Hello Everyone,
I am going to be buying my first chameleon, which will be a senegal. I have prior reptile experience on my side, but I need some help finding information on the Senegal. I have looked everywhere and I cannot find a care sheet and supply list especially for the senegal cham. Does anyone know where I can find one? Also, I have already gotten his enclosure, which is an exo-terra 12x12x18 terrarium and have added in some great plants. I do have a specific question related to humidity for my new baby...if I put in an exo-terra waterfall along w/ misting the enclosure w/ a spray bottle 2x a day, should that be sufficient? Please let me know. Thank you all for your help! I'll put up a pic of "Suse" when I get him.

- Liz

I have read posts, posted by experienced chameleon keepers saying that waterfalls are not that great because of bacteria growing in the water, or can cause drowning.

Also what are the kind of plants you are planning on using, do you have a UVB source?

Is the chameleon captive bred?
Most senegals in the trade are wild caught and don't have a very good chance of surviving long due to stress and or parasitic problems.
From what I have read (i have never owned a Senegal) It is not a chameleon recommended for new chameleon owners.
Is this the only choice available to you?
The cage you describe is too small for any adult chameleon. Are you getting a baby?
A waterfall is NEVER a good idea with chameleons. You will need to set up a drip system though, in addition to your misting.

-Brad

__________________
http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/
Dedicated to promoting superior care for Veiled Chameleons

It's kind of early still, especially for Sunday.
I just realized you stated the cham in question is a baby in the title of your thread.
Is it captive bred? Your chances of success are much higher if it is.
Are you getting it from a breeder or pet store?

-Brad

__________________
http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/
Dedicated to promoting superior care for Veiled Chameleons

Yes, I agree with Brad Ramsey. That cage is way too small unless your planning on getting a baby. Eventually you are going to have to get a bigger cage and I would also recommend a drip system.

here are some links that might help you decide.
http://www.adcham.com/html/taxonomy/...egalensis.html

http://www.chameleonnews.com/

__________________
Try not. Do or do not, there is no try.
-- Yoda

Regarding the waterfall, I talked w/ my vet and they said that it would be fine as long as I put gravel in the collection tank and treat the water w/ biotize and aquatize so that the water is cleaned of all chemicals and metals and so harmful bacteria does not grow due to decaying waste. In answer to the breeding question, my baby senegal is captive bred. The plants that I am using are made of silk, for they are easier to care for while in college. I am a little confused on the exact lighting/heating that I need for the enclosure. My vet was able to give me general information on the chameleon but not species specific for the senegal. She also said that the enclosure being 12x12x18 was perfect even for an adult male senegal. Please let me know for I want to provide the best for my new baby!

I strongly disagree with the idea that a waterfall is okay. There is no great benefit to having it and it will be a pain to keep clean.
Crickets will drown in it and bacteria will be present regardless of any additives.
A drip system is much cleaner and easier and provides the chameleon with dew or rain which is how they are accustomed to drinking.

-Brad

__________________
http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/
Dedicated to promoting superior care for Veiled Chameleons

Howdy,
How about a Leopard Gecko or Crested Gecko or Bearded Dragon? The husbandry requirements match-up a bit better with the demands of College life. For optimum husbandry, the level of support for food items, hydration, enclosure size etc. can be overwhelming. Chameleons don't leave much room for error while the other species mentioned will tolerate lapses in care much more forgivingly .

__________________
See Ya,

Dave Weldon
Panther & Veileds

Book Collection:
"Reptile Medicine and Surgery" 2nd ed. By Mader
"Chameleons - Their Care and Breeding" By Linda J. Davison
"Chameleons - Nature's Hidden Jewels" 2nd Ed. By Petr Necas
"The Panther Chameleon: Color Variation, Natural History, Conservation and Captive Management" By Gary W. Ferguson...
"Thoughts for Food" 3rd Ed. Edited by Ardi Abate
"Understanding Reptile Parasites" By Roger J. Klingenberg D.V.M.

I believe a chameleon needs space to walk around and adventure. To me that is to small a cage, not enough leg room lol. Waterfalls are going to get dirty, no matter what you put in the waterfall. Insects will drown in it and cause bacteria to grow. Try using live plants, they will last even though you are in college. Just a light water every other or so days. Try pothos or a ficus.