Calling all experts! Tips on great starter species!

[thephotoprincess]

I looked into free ranging, but didn't really see how I could provide proper humidity for a Jackson's if it is not confined to a cage that can be heavily misted. (Or any chameleon for that matter.) Thanks for all the help from everybody. This is the best forum I have ever been a part of, and I really appreciate how helpful you all are.

A humidifier is a great inexpensive investment, especially in a drier climate/environment. I currently free range a jackson's male, a k multi male and a group of melleri. (the jackson's & k.multi are not with the melleri)

I have also found that people really respond to our male Jackson's in any educational presentations we've done. (it's the horns!)

 

[ScalesTailsandClaws]

Thanks! I think I'll settle on a Jackson's to start with, and then a Panther later on if I feel like I can really afford to make both set ups more than adequate. I will purchase a captive bred male that is no older than 10 months so I can handle it for short periods a few times a week as to get it used to being handled while young. Hopefully I can find what I am looking for at a show or on this forum. I'll just stalk the classifieds for now...

 

[ScalesTailsandClaws]

I've thought things through, and am one hundred percent sure that I'll be going with a Panther. They're apparently easier to handle in general and are definitely more beautiful in my opinion. What watt day bulb would you use on a 29x29x48 reptarium? I currently have a 60 watt bulb, but can acquire whatever is needed. This is for a panther chameleon.

 

[VeiledChams]

I've thought things through, and am one hundred percent sure that I'll be going with a Panther. They're apparently easier to handle in general and are definitely more beautiful in my opinion. What watt day bulb would you use on a 29x29x48 reptarium? I currently have a 60 watt bulb, but can acquire whatever is needed. This is for a panther chameleon.

Try out what temperatures that bulb will give you about 8-10 inches away from the bulb. If you get about 90 degrees, you should be fine.. if you get above that, either raise the bulb a little more or get a 40w bulb. Regular household bulbs work perfectly.

 

[ScalesTailsandClaws]

I'll probably be purchasing a chameleon that is only about 1-2 months old. I would rather not buy two cages, so can I just use the adult size 30x30x48 reptarium i have planned and just heavily plant it for the baby, or should I really just get another smaller reptarium? I can definitely put crickets right in it's area for feeding time so it could find its food. I'll get another smaller cage if necessary.

 

[thephotoprincess]

Do you think in the wild baby chameleons stay in a 12x12x20 area only?

I think you can put a baby in a larger cage and it will be able to find food and I am sure you will be able to monitor it correctly to make sure it is eating.

You can also cup feed if it is a concern. Or block off a section of the cage. Personally I wouldn't worry to much about it. I've raised babies from birth and they have all been active wanderers with no trouble finding food in bins or cages of all sizes.

 

[ScalesTailsandClaws]

You make a very good point. I totally forgot all about the wild aspect. I will just monitor it for the first few feedings, and if it has trouble I'll try and cup/hand feed it.