Buying Online??

[CarolenRunsen]

I have been looking around at all of the different chameleons you can buy online. Specifically at kingsnake.com. It seems that there is a way better selection than in petstores and a better price. Just wondering what others have experienced buying online?? i'm afraid that these pictures that are up of the chameleons are not 'exactly' what i would be getting. Any adivice?

oh and what does ages: WB, CB and such mean??

 

[Brad Ramsey]

The real issue is the actual breeder/importer.
You want to make sure you are dealing with someone reputable.
I have not found overnight shipping to be an issue for the chameleons.

You should be able to comunicate with the breeder before purchasing and find out if the animal was captive bred/hatched, wild caught, farm raised, etc.
You should also be able to request pictures of the actual animal you will be receiving before purchase.

I have found dealing with these people far superior to a pet store purchase. You can get so much more information (how long in the country, actual hatch date, etc.)

With shipping costs it is almost always more expensive ... but in my opinion it is worth the extra $$$.

The other best alternative is, of course, meeting these people in person at a show or expo and seeing the animals in real life.

-Brad

 

[Justin Carl]

When searching for a chameleon online you need to make sure you are buying from someone in Canada.
You cant have animals crossing borders, unless you do all the paperwork with CITES.

WC-Wild Caught
CB-Captive Bred, this is sometimes used for Captive born. So, if a gravid WC comes in and she lays eggs and you hatch them.
CBB-Captive Bred Born

 

[CarolenRunsen]

Anyone from Canada or outside the US have any problems with shipping accross the boarder or anything?? I know its a bit colder here (from Edmonton Alberta), wondering how much bigger a risk it is getting them shipped here...

 

[Brad Ramsey]

It's EXPENSIVE!
The papers and fees will likely be more than the chameleon.

-Brad

 

[Chase]

When searching for a chameleon online you need to make sure you are buying from someone in Canada.
You cant have animals crossing borders, unless you do all the paperwork with CITES.

WC-Wild Caught
CB-Captive Bred, this is sometimes used for Captive born. So, if a gravid WC comes in and she lays eggs and you hatch them.
CBB-Captive Bred Born

Don't forget CH!!

CH- Captive Hatch, which is the same thing as Captive born, but usually CB means Captive bred.

 

[Trace]

It's EXPENSIVE!
The papers and fees will likely be more than the chameleon.

-Brad

Don't forget the long wait for CITES too. I've heard of instances of 13 months plus for snakes. Also too, most American breeders won't do CITES papers for one animal... it's just not worth the time and expense.

Animals also have to leave from designated ports (I think there are only 6 airports in the U.S.) for inspection before the specimen(s) leave the country. You can arrange to have the animals inpected elsewhere like a land border crossing, but tack on more $$$ for that and that needs to be arranged in advance of your arrival.

Maybe consider a west coast buying group? Having a few people that want several animals might be the way to go.

Good Luck.
Trace

 

[bucky]

NEVER buy from a pet store...all they sell is poorly cared for chameleons. Well most, some take good care and specialize in it,but its rare.

 

[AFH]

I know there are breeders in Canada, some members here, so perhaps you should look around instead of trying to do the import thing.

Looks like another vote for the breeder map!

 

[CarolenRunsen]

Could anyone give me a website address or name or something of any Canadain breeders you know? I have been searching for a couple days now and found only one Canadain breeder with an inactivated e-mail...

I did some reasurch and found only one US breeder willing to take the time and effort to ship here, however they only do it for an order of over 1000$ before shipping costs.

 

[AFH]

That would be the Kammers, I assume.

Perhaps start a thread in the "Wanted" section with a title of "Canadian Breeders". That might get more attention for what you are looking for that this thread.

 

[Trace]

I am really out of touch as to what is happening chameleon wise over on the left coast so I can't offer any breeder recommendations.

There is a reptile show in Calgary in a few weeks, maybe there will be breeders (at least some like minded people) there: http://www.albertareptilesociety.org/

The Edmonton Reptile club also has an expo, but I can't recall when that is, but here is their site: http://www.edmontonreptiles.com/

Good luck in your search.
t

 

[ChromaChameleons]

Hi Carolen:

I am breeding Nosy Be and Ambilobe Panthers in Ontario. I imported several bloodlines from the Kammers last year and have acquired several others from within Canada.

My papers took 5.5 months and the cost was only justified by my large order. Ordering a single cham, from the U.S., would more than double, possibly triple the cost.

I have customers out west and I will be shipping late May or early June to Winnipeg, Victoria, Edmonton and possibly Calgary.

PM me with your email and I'll give you more info...

 

[CarolenRunsen]

Thanks everyone for all of your help!!

 

[CarolenRunsen]

NEVER buy from a pet store...all they sell is poorly cared for chameleons. Well most, some take good care and specialize in it,but its rare.

You were right about this. Me and my boyfriend went back to the pet store to get some supplies and went to look at the little Jacksons we had an eye on. Saw that it wasn't in the cage. We asked where it was thinking it was sold.

The lady working told us that she was really lethargic, and getting sick, so they took her to the back. they thought she was pregnant again (she was pregnant when they got her and had babies which passed away), her growth must have been stunted after this becuase she was the smallest little thing, and she was left in the store for at least a couple of months and it hadn't grown at all!!

 

[Chase]

To add her are some more

CB= Captive Born, CH= Captive Hatched, CBB= Captive Bred & Born AD= Adult, WC= Wild Caught, CR= Captive Raised, Juv = Juvenile, IM = Imperfect, LTC= Long Term Captive

 

[dectr6]

http://www.freewebs.com/canopychameleons/available.htm States she has 53 juvie veileds for sale in Canada.

 

[dectr6]

Just found out, this is Puritania who is a member of our forum. You can look her up in the member list. She's located in Alberta.
David