What type of chameleon should I get?

[CHer23]

Sorry, I sometimes assume people know this stuff when most don't. A locale is essentially where in Madagascar the chameleons wild ancestors can be found. Each location has panthers that have different coloration, and to a very minor extent different body shapes. They are all the same species, just different coloration. For example when someone says they have a Nosey Be panther the ancestors were from the island of Nosey Be off the west coast of Madagascar and tend to have more blue coloration. An Ambilobe is from a region in Madagascar by the same name and have a general set of color traits. There is a huge variation in the species.

A mixed locale would be when the ancestors are from two different areas. Many like to breed pure locales to preserve specific color traits and because it often increases the value. Mixing locales reduces the chances of having related ancestors and reduces the chance of a detrimental recessive trait manifesting.

Learn something new everyday! (Especially when it comes to chameleons) Can you point me in the direction of a mixed locale panther?

 

[DanSB]

Learn something new everyday! (Especially when it comes to chameleons) Can you point me in the direction of a mixed locale panther?

All of the sponsors on this site are top notch and will treat you right. If I was to buy a panther it would be from one of the members here (watch the classifieds and get to know people) or from Kammetflage Kreations (Chameleons only) who has cross locales (morphs) or Dr. O's Tie Dyed Chameleons. Both will be slightly more expensive than finding one in the classifieds but they are both A1. Dr. O doesn't have morphs but his chameleons are above top notch health wise and quality wise.

 

[CHer23]

All of the sponsors on this site are top notch and will treat you right. If I was to buy a panther it would be from one of the members here (watch the classifieds and get to know people) or from Kammetflage Kreations (Chameleons only) who has cross locales (morphs) or Dr. O's Tie Dyed Chameleons. Both will be slightly more expensive than finding one in the classifieds but they are both A1. Dr. O doesn't have morphs but his chameleons are above top notch health wise and quality wise.

Thank You so much for your help! I think you have sold me on just going ahead and getting the panther when I get the permission.

 

[kplatvoet]

If you were to get a panther from either of those places -you mother would never have to worry about you leaving it to her to take care off (not that I think you would)- almost anyone on the here would take it off your hands -

 

[sandrachameleon]

Thank You so much for your help! I think you have sold me on just going ahead and getting the panther when I get the permission.

You'll not regret it.
though veiled are just as awesome
(I have both)

 

[jannb]

Dez is an excellent small time breeder and she has some nice veileds and panthers but no mixed (cross) panthers.
http://www.chamalotchameleons.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10&Itemid=8#veild

Steve (todnedo) has some beautiful crosses and he's an excellent keeper too.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/faly-crosses-120451/

 

[DanSB]

I have a rule: always listen to Jann and Sandra (there are a few others, but very few).

Dez and Todenedo are both good choices as well.

The reason I think Dr. O is awesome is because he is. How many opportunities will you get to purchase from veterinarian who will offer advice for the life of your Cham? I know both of the above will still help and are insanely knowledgeable as well.

Really your best bet is to find a Cham you like and PM a few people you trust around here to check them out.

There are many awesome veileds, but there are a lot more veileds out there and your chances of getting a sick or genetically flawed veiled is better than getting a panther. In my opinion a first cham for someone new to reptiles should be the one with the highest probability of being healthy and strong. I think a mixed locale panther followed by a panther from an exceptional breeder fits this bill the best followed a close second by a veiled from an exceptional breeder.


Jann knows the people around here and their reputations way better than me but I'm happy to help.

 

[DanSB]

I just read Tod's advert, those would be perfect for you if you like them.

 

[CHer23]

Dez is an excellent small time breeder and she has some nice veileds and panthers but no mixed (cross) panthers.
http://www.chamalotchameleons.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10&Itemid=8#veild

Steve (todnedo) has some beautiful crosses and he's an excellent keeper too.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/faly-crosses-120451/

I just read Tod's advert, those would be perfect for you if you like them.

I had actually just looked at these chams a couple of hours ago. Wish I could get them right now! I hope he has more when I get a cham.

 

[DanSB]

I had actually just looked at these chams a couple of hours ago. Wish I could get them right now! I hope he has more when I get a cham.

Heck, I wish I could get one right now. Those are going to be awesome and I don't particularly like panthers.

 

[CHer23]

Heck, I wish I could get one right now. Those are going to be awesome and I don't particularly like panthers.

What type do you personally prefer?

 

[DanSB]

What type do you personally prefer?

I love most chamaeleo species (Senegal, graceful, flapnecks), bradipodion species, and most triceros, I'm just not as hyped about furcifur or caluma species.

I really like them all though and could easily own any chameleon one day...