I am looking to buy a chameleon and keep it as a pet, as I find them to be fascinating and I feel I am now old enough to seriously consider caring for one.
I have never kept a chameleon before, but have previously kept a leopard gecko that was atleast 3 years old when she was given to me in 2001, by a relative, and passed away just before Christmas 2010. I am going to buy a new leopard gecko soon, but would also consider a chameleon at a later point.
I understand very well that to move from leopard gecko (of which I also intend to keep again, though I will get another leopard gecko much more sooner than I would obtain a chameleon) to a chameleon is a huge leap to make in terms of difficulty and demand of care and husbandry.
I have done plenty of research on chameleons, their needs and their behaviour, and will do much more to follow. I understand that I can by no means call myself an expert, and do not overestimate my skills.
I'm just wondering what anybody else thinks (especially others who have experience with chameleons) - honestly, is the demand too great to take on for me with my lack of experience, even given the amount of research I am undertaking and the dedication I am prepared to put in?
Also, I have found out how much it would cost for me to set up the enclosure for a chameleon, and have found it to be approximately £200, possibly more. But in terms of running-costs, how much more would it be compared to caring for say a leopard gecko or bearded dragon?
Am interested in a panther or veiled/yemen, but if anybody could recommend a more suitable starter species, please do.
Cheers.
I have never kept a chameleon before, but have previously kept a leopard gecko that was atleast 3 years old when she was given to me in 2001, by a relative, and passed away just before Christmas 2010. I am going to buy a new leopard gecko soon, but would also consider a chameleon at a later point.
I understand very well that to move from leopard gecko (of which I also intend to keep again, though I will get another leopard gecko much more sooner than I would obtain a chameleon) to a chameleon is a huge leap to make in terms of difficulty and demand of care and husbandry.
I have done plenty of research on chameleons, their needs and their behaviour, and will do much more to follow. I understand that I can by no means call myself an expert, and do not overestimate my skills.
I'm just wondering what anybody else thinks (especially others who have experience with chameleons) - honestly, is the demand too great to take on for me with my lack of experience, even given the amount of research I am undertaking and the dedication I am prepared to put in?
Also, I have found out how much it would cost for me to set up the enclosure for a chameleon, and have found it to be approximately £200, possibly more. But in terms of running-costs, how much more would it be compared to caring for say a leopard gecko or bearded dragon?
Am interested in a panther or veiled/yemen, but if anybody could recommend a more suitable starter species, please do.
Cheers.