Hi all!

[jennybugs]

Hello peeps! I'm jenny and I live in the UK and am about to take my first steps into the wonderful world of chameleons

Firstly I'd like to appologise as I have a few starter questions, naturally, and I am a fool for research as I want to get it right first time

I am crazy about these wonderful creatures and am looking for help and guidance from all you experienced bods out there in the jungle!
I haven't got anything yet so am starting with a clean slate and an open mind. My favourite chameleons are pygmies and panthers. One extreme to the other? :lol:

I don't know anything about keeping them but am experienced with red ear terrapins, cats and run no less than 9 aquariums at the moment. I'm crazy about puffer fish and marine reef keeping and have a real mix of different tanks around the house.

I have a couple of empty aquariums and my OH has been harrassing me to get a chameleon habitat set up. Now I am fairly sure panthers need a more aerated environment than a tall 55cm wide x 45cm deep x 70cm tall tank, but is it suitable for pygmies?

I do also have a smaller tank that's 61cm long x 31cm deep x 42cm high. would that be more suitable for pygmies?

I realise I need lighting and alot more besides but I need to start with the bare bones first. If these tanks aren't suitable for anything but fish then I am only too happy to buy a proper vivarium/terrrarium (don't know the exact difference between these yet).

All suggestions will be gratefully and thankfully received, as would any pointers on reading material that would be suitable for my novice needs

Once again sorry for all the questions, but I want to do it right and not harm anything in the processes of learning about these beautiful creatures!

 

[tyler]

Hi there,
Welcome to the forums, I own both a panther and veiled chameleon and they both are wonderful animals, and they also have very similar care. You did right by yourself and future chameleon by researching first, that to often is not the case. Check out "jannb"s blog about veiled and panther care, you can find her under the members list and a link to her blog. Its one of the best cut and dry care sheets you can find and after reading through if you have any more questions people will be more than happy to help clear them up for you.

*edit: I will say this, your caging requirments might be a little different than those outlined in her blog. Most will recommend a screen cage but alot of keepers in europe and canada use modified glass enclosures with much success due to the weather. personally I might as well be in canada and I've been using screen to great affect, it's definetly alot cheaper.

 

[jennybugs]

I'm a bit of a research fanatic I have to say! It took me nearly a year of researching marine fish/reefkeeping before I journeyed over to that side of my fishkeeping hobby as the freshwater and saltwater basics are very different from each other.

I joined a uk based forum (won't mention it in case it's not allowed) and it is so quiet on there that I thought I'd venture further afield.

You are right about glass habitats being popular in the UK. All I care is that I give any future livestock the best environment they require, even if it takes me a while to accumulate all the necessary bits and pieces.

I'll have a look at the blog you mentioned. Thanks for your reply

 

[suzi]

Hi Jenny, welcome to the forums! Miss Lily is from the UK and very helpful. Look her up (if she doesn't chime in) and enjoy the journy!

 

[jennybugs]

Another member to look up then, thanks! The blog I've just read by Jannb is great!

 

[laurie]

Hi, glad you joined us. I go to the other forum (don't tell) once in a while. If you want to know lots about pgymy's, look up a book by Petr Necas, called Stumptailed Chameleons. Both the pictures and the information captured these little guys perfectly.

 

[jennybugs]

Thanks Laurie. I will make a note of that book and search Amazon for it

 

[Justin Ward]

welcome...and thank you for doing your research first and not coming on here with problems to fix haha...first off i will say that i have never cared for or do i know much about pygmys but they are super cute...i personally have 3 panthers and a veiled and absolutely love them...they all have different personalities, so everyday is different haha...there is a wealth of knowledge here on the forums, so make use of the search option (it may take a while to find exactly what you want sometimes, but more than likely its on here somewhere)...all that being said, good luck on deciding and getting everything right, and if you have any questions we are always here for you

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the forums. I have a blog for new keepers I'll attach for you below. You should find it helpful if you get a veiled or panther.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blo...-keepers-young-veiled-panther-chameleons.html

 

[DavidBuchan]

Hello and welcome. You have plenty of advice and you're going to do your own research so I won't bother giving any tips now. Any questions though, ask this forum and you'll have your answer..........

 

[jennybugs]

Thank you for the warm greetings! Much more active here than elsewhere - no replies or human contact at all over there

I must admit to having a preference for panthers and veiled so that may well be the route I venture down. Time for reading, note making and resultant brainaches. I've already had some unusual dreams about chams with the most incredible rainbow colours going on!