How much should I have saved up before my first chameleon Purchase?

[Polito]

Hey guys,

First off love reading the forum, have learnt tons about cham's and read some really great stuff here. Only been feeding my need to get a cham haha.

I'm seriously looking into purchasing a panther chameleon as soon as I can get the money together, but what Im wondering is how much should I have saved before I go buy one? I know Ill need to have the cash for the cham and the essentials but im talking about extra cash incase of a vet visits, live plants for the terrarium etc.

Also, would you suggest getting a misting system right off the bat? I work long days, so would a misting system be the right way to go?

Thanks alot for you help, hope my question is clear.

 

[brooklynelizabeth]

Hey guys,

First off love reading the forum, have learnt tons about cham's and read some really great stuff here. Only been feeding my need to get a cham haha.

I'm seriously looking into purchasing a panther chameleon as soon as I can get the money together, but what Im wondering is how much should I have saved before I go buy one? I know Ill need to have the cash for the cham and the essentials but im talking about extra cash incase of a vet visits, live plants for the terrarium etc.

Also, would you suggest getting a misting system right off the bat? I work long days, so would a misting system be the right way to go?

Thanks alot for you help, hope my question is clear.

$600 for chameleon and enclosure + supplies, a additional $200 to put in a emergency fund for any vet costs etc..

 

[bigcappa]

Here is a good thread just about the question you asked.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/newbie-start-up-cost-67075/

 

[heartben]

the amount of money you need to save can vary greatly depending on what stuff you want... for example you could get a light fixture for like 7 dollars or 20 dollars or 50 dollars.. etc.

you could probably find a cage for like 75 but you can also end up spending like 130+ just too many variables.

you should check out AquaZamp if youre interested in an automated misting system. i think if you have the money, or the patience to save up for one you will be glad you did it. its just a good feeling to know your cham will be hydrated if you are there or not.

plants.. its pretty safe you say you sohuld be able to snag a pothos for no more than like 10 and an umbrella plant for no more than 20 but if you look around you can probably find them for a few bucks cheaper. walmart here had pothos for 3 bucks and umbrella plants for 11 i think.. most of the popular plants fit in that range.

my lats vet visit for check up and a fecal was about 70 bucks so if you figure in about 100 youre probably safe for at least one visit right off the bat. you can also call around and get prices to be sure..

id give better advice if i knew more about what you wanted, prices in general can vary a lot.

 

[Olimpia]

Here's a blog of mine where I listed everything you'd need and an estimate of what everything costs: https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/olimpia/522-average-cost-owning-chameleon.html

 

[Polito]

Thanks a million everyone for such quick responses!!

Couldn't appreciate it more, going to read through the thread posted and the blog and if after I have any more questions I will send them your way!!

Incase you were wondering im looking at getting a male or female (no preference) panther chameleon. I would like to get a enclosure big enough for it to live comfortably as an adult right off the bat, i would like at least one potted plant, and some decor vines + fake plants. An automatic mister for sure, and a dripper too (if you guys thinks its necessary).

 

[heartben]

just a heads up, females are typically not nearly as colorful and will need some special care as they will lay eggs several times a year. i think that is super important you consider that before you decide to get a female...however that being said...i like female veileds and female carpets better than their male counterparts

 

[Polito]

im guessing as a first time cham owner I should go for a male before I try to handle a female and dealing with the laying of eggs. My other question is, which type of chameleon should I start off with? I really love panthers and there colours, but I'm also a huge fan of the veiled chameleon. Not to sure which I should choose, or which would be better to start with. Any suggestions?

 

[Olimpia]

Both are good, and about as hardy. The veileds are going to be cheaper (much less than $100) where as panthers might start at $150. So if budget is a concern then veileds might be a better option. As long as you get a male, either option will be great for a first chameleon. It comes down to preference.

 

[TheSeymoursDOTcom]

im guessing as a first time cham owner I should go for a male before I try to handle a female and dealing with the laying of eggs. My other question is, which type of chameleon should I start off with? I really love panthers and there colours, but I'm also a huge fan of the veiled chameleon. Not to sure which I should choose, or which would be better to start with. Any suggestions?

You will need an enclosure depending on what you pick and size can vary(depending on age of chameleon for size enclosure).

you will need a temp guage(monitoring and setting up your temps/hygrometer(humidity) combo recommend one with probes such at the zilla or other so you can get your basking temp and lower gradient temps setup with probes you'll be able to have more testing flexability within the cage.

You will need two fixtures One For the uvb and i recommend ordering or getting a reptisun 5.0 linear tube or the reptiglo 5.0 uvb linear comes in second place. Second fixture You will need a basking bulb the right wattage and distance to achieve optimal basking temp.

You will need food, crickets are the staple diet. You will have to gutload your crickets. I recommend cricket crack(dry food) and water crystals(water for the crickets can use apples or research) or another high quality gut loading food. You will also need to dust your crickets before feeding with supplements. This beeing either REPASHY calcium plus all in one. Or you can go with repcal w/o d3, repcal w/ d3, sticky tounge miner-all and repcal herptivite multivitamin.

You will need a hand mister or you can get a mister such as a mist king. You will also need a dripper zoo med big dripper or little dripper. or you can place ice cubes on top of the cage and let melt or poke hole in cup or jug.

You will need fake plants or real plants again personal preference one real plant will help keep humidity up.

All these are suggestions and you should research farther into this info to fit around your wallet and budget and setup.

Last but not least research the locales/different chameleons and decide which YOU want no one can decide this for you. If you want a panther research panthers and decide remember you will take on the responsibility of a pet. Don't settle for "what you think you'll want". Research the chameleon you want and think about it good and hard esp if this will be your only one.

 

[Polito]

thanks for all the advice and helpful links you guys have sent me!! Defiantly going to read them all religiously, and i've decided to go with a male veiled first !

 

[Olimpia]

Good choice! I have a female veiled and she has a lot of character. You should have a lot of fun with him

Ask away if you find that you have more questions as you continue to do research.