Should I get my 2nd cham now?

Greetings,

I recently got my first chameleon. I got her almost 2 months ago. It has been a wild and fun ride so far. From me thinking she was a he and being shy and not sociable at all and now I let her run around the living room and climb all over my back. : )

I got her from a friend who can not keep her. She just messaged me today that her friend also got a chameleon that she can no longer keep. Its a male veiled chameleon. Im guessing its about 4 or 5 months old.

When I first got her, squeaky (dont mind the name I lost a bet with my girlfriend, it was an inside joke) I had no idea what was ahead of me. Admittedly these animals are not easy to take care of but they are really interesting and fun to keep. After the first time she got comfortable around me and decided to climb all over me while showing her calm happy colors, I was smitten. I knew from that point on I want a second cham : D

I now know the basic knowledge of taking care for a chameleon. I do have a breeder colony of dubia roaches 12 adult pairs and 200 small ones. I also have a great resource of knowledge (this forum) and have been familiar with the market (did lots of shopping for my girl). Im far well equipped now than when I first got squeaky.

Now what should I expect when getting a second cham? Whats going to be the major differences and challenges in adopting a second chameleon? I feel that I'm capable of such feat. I already have all the supplements, equipment and a colony for a second one. ON THE OTHER HAND I dont want to rush in and get my second chameleon when I might not be ready. Although seems like the unwanted chameleon is the party most harmed here. Squeaky's first owner wasn't that informed of her needs. If thats any indication of her friend, I feel like I should rescue this male cham.

What do you think? Appreciate the help.

By 4 or 5 months, I mean around 6 or 7 months old...

After the initial investment for the cage and lights the day to day expenses aren't really much more for my three vs one. That said, it's the vet bills you have to consider. Parasites are the most common issue- all chameleons get them at some point if you buy feeders comercially. For that you have to have a fecal float test done at the vet and anti-parasitic meds. My vet charges $40 for the test and $70 for the visit for each cham. I bring mine in once a year for a checkup but bring in a poop sample 2x a year for a fecal float. As long as you are fine with spending the money for vet care for all of your chams I'd say go for it!

I agree with FlChamMom. The initial investment of the cage and all that is the biggest part of it. The day to day like the crickets for example didn't really change. I got my first ever Cham in September on the 13th to be exact and it was a Male Ambilobe Panther and now a week ago we picked up a female. It worked out because I had to get a bigger setup for my male anyway. So after getting the bigger setup for my male we already obviously had an extra setup so we are using that one for her. But all in all it also boils down to would you feel comfortable enough having 2? If you don't feel comfortable or feel hesitant about it, it may honestly be better to wait a little longer but ultimately up to you. Hope this helps.

I had my first chameleon a year before I got my second. You have received some very good advise above. I would like to add that when you have more than one veiled, you are restricted on what you can do with them. You will not want to allow your girl to even get a look at the boy because just the sight of him will stress her out big time. I have a separate room for my girl and I can never bring her up front with me unless all the boys are in different rooms or their outside sun cage so you don't get as much one on one time with them.

Thank you for the great advise! Im thinking about just going ahead and getting the chameleon. After I set up everything first. Maybe by Monday Ill have them drop him off my place.

Appreciate the help. Also thanks for the tip jannb. I think Ill keep my female in my room and keep the male in my living room. Thanks!

And the addiction begins...

I don't really have anything to add here. You definitely can't keep them in the same cage but you can keep them in the same room if there are visual barricades between them. They can't smell each other or anything like that. Once you start getting multiple chameleons, an automated misting system is your friend!

Judging by the photos he looks to be a little older than the estimated 7 months. His colours are in and he's got a fairly tall casque. He does look to be fairly healthy and this is a good thing.

P.S. Squeaky is a great name for a chameleon.

My bad I thought you were saying the cham in the picture was a female my mistake. tried to delete the whole comment, but apparently not allowed.

Yup, it has begun. Im seriously thinking of getting a panther and a Jackson soon. Maybe when I move to a bigger place.