Help!!! Female or male panther?

[teamtata]

Hey, just added a new member to the family. We were wondering if it was really a panther chameleon and if it was a male or a female because we were told it was a female by the seller, but have our douts.
Thanks a lot
here are some pictures

 

[Chase]

That is actually a Furcifer oustaleti. It is a female. Where did you get her? She looks pretty good, is she wild caught or captive bred?

Chase

 

[teamtata]

Thank you for the information. We are new to this type of reptile. We purchased it from a local petstore in Montreal (Canada). Would you be able to tell us a little bit more about this species?
Thanks in advance

 

[teamtata]

That is actually a Furcifer oustaleti. It is a female. Where did you get her? She looks pretty good, is she wild caught or captive bred?

Chase

We have done some research on this species since you have told us and we have found out that this species will grow up to 15 inches (40 cm) for a female, wasn't expecting that! Our terrarium should be suitable to its needs has it is ( 24 x 18 x 24 inches). Are there any important details we should know about going forward with this new adventure. Finally, she is presently 11 inches in length with the tail, could you tell us approximately how old she is?
Thank you, it is very appreciated!

 

[Chase]

We have done some research on this species since you have told us and we have found out that this species will grow up to 15 inches (40 cm) for a female, wasn't expecting that! Our terrarium should be suitable to its needs has it is ( 24 x 18 x 24 inches). Are there any important details we should know about going forward with this new adventure. Finally, she is presently 11 inches in length with the tail, could you tell us approximately how old she is?
Thank you, it is very appreciated!

I do not think that enclosure will do when she is full grown (if she is not already). Personally, I have never kept this species, however, I would keep a female in a 24x24x48 cage. They are quite large and need a lot of room to climb around in.

Being a large species, they require a source of large feeders, and a lot of food. They also require warmer temperatures and a fair amount of humidity. You will need to spray the cage with water probably twice a day for several minutes each spraying session to ensure the humidity is where it should be. A basking spot should be given, and they can tolerate temperatures around 90, but if you are keeping her that warm you will need to make sure she stays hydrated.

Here is an article written about their care just so you can get a little more information. But feel free to post any questions you have

http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Oustalets-Chameleon-Care-and-Breeding/

Chase

 

[teamtata]

Thank you very much, you have been great!

 

[Chase]

Thank you very much, you have been great!

You're welcome! Good luck with her! Oustalets are really cool! Oh and I forgot to say; welcome to the fourms!

Chase

 

[teamtata]

Thank you very much... two last questions for the night, I read on your link that this type of chameleon might have a higher risk of parasites and regular checkups are recommended. What are your thoughts on this and can these parasites affect us as humans?
Lastly, concerning her diet, what should be the amount of, for example crickets, we should give daily since we thought she was a much smaller cameleon.

 

[Chase]

Thank you very much... two last questions for the night, I read on your link that this type of chameleon might have a higher risk of parasites and regular checkups are recommended. What are your thoughts on this and can these parasites affect us as humans?
Lastly, concerning her diet, what should be the amount of, for example crickets, we should give daily since we thought she was a much smaller cameleon.

The reason it says they have a higher risk of parasites, is because for the most part you see them as fresh imports. By the looks of your girl, I do not think she is wild caught; but if she is, she looks really good. I would ask the shop you got her from just in case though. I am not sure of the passing of the parasites to us, but as a safe measure I would always wash my hands. If you take her to the vet (with a fecal sample), they will do tests to see if she does have any type of parasites, and they will get you medicine and the dosage to get rid of them.

Concerning the food, I would offer around 10 or so crickets. If she eats them all, you could offer a couple of more to see if she'll eat them. If not (and you're feeding in the morning) you could leave them in there for the remainder of the day and they'll probably be gone by the night time. Of course, if you are offering other types of feeders, such as roaches, superworms or any other kind of worm that is larger than a cricket, you can change the amount of insects you actually feed.

Chase

 

[teamtata]

Thank you for your time and passion! We would have never known without your help

Teamtata