spikeleebd
New Member
hello everyone i am looking into getting my first chameleon i have bearded dragons but i want to get into chameleon can anyone tell me what would be a good beginner chameleon to start off with
beginner chameleon
- Thread starter spikeleebd
- Start date
marco
Member
Agreed for sure
Chameleon ownership
Absolutely recommend a Veiled or Panther as a first Cham, but that said RESEARH as much as you can before getting one. Please make sure you have everything set up and running for a few days (to work out any issues with temp, water, humidity) prior to acquiring the Cham. No Cham is going to be easy in regards to care; I find it is more a matter of cost associated with proper set up as being the issue for many. Make sure to get the necessary lighting, enclosure, dripper/mister systems, supplementations, temp and humidity gauges, plants and so on. I always recommend if you price it out and cannot afford to do it right from the get go then it is not the right time to acquire one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That said things can be handmade, such as caging, drip systems…. I hope you are able to find a good fit for your life and be able to enjoy these AMAZING animals
Absolutely recommend a Veiled or Panther as a first Cham, but that said RESEARH as much as you can before getting one. Please make sure you have everything set up and running for a few days (to work out any issues with temp, water, humidity) prior to acquiring the Cham. No Cham is going to be easy in regards to care; I find it is more a matter of cost associated with proper set up as being the issue for many. Make sure to get the necessary lighting, enclosure, dripper/mister systems, supplementations, temp and humidity gauges, plants and so on. I always recommend if you price it out and cannot afford to do it right from the get go then it is not the right time to acquire one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That said things can be handmade, such as caging, drip systems…. I hope you are able to find a good fit for your life and be able to enjoy these AMAZING animals
D
DavidBuchan
Guest
Absolutely recommend a Veiled or Panther as a first Cham, but that said RESEARH as much as you can before getting one.......
Agreed, 100%
In that spirit here is a great basic caresheet for a Veiled (the best kind of Chameleon, for being an easier starter Cham and also cheaper
)https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/chameleonsinmyhouse/395-veiled-chameleon-care-sheet.html
@spikeleebd - I notice you've been a member here a few months already so I guess you've been looking forward to getting this Cham for a while now, eh?
DekuScrub
Avid Member
veiled.
panthers can be a bit less forgiving to mistakes when they are young.
husbandry while they are established, and adults are virtually exactly the same. slightly less heat and slightly more humidity for a panther.
get a male so you dont have to deal with eggs, they will lay them (or need to) regardless of having been inseminated. just like a girl has her period.
do research research research. there are tons of how tos and caresheets. but as care varies, specific animals vary. im sure youve noticed even with youre beardies personalities vary animal to animal. some are very skittish, some can be agressive, and some are crazy friendly.
some poop in the water dish some poop in a corner some just like pooping on you.
male veileds are notorious for being aggressive instinctual creatures, but at the same time he can be your best friend, not because his personality is mailable but more so becuse constant conditioning and learning will make him respect you as you should him.
they are perfect for beginners because they fail to be susceptible to beginner mistakes. but at the same time they test your mettle as far as handling and personality goes.
not only that but the casque is awesome. and some have some sick patterns and colors.
just my opinion.
panthers can be a bit less forgiving to mistakes when they are young.
husbandry while they are established, and adults are virtually exactly the same. slightly less heat and slightly more humidity for a panther.
get a male so you dont have to deal with eggs, they will lay them (or need to) regardless of having been inseminated. just like a girl has her period.
do research research research. there are tons of how tos and caresheets. but as care varies, specific animals vary. im sure youve noticed even with youre beardies personalities vary animal to animal. some are very skittish, some can be agressive, and some are crazy friendly.
some poop in the water dish some poop in a corner some just like pooping on you.
male veileds are notorious for being aggressive instinctual creatures, but at the same time he can be your best friend, not because his personality is mailable but more so becuse constant conditioning and learning will make him respect you as you should him.
they are perfect for beginners because they fail to be susceptible to beginner mistakes. but at the same time they test your mettle as far as handling and personality goes.
not only that but the casque is awesome. and some have some sick patterns and colors.
just my opinion.
Hoj
Friendly Grasshopper
I agree with the typical opinion of veiled or panther, one other concideration. If budget is an issue ( as it usually is ) picking a veiled may save you some conciderable cash with could be better spent on the right setup and supplies.
Just some food for thought
Welcome to the forum!!! God job on the presearch it goe along way. Be sure to let us know what you pick and introduce the new one with some pics when you do.
In the meantime ask away!!!
) picking a veiled may save you some conciderable cash with could be better spent on the right setup and supplies. Just some food for thought
Welcome to the forum!!! God job on the presearch it goe along way. Be sure to let us know what you pick and introduce the new one with some pics when you do.
In the meantime ask away!!!
Cheyenneohhh
New Member
RESEARCH. RESEARCH. RESEARCH.
I can't stress it enough.
I had a veiled as my first and she was a handful.
Unfortunately she's no longer with us.
I would recommend a panther but it all depends on your preference and what your willing to pay.
I can't stress it enough.
I had a veiled as my first and she was a handful.
Unfortunately she's no longer with us.
I would recommend a panther but it all depends on your preference and what your willing to pay.
Olimpia
Biologist & Ecologist
I disagree that panthers are tougher to raise. I've raised both (far more panthers) from 2-3 months old and I've never found panthers more difficult. But that's up to each person to determine for themselves, I suppose.
I agree with the first reply that said that there are more species you could start off with as beginner species, it just depends on how confident you feel in your abilities to meet their requirements. I started off with a Jackson's as my first, and he was great. I also keep Carpet's now that I treat just like my panthers, so those could be great for a beginner too, who's looking to get a smaller species. As long as lots of research is done and you feel confident meeting all the needs of your animal, you could go with a few more species.
I agree with the first reply that said that there are more species you could start off with as beginner species, it just depends on how confident you feel in your abilities to meet their requirements. I started off with a Jackson's as my first, and he was great. I also keep Carpet's now that I treat just like my panthers, so those could be great for a beginner too, who's looking to get a smaller species. As long as lots of research is done and you feel confident meeting all the needs of your animal, you could go with a few more species.
D
DavidBuchan
Guest
This is also all true, but I'm Veiled biased because I've only ever kept Veileds
. I recommend not starting with a Parsons, lol but I'm sure with enough research, planning and money it could be done...........
clarkrw3
New Member
All depends on what you want. Many different species of chams can be a great first cham it all depends on if you care about their set up and care enough to do the research and provide the care they require. If you don't care that much get a snake I started with Panthers, but only because that's what I wanted. From all the veileds I see in poor health they might be able to take more neglect than other chams and due to their native environment probably can take the most extremes but that shouldn't factor in, when figuring what cham to start with
I started with Panthers, but only because that's what I wanted. From all the veileds I see in poor health they might be able to take more neglect than other chams and due to their native environment probably can take the most extremes but that shouldn't factor in, when figuring what cham to start with
D
DavidBuchan
Guest
From all the veileds I see in poor health they might be able to take more neglect than other chams and due to their native environment probably can take the most extremes but that shouldn't factor in, when figuring what cham to start with
Yeah, that's definitely the kind of feeling I get too (from what I've read and seen, mostly on this forum)- they are more forgiving of mistakes in keeping, but I think that kind of is a good reason to suggest them when considering which to recommend when someone asks for suggestions for a beginner Chameleon
Of course, if you happen to be a weirdo who prefers a carpet chameleons colours to a nice big casque..........then get a carpet
. Or if you really want one that has 3 horns go for a Jacksons
Olimpia
Biologist & Ecologist
Yeah, that's definitely the kind of feeling I get too (from what I've read and seen, mostly on this forum)- they are more forgiving of mistakes in keeping, but I think that kind of is a good reason to suggest them when considering which to recommend when someone asks for suggestions for a beginner Chameleon
Of course, if you happen to be a weirdo who prefers a carpet chameleons colours to a nice big casque..........then get a carpet
Hey, hey David, I'm one of those "weirdos" that prefers carpets to veiled casques!
Lol Now I see what you really think of me!
D
DavidBuchan
Guest
Hey, hey David, I'm one of those "weirdos" that prefers carpets to veiled casques!
Haha, I notice you didn't deny being a weirdo though
. That tells me something about you.......
Olimpia
Biologist & Ecologist
Haha, I notice you didn't deny being a weirdo though
...... touche! That's true enough lol
D
