Which is better; Flap Neck or Jackson Chameleon?
- Thread starter Ultrakd
- Start date
lbesok
Avid Member
Brad Ramsey
Retired Moderator
I know you are just trying to decide if a chameleon is right for you and what species would be a good fit ... but, I would like to pose some questions that have nothing to do with species selection.
1.) Do you have the funds to set up a proper habitat?
2.) do you have the patience to test run this habitat for awhile before introducing a chameleon?
3.) Will you have sufficient financial resources for future medical care if needed? (Chameleon vet bills can get expensive)
4.) Do you have a qualified reptile vet with chameleon experience?
5.) Who will take care of the chameleon when your family goes on vacation? (They need daily care ... multiple times a day)
There are many more things to consider, and I would be a liar if I said I was not trying to discourage you. There is no other animal that you have cared for to date that compares to a chameleon.
It's a big challenge, it's very expensive and takes a lot of time to do properly.
Just my two cents ... I tend to care more about the animals than I do the desires of people who want one for a pet.
-Brad
1.) Do you have the funds to set up a proper habitat?
2.) do you have the patience to test run this habitat for awhile before introducing a chameleon?
3.) Will you have sufficient financial resources for future medical care if needed? (Chameleon vet bills can get expensive)
4.) Do you have a qualified reptile vet with chameleon experience?
5.) Who will take care of the chameleon when your family goes on vacation? (They need daily care ... multiple times a day)
There are many more things to consider, and I would be a liar if I said I was not trying to discourage you. There is no other animal that you have cared for to date that compares to a chameleon.
It's a big challenge, it's very expensive and takes a lot of time to do properly.
Just my two cents ... I tend to care more about the animals than I do the desires of people who want one for a pet.
-Brad
Julirs
New Member
Well said Brad! I completely agree that this is the most time and $$ intensive animal that I have ever owned.
mczoo
Avid Member
I agree
I would add as a new cham owner with diverse animal experience that although i have spent as much time or $$ on other animals. Chameleons NEED constant attention to detail. all the other animals i have owned could do well without my intervetion or full attention for days or even a week. chameleons would not have positive results from this and have imo subtle signs of illness or needs. if missed this is often fatal.
Sean
Julirs
New Member
Regardless of how large they get they need a cage that is 24X24X48 at least if you get a male. There are not many 2 footers out there but many close to 20"!
Trace
Captain Awesome
Veiled Chameleons (it's Veiled, not Veild) can get to be two feet long, but that is a maximum length. I've found most in captivity are around the 18" mark. Even still, that is fairly large and will require a large cage and because the majority of specimens are slightly smaller, you still may end up getting an animal that is on the larger side. Prepare for that.
Flapneck Chameleons aren't necessarily that much smaller than Veileds. I've noticed the Flaps do grow a lot slower than most species, so a smaller cage will work for a longer time, but eventually a large space is needed. My female is fairly active and likes her "elbow room".
Provided you do extensive research on either species, I don't think a CB Veiled is any easier than a CB Flapneck. I don't recommend montanes (Jackson's, Werner's etc.) as a first chameleon.
Have you considered another species or reptile? Crested Geckos and some snakes don't need a huge area and are considerably easier husbandry wise.
Good luck with your decision.
Trace
Flapneck Chameleons aren't necessarily that much smaller than Veileds. I've noticed the Flaps do grow a lot slower than most species, so a smaller cage will work for a longer time, but eventually a large space is needed. My female is fairly active and likes her "elbow room".
Provided you do extensive research on either species, I don't think a CB Veiled is any easier than a CB Flapneck. I don't recommend montanes (Jackson's, Werner's etc.) as a first chameleon.
Have you considered another species or reptile? Crested Geckos and some snakes don't need a huge area and are considerably easier husbandry wise.
Good luck with your decision.
Trace
Trace
Captain Awesome
Flapneck Chameleons are seriously underrated as their personalities are very different from the popular Veileds and Panthers.
Territorial? Yes. My gal is, well, not friendly, but does tolerate short handling sessions and will eat from my hand. Her sister, who resides with a friend, is pure evil and will eat your arm off. She ain't no "harmless little lizard".
Each chameleon is different personality wise and you aren't guaranteed a friendly animal. I've also had chameleons who were the sweetest animals almost all their lives become evil overnight. Who remembers Puff? In general, chameleons are "hands off" kinds of pets.
Cheers,
t
Territorial? Yes. My gal is, well, not friendly, but does tolerate short handling sessions and will eat from my hand. Her sister, who resides with a friend, is pure evil and will eat your arm off. She ain't no "harmless little lizard".
Each chameleon is different personality wise and you aren't guaranteed a friendly animal. I've also had chameleons who were the sweetest animals almost all their lives become evil overnight. Who remembers Puff? In general, chameleons are "hands off" kinds of pets.
Cheers,
t
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