Beginner Question - Baby or Young Adult?

[mommycurzon]

Hi there, it's my first time so please be gentle

I'm looking to get a veiled or panther chameleon (haven't quite decided which yet). I lost my first veiled She was given to me by a friend who couldn't bring her with him to his new apartment. Not having known much about chameleon's I started researching for a bigger home for her (she was in a 65 gal flexarium) but before I found out that the wood chip substrate she had come with was a big no-no, she ate one and died from impaction before I could save her

Now I'm determined to do it right and have come up against one little question I'm not sure about. Is it best for a beginner to buy a baby or a young adult? We're working on building him or her a large cage, but I hoped to start him or her in the flex that we have, while we build the permanent home over the next couple weeks.

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the forums a great place to learn about chameleons. I would say a 4 to 7 month old and do PLENTY of reshearch BEFORE you buy. Here's a good place to start: http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/ and here's another excellent link: https://www.chameleonforums.com/new-arrival-bringing-home-25076/

 

[mommycurzon]

Thanks, that's what I kinda thought too. I have been on RaisingKitty like crazy. LOVE THAT SITE...author needs to write a book. Hadn't seen the other post but that is great!

Thanks again! I LOVE this site

 

[jojackson]

Ive become pretty fond of this site myself. welcome

 

[Miss Lily]

Ive become pretty fond of this site myself. welcome

Ohh, yess! Before long you will be addicted to chameleons and this forum! I have to get my fix of CF several times a day, and it's a great place to make friends too! There are loads of helpful people on here - welcome and enjoy your research!

When I got Lily (my first cham) she was 6 months old. I had a choice between her or a baby, but I chose Lily as I felt more comfortable starting out with an older one, as while doing research I thought that a baby would be too much extra responsibility for me personally. I just got my second cham (a 3 month old) about 10 days ago, and I feel much happier and better equipped knowledge-wise to be able to care for her. I was also very squeamish about the live food when I got Lily, and I found it easier to cope with the bigger crix and locusts.

I think it would be best to get one that is at least 3 months old, as it should be well established with it's eating pattern by then.