Hello! I will be 15 in December and I was thinking about getting a veiled chameleon. I’ve done a lot of research and was wondering if this is a good choice. I’m aware of how advanced these reptiles are and of the particular care they need. I have a puppy who is almost a year old and I believe taking care of a dog is good practice for a more advanced animal. Can anyone give me any beginner advice and opinions on getting a veiled chameleon?
Beginner Advice
- Thread starter amckeon
- Start date
Welcome to the forum!
Veiled males are a good choice for a first chameleon. You need to make sure you understand their husbandry/care though because even though they are fairly forgiving they can only take so much.
You need to know about UVB lights, basking temperatures, how to keep your insects healthy/fed/gutloaded. How to use the supplements properly and which ones you need to use. You need to know about keeping them properly hydrated and about health issues that they can develop and how to prevent them. There is lots of good information on this forum...so read, read, read!
If you have any questions about any of this just ask!
Veiled males are a good choice for a first chameleon. You need to make sure you understand their husbandry/care though because even though they are fairly forgiving they can only take so much.
You need to know about UVB lights, basking temperatures, how to keep your insects healthy/fed/gutloaded. How to use the supplements properly and which ones you need to use. You need to know about keeping them properly hydrated and about health issues that they can develop and how to prevent them. There is lots of good information on this forum...so read, read, read!
If you have any questions about any of this just ask!
DarinD
Established Member
Research relentlessly to ensure your setup is right the first time. Read everything on the forum and other reputable chameleon sources. Look at photos of other’s enclosures and components. Get your supplements and feeders in line. Once you get everything together, make sure your new enclosure is complete and functioning properly before you introduce your animal. There is much to learn about chameleons, and proper husbandry evolves daily.
Mai
Established Member
Also keep in mind the cost, specially the initial cost is very expensive. I also agree with everyone else research! I do believe dragons r a lot easier for a first reptile. Also keep in mind they live for a few years and you can’t take them away to college, so make sure your parents are ok with the new pet. Crickets also smell so be aware.
funnyCAT140
Established Member
Welcome to the forums! I'm also 15 and was considering getting a chameleon, but I decided it wouldn't be a good fit because I personally felt like I needed more experience with lizards before I got a cham. I've kept tree frogs, bullfrogs, a crested gecko, and I currently have a ball python that I got almost 4 years ago. I think if you do enough research you could definitely make it work. You also need to keep in mind the cost of the setup, the live feeders, the supplements, etc. That's the main reason I didn't get a chameleon, I want to wait until I turn 16 and got a job where I could pay for everything myself, so that's something you should keep in mind. I have 3 dogs and I have to say there is absolutely nothing that you can compare to keeping reptiles other than giving them food and water. Reptiles, especially chameleons, do not necessarily enjoy being handled and played with. Good luck!
Jevin
Chameleon Enthusiast
Here's a link to the veiled chameleon Caresheet: https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/veiled/
CJ's Exotics
Chameleon Enthusiast
Chameleons are not cuddling animals. Not trying to discourage you, but they require lots of care and will make your wallet cry in despair, so make sure your parents would be okay with breeding insects. Where do you plan on placing you chameleon? Do you plan on purchasing a male or female? Make sure that you do lots of research. Good Luck!
