First Chameleon

[hardrockercp]

So the time has finally come. after many months amiring and envying i decided im going to start actively looking for a cham. I have decided that you just cant beat a bright panther so that is what im looking for, my post however isnt to simply declare that im looking for one. it is to get you guys involved in my search! Are there any suggestions for a first timer? like where to get supplies, buying cage sets vs building my own, a mister vs just a handy spray bottle. i in no way want to come off as lazy, as i have done the research on my own and have a good idea what im doing and looking for, but i still would love to hear from you in the community. Where did you guys buy your first panthers? and any places you know of selling tamataves? anyway let me know! i dont have loads to spend so bloodline isnt the most important but i want a quality cham with quality supplies. ALL OPINIONS MATTER

 

[maxttu]

First of all, welcome!! Secondly, get your wallet ready, because no matter what you budget, you'll spend more!

Seriously, check out the sponsors tab in the upper right hand corner. Supplies, breeders, feeders, etc can be found there. Also check out Craigslist for accessories and cages and sometimes chams!

I've bought chams from a reptile expo and from a local pet shop (mom and pop, not big box store). Both have been great experiences and healthy chams. Very satisfied!

Good luck to you and keep us posted on your new adventure! It'll consume you!!!!

 

[Olimpia]

Congrats on the decision! Let me answer as many questions as I can.

Look to places like Lowe's or Home Depot to get as many supplies as you can. Just because a heat bulb has a reptile on it doesn't necessarily make it worth 4-5x the price of a normal house-hold incandescent bulb. So see what you can find that you need at home improvement stores for less. This goes for heat lights, water misters, plants, etc.

Here is a blog I made outlining the prices of just about everything you would need and where to best get them: http://muchadoaboutchameleons.blogspot.com/2012/03/average-cost-of-owning-chameleon.html

I've gotten several awesome panthers from The Chameleon Company. Send them an email to see what they have because their panthers usually start at about $150-175, and they always get to me healthy and beautiful. Alternatively, I've had great experiences buying from small-time breeders who are members of this forum. Sometimes they aren't necessarily interested in asking as much as the big pros, but still offer very excellent, attentive care, so you aren't getting a bad animal by any means.

But, of course, you can check the site sponsors featured in the top right corner. They are all very reputable and sell beautiful animals as well. You can't go wrong with any of them, frankly.

 

[Mobproctor]

The best place to get a chameleon for a first timer is actually at a Reptile show. That way you get to see the animal in person and more importantly, observe its personality/behavior. One of the biggest thing for me when it comes to picking a chameleon in person is to see if it is assertive when it comes to feeding. Some chameleons are so shy that they will check their surroundings for hours before even showing interest in the food while others would try to snatch the food before you even have the chance to put it in the cage.

Another benefit of getting your cham from a Reptile show is getting to hold it and see everything up close and personal. This is the best way to determine the animal's heath (check the eyes, the limb, feeling its grip and so forth).

 

[maxttu]

The best place to get a chameleon for a first timer is actually at a Reptile show. That way you get to see the animal in person and more importantly, observe its personality/behavior. One of the biggest thing for me when it comes to picking a chameleon in person is to see if it is assertive when it comes to feeding. Some chameleons are so shy that they will check their surroundings for hours before even showing interest in the food while others would try to snatch the food before you even have the chance to put it in the cage.

Another benefit of getting your cham from a Reptile show is getting to hold it and see everything up close and personal. This is the best way to determine the animal's heath (check the eyes, the limb, feeling its grip and so forth).

Very valid points! I picked up my verrucosus at a local Repticon show after observing him for 30 min or so...

 

[carol5208]

As far as Craigslist, yes you can find chameleons on there but just be careful cause often times they have not been cared for properly. If by chance you find one, post a picture on here or a link for us to look at it before you do. Good luck in the search!!! I highly recommend Kammerflage Kreations!

 

[ASublimeDay]

Jackson's are generally around the same price and a little friendlier than veileds.

I love my veiled, but if I could do it again I probably would've shelled out the extra cash for a panther.