Female Chameleons- What's the deal??

[louwillie]

So, next week is the Reptile Super Show in San Diego. Through research I've found that there won't be very many males of any kind. I really only have $200 for a chameleon and I would love to get a panther chameleon, even a female! I hear that females sometimes end up with egg binding and die from it unless they are treated fast. What are the pros and cons of female chameleons? Thanks

 

[Vegas Chad]

Not sure what type of research you have been doing but the Super show should have lots of male panthers.

 

[louwillie]

Not sure what type of research you have been doing but the Super show should have lots of male panthers.

I know, but just that a female is in my range. Sorry, I should have been more specific. Thanks

 

[kinyonga]

If the female has good husbandry and came from a good breeder the risks for reproductive issues is less.

 

[Elizadolots]

But, female veileds will sometimes bear infertile clutches and it does raise their risks. I sort of think egg laying females are better with an experienced owner. Learning to care for a chameleon while owning an egg laying female is problematic. More than that: chameleons bought at shows are often subjected to conditions that a) put them under a great deal of stress and b) lead to fertile eggs.

Chameleon sex was going on quite a bit at the last SD Super Show.

That said, I'd be really surprised if you couldn't find male veileds or panthers at the show for under $200. I was at the show sponsor's store today and they have baby veiled's for $79 right now.

 

[sandrachameleon]

I have found my female panther chameleons to be excellent animals. A few extra steps with regards to egg laying, but its really not that difficult. Some would say egg laying is an interesting process, a bonus you dont get with a male. And it seems possible to indefinately delay the onset of panther egg laying. My females, with one exception, have always had good looks - nice bold patterns, great colours (obviously not the same types of colours as with males, but no less flashy imho). Their attitudes have all been different. I find females have more personality, or rather, more varied personalities. From sweet to aggressive, from slow to fast fast, But activity level (generally they seem more active than males), and their habits. They seem more curious, if that's possible. Generally, they seem to be less picky eaters. Generally, they seem to have longer toenail claws (which is irrelevant unless you have to handle one that does not wish to be handled).

One of the site sponsors has a panther female specific care sheet: http://www.chromachameleons.com/index.php?page=care

 

[Ryan Jarosek]

I know, but just that a female is in my range. Sorry, I should have been more specific. Thanks

If you want a male come see us (Tiki Tiki Reptiles) at the show and I will make sure you go home with a male panther for less than $200.

 

[Miss Lily]

I had a female veiled as my first chameleon. At the time I preferred the look of the females compared to the males. I find the whole egg laying thing fascinating! They are such amazing creatures! They dig the hole/tunnel, lay the eggs then cover the site so well that you can't tell where they were digging! My girl laid her first clutch of 104 infertiles after not having eaten for over a week - it just never fails to amaze me how they find the energy! As long as you do plenty of research and provide a suitable place for her to lay eggs, then you should be fine!

 

[Olimpia]

At the last show I went to they were selling gorgeous 2-3 month old panther males for only $125. And veileds for $40-ish? So I'm sure you'll find something!

That being said, females are a joy to keep as well. I have a female veiled and hope to get a female panther in the future as well. I don't plan on breeding anything, but I like the peaches, pinks, and purples of females an would love to have a pretty panther girl. And with careful feeding and whatnot you can prevent them from laying infertile eggs pretty well.

It's whatever you prefer, but I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for!

 

[louwillie]

If you want a male come see us (Tiki Tiki Reptiles) at the show and I will make sure you go home with a male panther for less than $200.

Thanks Ryan! I'll make sure to stop by.