My personal opinion is that I will never buy a chameleon if they do not run a decal prior to it coming into my home.
I have had to deal with coccidia and the chameleon passed away a few weeks after me getting him. It was not only one of the most emotional experiences of my life but one of the most expensive as well. Between vet bills and items I had to trash due to contamination.
For me personally I think waiting for healthy perfection is worth it over the impulse to jump and get what you can.
My 2 cents though
I've never heard of a store or breeder doing fecal exams in-house (not that some may not—I just haven't heard of it), and not sure if I'd trust anyone but a herp vet to do one for a reptile—just for my own peace of mind.
There are breeders that do fecals in house and know what they are looking at. They then get treatment if there are positive tests prior to selling the Cham. Those that do this do regular fecals on their own adults to ensure a parasite does not take down their collection.
I thought about that even as I was typing my previous post; it makes sense for... (I want to pick the right word here...) "active" breeders to learn & do in-house fecal exams for that reason.
