Been Thinking about getting a Chameleon....Any Ideas?

[Crackster69]

I have really want to add a Chameleon to my collection, and I am stuck on what kind to get. I want to take my time to make sure I get the one I want.

I have been looking at Panther Chameleons, Vield chameleons & The Jackson Chameleon. I myself am leaning towards a Jackson, because I like the look of the horns. What kind would Chameleon should I get.. I want them all but I have to limit myself to only One! but i can't make up my mind? I just about bought a Vielded Chameleon today, but some how I pulled my self together and walked out with only my Kingworm's, Crickets & Mice... Whats everyone's fav Chameleon (The one I should Get)?

I also wanted to ask some questions about cages..... I actualy got excited and started building my Chameleon (which I Don't have yet) his/her cage. I took a 20 Gal long tank, took out the bottom, and fixed it ontop of another 20gal long tank. and a plxie glass lid, with holes drilled in it.

Ok now I seen this Chameleon cage, that you hang from the roof, has no glass walls etc, just suspended in the air, with fake plants for them to climb on, etc. Dose anyone use these cages, I beleve they are made expecialy for Chameleons.

I want to know if they are a good cage to use. Couldn't the Chameleon escape/fall out of the cage? wouldnt they be hard to keep the humidity up? I was think about getting a cage like that and scrapping my 20gal long stack.

I only plan on getting ONE, so would one sex be better that the other?

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[XzyluM]

Before I start my rambling, I just want to say, I don't own a Chameleon, neither do I plan on getting one anytime soon. I read a lot up on them to be curious. First of, Chameleons are not the ideal pet for everyone. They require a lot of maintenance and attention. They must be kept with high humidity and don't really like to be handled. These reptiles usually get stressed a lot and real easily. Sometimes they go off feed for several reasons and can just die with no known causes. Glass enclosures for these reptiles are a NO! The best would probably be a screen enclosure, but glass is not the ideal cage for these reptiles. In my opinion, and from what I read, if you think you can handle the hassel of taking care of these reptiles, you should start off with a Vield or Jackson. They seem to be better to start with. This is my opinion and based on a lot of information and facts stated by owners of these reptiles. Perhaps, if I am wrong, someone can correct me.
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[Ravnos]

Xz is right... as I've said already a few times in earlier posts like this, I recommend veiled chameleons. Once they are established, they are quite hardy. The problem is, babies are so fragile and they need lots of cover and as little stress as possible. I've not found that gender makes a big difference, they all make pretty interesting pets. None of my chameleons have had much interest in pink mice, they stick to gut-loaded crickets and every now and then some king mealies. Just make sure you remove any food that has been uneaten after about 15 minutes or so. Crickets bouncing around the cage will drive your chameleon batty. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Caging is another issue. Most people just think if they put lots of climbing surfaces inside an aquarium, there won't be any problems. I agree with Xz that glass tanks should be avoided, they will try to climb up the sides and frequently fall down. Plus, they need more airflow. So you have to find a medium between humidity and air circulation. I myself keep my veiled in a 40 gallon Reptarium. Vines, sticks, fake plants - a drip system going through a big bundle of fake plants, so it disperses it as it drips down, for humidity. It has worked out pretty well for me.

Rav




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[ChameleonCondo]

I would recomend Vieled or Panther for a 1st cham. They are both hardy. Panthers seem to have a nicer disposition then Veileds. Panthers are alot more $ then Veilds, thats why most people like to start Veileds. Jackson need higher humidity and dont like to be over 75-80F. I have care sheets on all 3 of these chams.Click link below

As for as cageing goes DO NOT USE GLASS/PLASTIC cages. Chams need alot of air flow. Also if a cham sees there own reflection it might think that it is another cham and get stressed. Chams do need humidity, and if there isn't enough air flow bacteria could start to grow. I am the owner of Chameleon Condo, we have sold alot of cages and haven't had problems with our chams getting off. you keep the humidity up the same way you would with a screen cage.

FOR MORE INFO AND >>>>CARE SHEETS>>>CLICK HERE
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[BWSmith]

Chams are very hard to maintain. I have had good luck with pardalis. The one thing that I have learned is that every once in a while, they will get to the end of a branch and decide it is quicker to just let go than walk all the way back. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img] I have had to track down several that picked a branch outside of "the enclosure". Luckily you can always find them clinging to something. Mine seemed to prefer computer wires. I had mine set up with a large ficus in a larger tub with high sides. This seemed to work great for me.

Wino, Rav, break it up kids. Don't make me call mom! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif[/img]
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[savannah_babe]

yea like everyone said..chems are very hard to care for...they CANNOT stay in a glass tank..they see their refelection and it stresses them out..i had a guy trade me and the one he brought up here died within 2 days just from him moving it 2 blocks...and another thing is they dont drink standing water...you would probably need somekind of drip system. unless u plan on keepin them misted every hour or so..but yea i dont keep them myself because of that reason..but if u have any other questions just let us all know! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
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[Jowex]

Hi
I have a yemani chameleon, whitch i think is the sale as a veiled chameleon. Ziggy stardust (the chameleon) is really cool and tame. I advise a veiled chameleon totally. When purchasing one make sure eyes aren't sunken and ask as many Qs as you can. I'll answer as many Qs as I can for you if you send me an E-mail to Histefwereontv@yahoo.com.

Ive had ziggy for about a year and hes a big commitment, but hes worth it. So go for it. I paid £79 for ziggy which is about $125 thats a good price(i think hehe)

anyways I hope that helps you in guiding you to buy one of the coolest cold blooded creatures in the world

Later
Tom
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