Buying a panther

[KyleFitzz]

I'm buying a panther in about 3 weeks and I'm so excited! It's a bday present! It's going to be a baby! What size terrarium would be nice for a baby. If I could I'd like to save some space for now? If you guys have any other tips in care taking on panthers let me know as well!

 

[Kaianuanu]

You could start him out in an adult sized 24x24x48. However you could start him out in a 16x16x30 also, but after 6 months or so, you'll need a bigger cage. Just remember no substrate, and lots of live plants. Also, be sure to buy from a reputable breeder.

 

[ReptileLove18]

how exciting!!!
as Kaianuanu said you can start it out in an adult sized cage but if your looking to save space you can start smaller. just remember you will have to upgrade. lots of plants, horizontal pathways, is the way to go inside the enclosure!!
definitely research the breeder well. they should be providing a live upon arrival guarantee, a health guarantee, heat or cold packs for shipping

in case you havent already read it here is the caresheet for panthers!! https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/panther/
cant wait to see your new friend!

 

[carol5208]

if you go to the home page you will see to the right is says "Chameleon Care Starts Here" There are care sheets for panthers as well as other chameleons that are popular to own.

 

[KyleFitzz]

Yeah I already have a breeder in mind and I have an amazing set up for my male Jackson's, the set up is my specialty thank you! I'm building my own cage, I believe!

 

[Kaianuanu]

Ah, forgive me as I assumed you had no Cham experience. You shouldn't have any trouble transitioning to panthers then. One difference I can think of off the top of my head is that panthers need more supplementation than montane species. Don't forget to incorporate a drainage system into your design, as it can be quite a headache if you do this after it is built.

 

[KyleFitzz]

Yeah trust me I have the drainage down and I have a mist king and all. Ill have to look into the supplementation which honestly I have plenty of calcium and vitamins. And I make my own gutloads as well.

 

[Kaianuanu]

SoundS like once you get your setup ready you'll be squared away then.

 

[KyleFitzz]

how exciting!!!
as Kaianuanu said you can start it out in an adult sized cage but if your looking to save space you can start smaller. just remember you will have to upgrade. lots of plants, horizontal pathways, is the way to go inside the enclosure!!
definitely research the breeder well. they should be providing a live upon arrival guarantee, a health guarantee, heat or cold packs for shipping

in case you havent already read it here is the caresheet for panthers!! https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/panther/
cant wait to see your new friend!

Thank you and yeah I met the breeder personally and he lives 25 min away from me. So I will be able to meet him and pick the one I like. I am still in the market though so if anyone knows anyone that they would suggest let me know! I only use live plants and maintain them very well. He will be very happy

 

[ReptileLove18]

thats great!! not very often that you actually get to meet the breeder and see how they care for their chameleons, how cool!

 

[KyleFitzz]

Now very silly question but suppose I get him a glass terrarium to grow up in and then build him is big boy cage. Smart or stupid?! My Jackson's is I'm a penn plax 2x2x4 which is amazing but i think the glass would provide a better environment for the little guy since it's still cold here in jersey and my room is a little chilly. Or will a smaller terrarium be easier to heat?

 

[Kaianuanu]

I would stick to screen and if heating becomes a problem, cover the sides and and back with "coroplast" that corrugated plastic stuff the political signs people put in their yard are made of, or possibly a plastic shower curtain.

 

[KyleFitzz]

Where can you get coroplast?!

 

[Kaianuanu]

I think lowes or home depot carries it, off all else fails, you could try to steal some signs provided that they are big enough.

 

[KyleFitzz]

Haha I could never steal, plus I'm not a big political guy so i couldn't expose my babies to that

 

[Kaianuanu]

Haha I could never steal, plus I'm not a big political guy so i couldn't expose my babies to that

I don't mean like actually steal signs but around here, they often sit on the side of the road months after the elections, no longer needed.

And you only have to worry about exposing babies to the democrat signs, they might end up having trouble recognizing mates of the right sex when the time comes to breed. LMFAO

 

[maxttu]

If you're located in Jersey, you may want to hook up with Jonrich. He's in the city, I think...

 

[KyleFitzz]

Lol I know what you meant when you said Steal them and my guy lives in barrington