What should I do!?

[Bizzle90]

I'm thinking of getting a chameleon (Nosy Be or Ambilobe), but my dad is kind of discouraging me!

He's telling me that it will be a pain in the ass to get set up, feeding bugs for its whole life, getting the right temps, misting, etc.

Is it really that hard?

I have two bearded dragons and they are extremely low maintenance because they eat vegetables the majority of the time now that they are adults.

Someone give me some convincing words!

 

[carol5208]

I wouldn't say it is hard, but might just take a little time getting everything adjusted and right, like the temps and humidity. The biggest pain in the butt is keeping all the different feeders and FEEDING them! That is where your cost comes in. Some people choose to breed their insects which is cheaper but will consume even more of your time. All the insect habitats need to be kept sanitary and clean also. The insects are going to cause you more time cleaning up than your chameleon! They only poop once a day or every couple of days and their poo and pee and is all in one!! lol! They are very clean animals!!! All in all, they are very rewarding to own, bugs and all!!!

 

[icegecko]

I am not going to lie, your dad is right. It's a big time and financial commitment. If you want your chameleon to be happy (which you do if you're getting one!) you will be setting your schedule pretty much around it. They are NOT bearded dragons. They are one of the most high maintenance reptiles you can get. People here may say otherwise, but that's just because they are so used to it (I know I am)! I spent months researching and talking with people before getting my first chameleon. Honestly, spending over $1000 in a year on your chameleon is pretty easy to do considering all the equipment and feeders, not to mention the price of the chameleon itself. Once you have everything set up right and have your feeders established, things get significantly cheaper. That's how people are able to have more than one chameleon. However, the time commitment is huge. If you just feed one feeder the chameleon will get sick of it and refuse to eat it-that's why you need variety in insects to feed your chameleon. These feeders in turn require most of your attention. You can find threads about how feeder care is more time intensive than actual chameleon care! Having a chameleon is like having a child.

If you have the time and the financial means, go for it. You will not regret it. Chameleons are beautiful, intelligent, majestic and they sure as hell know it. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Look at this forum in depth. Ask chameleon breeder and people on this site your questions. DO NOT get a chameleon on a whim- you'll kill it.

Chameleons are serious business. Business that if you're not careful, you may become addicted to!

 

[allencg101]

yeah sometimes i'll run to different pet stores and listen to what there expert says especially with panthers they say they are to hard for first timers with yadda yadda yadda but they are real easy to keep like carol said very clean too. but set ups do tend to be pricey at times but so worth it I just love their personalities!!!

 

[meleondollars]

There is a reason for me naming my Cham Meleondollars, lol. She is very rewarding though and an enjoyable pet if you have the time and resources.

 

[DavidBuchan]

I'm thinking of getting a chameleon (Nosy Be or Ambilobe), but my dad is kind of discouraging me!

He's telling me that it will be a pain in the ass to get set up, feeding bugs for its whole life, getting the right temps, misting, etc.

Is it really that hard?

I have two bearded dragons and they are extremely low maintenance because they eat vegetables the majority of the time now that they are adults.

Someone give me some convincing words!

Your Dad has a point - much more of a commitment than beardies, Chams will not tolerate mistakes or fools very well at all. Getting a setup is easy if you ask on this forum, because the advice is second to none.........it will cost you a bit to get it right, though. Looking after feeder insects is surprisingly time consuming.......I breed crickets and locusts as staple foods for my two Chams, I also breed mealworms, and just got in a package of 500 Calciworms (Phoenix worms)........You are what you eat, and a chameleon is also what it's food eats, so good quality gutload is a must to keep a Cham in good condition.
You can't handle Chams like Beardies either - more of a display pet like tropical fish..........but you sound like you want to give it a try, and you're checking out what you're in for before starting so if you do your research before you buy, and you are sure you won't get bored of it (almost impossible with a Cham - they are totally amazing in every.single way I can think of except they don't have dragon wings!)
Just save up and tell your Dad you are getting one!

 

[seanUTD]

If your wanting us to convince you that its not a pain /: Probably not gonna happen... Rewarding pets? yes. Awesome hobby? yes. fun? yes. Easy? No. Low maintenance? NO! Chams can be finicky creatures and as people have stated their food is the hardest part... One of the only animals I know where "enrichment feeders" are mandatory... With chameleons you HAVE to enjoy the tasks that they require or else it becomes a chore and you will not enjoy it as much... For me my two boys are an everyday part of my life... I come home on lunch breaks just to check on them and mist them.... My days off are spent at home so I can give them natural sun and snap some of the MILLIONS of pics I've already posted on this site... They become your life, your hobby, your fun... And your biggest expenditure... They cost a lot and nobody will be able to soften that blow... Just in food for the last three months I've already blown well over $200 to deal with "hunger strikes"... A term I never knew existed until Stanley... Since buying Stanley in April I have dropped close to $1,000 just on him and since buying Herbie I've dropped nearly $500 on him and that's only because I found "loopholes" with him.... Don't let anyone discourage you from what you want but with these guys you need to be sure what your getting yourself into... Because if your not ready, the animal will be the one to suffer, not you... I will be the first one to say that they are the most fun I have ever had with a pet and I've had cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, turtles, mud puppies, birds, frogs, fish, geckos... But they are BY FAR the most demanding....

 

[DavidBuchan]

They don't literally take over your life.......unless you get more than one and spend too much time on this forum though........

 

[Bernie]

They really are fascinating animals to keep - but not easy. How old are you?

They need a daily commitment from you. Not only do they need this but they need a financial commitment too. A lot of this has already been mentioned.

UV tubes need to be changed every 6-12 months. Regular feeder costs (and fresh veggies etc). There is ALWAYS a piece of equipment that you want or need. This is where it becomes a hobby. Also electric costs for lighting etc... Not to mention any potential vet bills in the future (try not to mention that to your dad though).

The initial cost is the worst. But please keep in mind the other costs as you will need to provide these things to keep your Cham happy and healthy.

I must admit I found myself in the deep end a bit when I first started, however I didnt have any parents to convince and was able to provide everything myself.

Dont let this put you off though. You have definitely come to the right place. Forum members can tell you exactly what you do/dont need and where to get it cheapest. People can even advise on how to set it up to make your or your dads life easier.

If I were in your shoes right now I would try to compile a list of everything you need and the costs. Then try to think about the weekly/monthly costs and show your dad how committed your are by showing him how you can contribute if necessary. He may just be thinking this is some kind of phase that you may get bored with or he'll get lumbered with.

Hope this helps.

 

[seanUTD]

They don't literally take over your life.......unless you get more than one and spend too much time on this forum though........

Story of my life unfortunately lol

 

[Bernie]

Story of my life unfortunately lol

Must admit my fiancee has been feeling left out. I dont think she likes it when I ring to ask her how the Cham's are before I ask about her!

 

[icegecko]

Bernie hit the nail on the head. Make a detailed list of EVERYTHING you will need and costs associated. The more detailed the list, the more you will understand what you are getting into. Also, this list will serve as a indicator of your commitment, which will help you plead your case to your father.

 

[lslcronk]

They really are fascinating animals to keep - but not easy. How old are you?

They need a daily commitment from you. Not only do they need this but they need a financial commitment too. A lot of this has already been mentioned.

UV tubes need to be changed every 6-12 months. Regular feeder costs (and fresh veggies etc). There is ALWAYS a piece of equipment that you want or need. This is where it becomes a hobby. Also electric costs for lighting etc... Not to mention any potential vet bills in the future (try not to mention that to your dad though).

The initial cost is the worst. But please keep in mind the other costs as you will need to provide these things to keep your Cham happy and healthy.

I must admit I found myself in the deep end a bit when I first started, however I didnt have any parents to convince and was able to provide everything myself.

Dont let this put you off though. You have definitely come to the right place. Forum members can tell you exactly what you do/dont need and where to get it cheapest. People can even advise on how to set it up to make your or your dads life easier.

If I were in your shoes right now I would try to compile a list of everything you need and the costs. Then try to think about the weekly/monthly costs and show your dad how committed your are by showing him how you can contribute if necessary. He may just be thinking this is some kind of phase that you may get bored with or he'll get lumbered with.

Hope this helps.

Bernie has the right idea! You have to prove to parents you are ready for this commitment! It is a BIG one!
The only thing I disagree with Bernie on is hiding potential vet bills from dad. One of the BIGGEST things you will see ppl who own reptils complain/stress over is VET BILLS! I am a veterinary technician, I know when you have a sick pet it can get incredibly expensive! This is not an area to gloss over or hope won't happen. Just plan for it, start a "Chameleon Care Saving Account" to be used in an emergency. Then you wont end up one of the ppl saying "help, my cham is super sick and I cant afford to take it to a vet". Also, have your parents or if you can, look for a QUALIFIED vet in your area or that you are willing to drive to if needed. The doctor I work for is not comfortable working on chams so even I will be driving 2 hours (at least) to Minneapolis for a herp vet up there if I need one, so that can be a huge issue itself! Things to consider and DEFINATELY add to your list!

 

[DavidBuchan]

Whoever gave me rep on this thread, thanks, and if you put your name after writing your comment I can add you as a friend or give some rep back or something.

 

[Ozzie2011]

I will admit that I am totally addicted to my Chameleon, its sad really that I do spend more time now with him than I do my beloved Parrots...ugh. I will also admit that Oz is my most expensive by far because of his picky strikes. I buy certain feeders and then he decides he doesn't want them that week and the feeders are wasted. I cannot tell you how many times that has happened. It does suck putting so much money into feeders and then you watch them die and never once does your Chameleon touch them. Cleaning and misting is a all day thing for me and I love it honestly because that is when I spend xtra time with Ozzie and take him outside for natural sunlight. I work for my exotic vet so I don't have alot of that expense which I don't know any Exotic vet that is cheap. With all of the expense and cleaning and nurturing Ozzie is still worth it all to me.