buying a panther from a pet store

[apondozzi]

Is it even worth it to try and purchase a panther from a store that obviously isn't providing the right environment for the cham? I wish I would have snapped some photos, but as far as the vivarium it was all plexi-glass with the top being the only piece of screen, a small nozzle for misting (even though the tank seemed bone dry), there was a nice Schefflera arboricola that was planted in a substrate in the enclosure. One light, some sort of heat lamp, no uvb lamp to be seen, The cham itself was probably 6-8 months, maybe older looking slightly skinny, but what i was more concerned with was that the area around the toes looked somewhat swollen, don't know if this is normal or not. overall the colors seemed nice except for the cham seeming dry (maybe dehydration?) i have never owned a cham and although i have done research i really havn't seen too many in person before. also, there was a silkworm in the enclosure which was practically begging to be eaten and the cham just seemed to be annoyed by it, didn't attempt to eat at all.
could a chameleon rehab in a more suitable environment or would it be better to buy directly from a breeder? all feedback is much appreciated.

 

[Chameleon Loco]

I know this sounds mean but by "rescuing" that cham you will just be supporting the pet store and allow them to buy and mistreat other chams as well there are many fine cham breeders on this site I would highly suggest you buy from one of them

 

[Olimpia]

Not if you don't have any experience, as you stated. These guys tend to be sick and need specialize care, and it's tough to have to do that if you haven't learned how to keep a healthy animal healthy first. I know it's really sad to leave them there, but you have to be honest with your level of knowledge and experience. Some of them are too far gone to save too, so that's a really sad first experience owning a chameleon.

However, there are people that have saved them and gotten them back into good shape just by reading up night and day and asking everyone on the forum questions. So it absolutely can be done, but it really depends if you want to do it. We will, of course, help you with anything we can.

The site sponsors sell hundreds of healthy babies that are going to be a pleasure to raise, so that's definately the better option for you, the new owner. But again, it's your choice.

 

[Warrix642]

Im sure there are petstores that stock chameleons because they know someone will come in and either not know about them or feel sorry for them and buy it. Don't support stores stocking chams... buy a healthy one from a sponsor for less money!

Dustin

 

[laurie]

Im sure there are petstores that stock chameleons because they know someone will come in and either not know about them or feel sorry for them and buy it. Don't support stores stocking chams... buy a healthy one from a sponsor for less money!

Dustin

I don't like being negative but the advice about is the very best you will get. We will all lose a chameleon but losing the first one you have as a result care prior to you getting the chameleon is even more heart breaking. My advice - don't go there. If you check the classifieds on this forum you can buy a quality, healthy chameleon.

 

[panthercham]

I don't like being negative but the advice about is the very best you will get. We will all lose a chameleon but losing the first one you have as a result care prior to you getting the chameleon is even more heart breaking. My advice - don't go there. If you check the classifieds on this forum you can buy a quality, healthy chameleon.

This and all the advice so far is true no matter how hard it is to walk away. I don't like going into pet stores anymore for this reason.

One thing that has not been mentioned is that if the cham needs any medical care after you had purchased him (and it sounds like he does from your description) is that he will need to see a vet. This can be a very costly and in some occasions maybe an on going expense especially if he needs meds and ongoing treatment, all this can be costly.

Welcome to the forum

 

[apondozzi]

Thank you. Very much appreciated.