Okay, so some of you may have seen from my last post that we're now debating between a carpet and a flap-necked cham. This will be the first chamelon for both of us. Just curious to see what you more experienced owners think. Is one more low maintenance as far as care goes than the other? Is there a difference in temperment between the two? I know I've read many comments on here that it's the luck of the draw, but we sure would love to get a chameleon that doesn't mind being handled on occasion (and that's not hissing and aggressive).
Carpet or Flap-necked?
- Thread starter LarryKing
- Start date
laurie
Retired Moderator
Carpets are very shy, finding on that will allow holding may not be out of the question, but don't expect it.
I have never had a flap-neck but have heard they can be friendly.
The care for each is a bit different, but I would not consider one harder that the other to care for. jmo
I have never had a flap-neck but have heard they can be friendly.
The care for each is a bit different, but I would not consider one harder that the other to care for. jmo
ForrestJungle
New Member
I've herd that carpets are a lot more chill. But I don't know if either are a good beginner cham. There are some really good care sheets on both here on the forums.
laurie
Retired Moderator
Forrest read my post above yours. I have kept carpets and they do NOT tolerate being help.
DanSB
Avid Member
I would go with a Flap Neck for a Chameleon who might be a little more tolerant of being stared at hours on end.
Also Consider a Senegal they also do well in smaller enclosure sizes. (I am assuming you're looking at medium sized / smaller chams.)
The trick is going to be finding one that is either captive bred or captive hatched of either a flapneck or a Senegal. The wild caught ones available can be nice if you're selective and willing to pay vet bills right up front.
Also Consider a Senegal they also do well in smaller enclosure sizes. (I am assuming you're looking at medium sized / smaller chams.)
The trick is going to be finding one that is either captive bred or captive hatched of either a flapneck or a Senegal. The wild caught ones available can be nice if you're selective and willing to pay vet bills right up front.
ForrestJungle
New Member
Well Laurie I was posting the same time as you and didn't see your post. I have a few friends who have carpets and I have held them with no problems. They seemed to be quite friendly. But I guess I haven't raised them, so I don't know a darned thing!
laurie
Retired Moderator
I stand corrected guys.
In my time of have carpets, my sister raising them, and here on the forum, it has always been pretty much a standard the carpets are shy and do not want to be held. Guess there are ones that do, my bad sorry.
ForrestJungle
New Member
There are a few members selling carpets right now in the classifieds. I haven't seen any flap-necks in a while.
Chachachameleon
New Member
Were talking now but deff a flap neck haha mine is seriously the shit i play with him all the time. easy to deal with chams
haha mine is seriously the shit i play with him all the time. easy to deal with chams
ataraxia
Avid Member
I dont think it is how they are raised but it is the individual. I have to agree with Laurie, carpets in general are a shy species. I have never had one that was fine with handling Kinda like veileds, generally they are a mean nasty kinda shy in there own right species but then you see many holding them like they are the nicest thing on earth. Its just the individual.
Kinda like veileds, generally they are a mean nasty kinda shy in there own right species but then you see many holding them like they are the nicest thing on earth. Its just the individual.
showjet95
Avid Member
Its very hard for me not to get any of them! lol
I hope someone that knows what theyre doing gets them.The impression I get is that the carpets in general tend to be more shy and not as fond of being handled - but that there are exceptions to the rule. Not sure if we want to chance that.
I think we're still leaning towards the flapneck, we're just grappling with the fact that no one has any CBs at the moment - every dealer that has them at the moment has all imports. I've already been in touch with LLL about the Blue Mozambiques. They really are lovely, but again - WC. We're just worried about parasites, vet bills, etc. If you find a WC chameleon that's been in captivity (either at a pet store or at a dealer's) for some time, do you still have to worry about health/parasites to the same degree?
I think we're still leaning towards the flapneck, we're just grappling with the fact that no one has any CBs at the moment - every dealer that has them at the moment has all imports. I've already been in touch with LLL about the Blue Mozambiques. They really are lovely, but again - WC. We're just worried about parasites, vet bills, etc. If you find a WC chameleon that's been in captivity (either at a pet store or at a dealer's) for some time, do you still have to worry about health/parasites to the same degree?
Cainschams
New Member
Chameleons are not pets that should be held or "played with". If you are looking for a pet you can play with I would stop looking into chameleons.
DanSB
Avid Member
Contrary to what dealers or others might say the answer in my opinion is YES you will still need to take extra care. If you are concerned about vet bills I suggest holding off on any chameleon until you can budget it in. This is one of the main reasons I am currently chameleonless. I can afford / already have everything except probable vet care requirements.
When a chameleon looks ill or begins to act funny they need treatment promptly, you can't wait until payday.
I am really glad this was mentioned. There is a lot of controversy here and you see hourly new pics of people playing with their chameleons. With very few exceptions in very well acclimated and properly raised captive specimens, not to mention a very particular person who is capable of gentle non-threatening movement at all times it is a BAD idea. Handling should be limited to necessity for health inspections and cleaning.
Again, thanks for the two-cents. I'm not so much worried about being able to afford the vet bills, it's really more just a matter of going into this with both eyes open and being prepared for what additional expenses we may need to incur.
As for the handling concerns, we realize that these are not kid-friendly bearded dragons and we are certainly not trying to have a chameleon that will be passed around from person to person or "played with." We understand (and have stressed to our kids) that this is a pet that will primarly be enjoyed and appreciated from afar. That said, however, it would be nice to be able to take it out of it's cage on occasion (either for health inspection, an opportunity to be outside in warmer weather, some hydration time in the shower, etc.) without worrying about hissing or biting or causing it unnecessary stress.
As for the handling concerns, we realize that these are not kid-friendly bearded dragons and we are certainly not trying to have a chameleon that will be passed around from person to person or "played with." We understand (and have stressed to our kids) that this is a pet that will primarly be enjoyed and appreciated from afar. That said, however, it would be nice to be able to take it out of it's cage on occasion (either for health inspection, an opportunity to be outside in warmer weather, some hydration time in the shower, etc.) without worrying about hissing or biting or causing it unnecessary stress.
deadhd5
Avid Member
Its very hard for me not to get any of them! lol
You must be reading my mind! I am having the hardest time not picking up a pair, although I only have space for 2 more chams, and I want them to be a Mt Meru pair... But, I love those blue lobes!
Agreed, I hope someone breeds those guys, they look fantastic and I would love to see more around, especially CB.
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deadhd5
Avid Member
I get the importance of making this point, and I follow this advice. I do have an ambilobe that will not take no for an answer when it comes to handling. Everytime I stick my arm in his enclosures he is on it and up my sleeve before I know it. Stopping him actually seems to really stress him out. Chameleon individuals are just different, and this is what should be communicated to new buyers. If you aren't going to be happy with either outcome (friendly or not) then don't bother getting into the hobby. I love my shy chams just as much as my friendly (or maybe just curious) cham.
