1st timer, have simple question

[Registered User]

Hello guys/gals,

First I would like to say that I look forward to learning lots from all of you and I am excited to help share my experiences, mistakes (as well all have with something new), and good times along the way.

I have 4 chameleons coming my way tomorrow that should currently be in route. I have not ever had chameleons before and hope that I am not going to be setting myself up for failure. I will be receiving 1.1 Veilds (2 months old) and 1.1 Jackson's (4-5 months old).

I have already built their cages and have the lights ready to go. Currently I will be housing the 1.1 Veilds together and the 1.1 Jackson's together for a total of 2 cages. Both cages are 18" x 18" x 36".
I understand that I will most likely have to switch the Jackson's to individual cages shortly after I receive them. I purchased an Umbrella plant that has 3 stalks from Home Depot yesterday that I am going to split up and repot tonight. I also need to inspect for mites and the like and give it a good rinsing in the shower to try and get any pesticides/fertilizer off before placing in their cage tomorrow. I will also be placing the imitation vines/leaves in cages tonight to make sure that I am ready for them tomorrow after I get home from work.


The main question I have right now is:

Will I need to place the cages up off the ground on some sort of table. I understand that chameleons feel safer higher up but is this really necessary for the first couple of days? If so I will need to run to Home Depot to grab some 2x4's tonight to build some sort of table.

 

[SonTigerPantherCham]

Hi and welcome to the forums
For a couple of days isn't a biggi, they will need a week, maybe more to adjust to their new environment. Get them in their cages and let them chill. They might not eat for a couple to a week either. Very normal
I do not keep veiled, but I did notice you said you would be splitting up the Jacksons, the veiled will do better split up too. I am sure jax and veil owners will help you with that.
Dave will probably direct you to a new veils owners care sheet, so look for that

Ask away on any questions, everyone is here to help
Anne

 

[Moeby1326]

You'll want to have a laying bin for your females I don't personally own any females so I know someone will help you with that welcome to the forums you'll learn a lot from here

 

[Pilotman800]

Welcome!

It won't hurt to have them low for a few days. Just raise it whenever you can. However, you need to keep all of them in separate enclosures. If not, they will probably fight and stress each other out. I'm going to attach my blog for new members below.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/pilotman800/548-new-chameleon-owner-information-husbandry.html

 

[davthevieled]

Welcome to the forums!

Thank you for coming around and we are glad to answer any questions!

The Jackson can actually do the whole cohabitation thing as long as the female isn't gravid. I've seen and heard of it being done, BUT you need to know how your chams are behaving and being nice in general. Pretty much, make note of coloring and such but I would not just start them off right next to each other. I would recommend that you get a separate cage right off the bat.

If I may, Bill Strand has a great article on it... the link is right here.
http://www.chameleonnews.com/03JulStrand.html

This explains everything you need to know about cohabitation.

By the way, from how I have seen it... height = security. They just seem more comfortable!

If you have any questions or issues, feel free to pm me! I would love to see pictures when they get there! Could you take pics of the built enclosures?

 

[Olimpia]

Welcome!
I would separate out the veileds as well. Both females are or will be old enough to breed any minute, and this would be a heavy toll on them this young. We recommend not breeding females until they are about a year old, but they reach breeding age at 5.5-6 months usually.

 

[Registered User]

Wow. Thanks so much guys. I felt like I had done SO much research before committing. Just goes to show you that there is always something to learn.

I received the chameleons this morning and thought I would show some pictures of them. The male Jackson was eager to get out and climb right up my arm. The female Jackson was a bit skittish of the camera as you can see below. Both Veild's were also a bit nervous and dark in color. All seem to be healthy and alert though.

Male Jackson


Male Jackson


Female Jackson


Female Jackson


I believe this is the male Veiled




It took me about 4 hours to set up their cages last night and I didn't even get a chance to repot the umbrella plant. I will post more pictures of the enclosures when I get home.

I'm a bit worried about how long to leave their lights on in the cages tonight. Should I just keep them on the schedule that I plan to use? I'm thinking 9am - 9pm.

 

[Registered User]

I believe this is the female Veiled

 

[Olimpia]

They look great! Adorable Jackson's, I started off with a male way back when. Super sweet chameleons.

A 12 hour cycle is good, so you can do that. I start my day earlier (7-7) but 9-9 works also, unless you see them going to bed much earlier than lights out. In which case you might want to move their day ahead a little with your timer.

 

[okiroo]

awh! wow what a way to come into the hobby! with 4! i can only imagine when the real addiction hits you

 

[Registered User]

awh! wow what a way to come into the hobby! with 4! i can only imagine when the real addiction hits you

Ah, yes. I am afraid of that too!! HAHA!

 

[DavidBuchan]

Hello and welcome Your new Chams all look good, and since it's expected of me (thanks Anne ) I'll post the link to a really good caresheet specifically for Veileds - https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/chameleonsinmyhouse/395-veiled-chameleon-care-sheet.html
And the obligatory laying bin link - https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/jannb/345-egg-laying-laying-bin.html
Good luck with them all