Discussion on Starting with Chameleons

[DeremensisBlue]

One of the best places to get support when you are just starting out with chameleon is here on the Chameleon Forums. There are few places in this online world that do not feel like a digital hunger games. And, of course, figuring out how to help beginners is a personal passion of mine. This Saturday (Aug 22), I will be talking about starting with a chameleon from the first step and reviewing things that would help a beginner get started off on the right foot. I'd like to invite you all to join me and the YouTube live crowd (many of you are here as well) to this live and interactive discussion, think about it a bit, and then come back here and talk about how we can serve our beginner community.

Although we can jump start the discussion by commenting what you wish you knew when you started. What would have made things easier on you? What could someone have said that would have avoided a mistake or frustration? I am finishing up the presentation and I would hate to miss something obvious!

The live session itself is Saturday Aug 22 at 12 noon Pacific time on the Chameleon Academy Live YouTube channel (There is another Chameleon Academy channel for videos). Here is the link if you want to set up notifications.

 

[MissSkittles]

I work nights on weekends, so always miss your live sessions.
I barely even knew what a chameleon looked like when I agreed to take my stepdaughter’s. It was frustrating to find so many different bits of conflicting husbandry. I had to go with common sense, which landed me here on the forum (thank God!).
There are a few things that I believe are unanticipated the most by many new keepers.
- the actual expense and investment that is required. Setting up properly can cost quite a bit, even when done as frugally as possible.
- chameleons are not really interactive and do best when we just visually enjoy them.
- good vets are hard to find and visits can be a bit pricey (as they are for all animals). Know where your nearest good chameleon/exotics vet is and set aside some $$. It also helps to be able to know what veterinary advice is best to ignore, such as soaking your chameleon in an enclosed container of warm water sitting on a heat mat to hydrate.
That’s my bit. Hope it helps some.

 

[DeremensisBlue]

I work nights on weekends, so always miss your live sessions.
I barely even knew what a chameleon looked like when I agreed to take my stepdaughter’s. It was frustrating to find so many different bits of conflicting husbandry. I had to go with common sense, which landed me here on the forum (thank God!).
There are a few things that I believe are unanticipated the most by many new keepers.
- the actual expense and investment that is required. Setting up properly can cost quite a bit, even when done as frugally as possible.
- chameleons are not really interactive and do best when we just visually enjoy them.
- good vets are hard to find and visits can be a bit pricey (as they are for all animals). Know where your nearest good chameleon/exotics vet is and set aside some $$. It also helps to be able to know what veterinary advice is best to ignore, such as soaking your chameleon in an enclosed container of warm water sitting on a heat mat to hydrate.
That’s my bit. Hope it helps some.

Thank you very much for sharing!