first cham, need info and ideas

[moonstream]

I have had my beardie for about a year now, and recently gained interest in chams (after deciding to get another lizard in the spring). this will be my first cham and I dont want to rush it, or to get the wrong kind. as far as I know chams are supposed to be very unhandlable and very har to take care of, is this true? what are their life spans? what is a good first species? also, woul they tolerate being handled 1-2 times a week for 10-20 min (hey would only be out to show to friends/ family and only be handled by me so as to keep stress to a min, I have my beardie to take around the neighborhood and touch/ educate people). also, the cage will probably be a 40br on its side (so dimensions will be 18" by 16" by 36"). could a cham be kept in a shallow water paludarium?

 

[Dylan Dutz]

Well I would start with a veiled around 3 months old. Chameleons are very hard to take care of, so make sure you do your homework. Veiled are probably the easiest to take care of in my opinion, they can survive beginner mistakes if they are fixed quickly, unlike panthers were it could be fatal. As for handling wait until they're about 3-4 months. Handle about 1-2 times a week for about 5 minute sessions. They all have different personalities so some may be more tolerable of handling than others. That is a pretty good cage size that you said. Make sure you have a dripper or mist the cage 3-4 times a day. Gutload and dust the crickets.

And welcome to to the forums

 

[Brad Ramsey]

Moonstream,

I also would recommend a veiled as your first chameleon.
Check this out:

http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/

-Brad

 

[Chase]

Welcome to the forum. And the wonderful world of Chameleons. To add to what to what Bugeyes1 said. Gutloading is most important. I know its sometimes a hassle to feed the feeders but the Chameleon will benifit. . Look at the thread that I created about feeding the crickets. The crickets love it and they get really big! Have fun with your Chameleon.

 

[Dylan Dutz]

Yeah check out Brad Ramsey's site it's full of great information on veileds.

 

[Chase]

Yup. He created a great website.

 

[Dylan Dutz]

And if you get a female, make sure you have a laying spot for her, she will lay eggs even if she hasn't been with a male.

 

[moonstream]

would silkowrms, phenox worms, hornworms, and the ocasional waxworm be okay? thats what I currently feed my beardie boy.

also, are their any chams that could live in a 29g? ae chams expensive to care for/ setup a cage for? price is an issue.

 

[Dylan Dutz]

Chams can get pricey with vet visits, all the cage setup, the chameleon itself. 29 gallon is to small for a true chameleon.

 

[Chase]

Have you already bought it? Crickets are usually the staple feeder. Roaches work too but the hornworms should be fine if they are small.

 

[Dylan Dutz]

Oh all those worms will be OK. Though don't feed to big of hornworms, and only feed them to the adults.

 

[Chase]

Also, you should get a screen enclosure.

 

[Dylan Dutz]

Also, you should get a screen enclosure.

Yes you definitely need a screened enclosure! And UVB and heat light.

 

[Chase]

And a laying spot if you have a female. Also, a plant that they can bask in.

 

[Dylan Dutz]

And a laying spot if you have a female. Also, a plant that they can bask in.

I already said they need a laying spot But yeah use live plants, live plants are better, and veileds will eat them when they are older. Make sure you get a non-toxic plant though!

 

[moonstream]

so a 40 br w/ a mesh front wouldnt be okay? the more I ead the mor it seems like these guys are best left until later, when I have a job an can care for them 100%.

 

[Chase]

I already said they need a laying spot But yeah use live plants, live plants are better, and veileds will eat them when they are older. Make sure you get a non-toxic plant though!

Oh ya. Lol, I just remembered that. Sorry little slow today. School was boring. I can't wait till I get my Brevs. Moon, any Chameleon is an investment. I spent $120 for the lizard and cage. I was about to buy a pair of deremensis for $250 . But I'm getting 1.2 R. brevs.

 

[Chase]

so a 40 br w/ a mesh front wouldnt be okay? the more I ead the mor it seems like these guys are best left until later, when I have a job an can care for them 100%.

I would talk to Mike at Fl Chams for cages and his Veileds are really nice.

 

[moonstream]

120 is actually an okay price for me. thanks soooooo much fo the help so far.

 

[Chase]

But that was without the supplies. I was a little short on money then. They aren't that bad if you know where to get things.