How "separate" do chams really need to be?

[macdaddy]

I have a question regarding keeping two male panther chameleons. I keep them in separate cages with a divider in between to keep them from seeing each other, but what about when they are out and about with me? Is it ok for them to see each other "in passing" so to speak? Do I need to make sure that they absolutely never see each other? When they go back into their cage and back behind the dividing wall, do they forget and relax or will they remember that they got to see what was on the other side of the wall and stress out from that point on until removed? How strict do I need to be about this? I don't want them to stress out, but I would love to avoid the added stress of having to go to lengths to ensure that they never ever make eye contact if it is not necessary.

 

[squeekz1992]

Depends on the chams. They are very territorial, so if they see each other when they are in their "territory" they will fight. I wouldn't recommend them to like hang our or whatever, but I think the divider is fine and that if they just see each other in passing it's not the end of the world

 

[Calypso]

I've had jacksons live among each other, but if one got anywhere near my veiled WATCH OUT! They're all different, but I honestly think if you try to acclimate at the youngest age possible, you can have it become part of the normal life and they wont know any different. Of course during mating season all bets are off. You have to be very careful no matter what.

 

[thephotoprincess]

We don't keep anyone caged together but we do a lot of free-ranging and it is just something everyone is used to. We got our veiled, jackson's and panthers as adults and they were still able to get comfortable with each other.

 

[suzi]

I have a male that wont tolerate being around other males and then I have a lot of males that hang out in a huge enclosure together and get along great. I agree with the the other responses, it depends on the chams. I would let them hang out together in neutral territory and let them tell you if they get a long or not.

 

[macdaddy]

Thanks for the input. Those pics are very encouraging as well.

 

[legends born]

so if raised from young, 2 males can live in the same cage??

 

[patrickfraser]

I believe there can be exceptions to "the rule", but exceptions do not make it a rule. Give it a try and take a chance. Play by your own rules. It makes life simple.

 

[thephotoprincess]

I personally would never keep more than one chameleon in a cage (except hatchlings). Free range is different as they have the freedom and space to move away from one another.

 

[Ulrich]

The photopriness: Very nice pics. Different species tend to tolerate each other if they are similar size. But your combo is stunning. Congrats. But you have jeopardized the thread. Any pair of same species will be territorial. To which extend relays on the character (and unfortunately over time). Our panther was ignoring its kin for his first year. Now he is restless to look for trouble and show off.

 

[thephotoprincess]

Thanks - we think they are stunning as well!

Here are our panthers together - my experience is different as far as same species goes as well. I call them the hippies due to their laid back nature and tie-dye outfits.

Our biggest problems are with our female veileds actually. They are the ones that stir up trouble - they go after each other and anyone else regardless of species - except people-they love us bringers of bugs. So much for my vision of a large free range for all my females ...

 

[ibdragons]

if u keep panthers in separate cages they will eventually tolerate eachother without dividers . i do that with males only. they have a short memory when it comes to that. if i put a divider for a day or two then remove them they will fire up at eachother. also agressive males calm down and dont try to bite me when they can see other males. if i put dividers the agressive ones get agressive again.
females are not allowed to see the males until its time. i would never put two older males together you just never know. better safe than sorry.
a while back i seen a video on you tube with a veiled with the tail of another veiled coming out of his mouth. imagine coming home to that.

 

[rsepiphyte]

The pictures are very nice. You have some beautiful Chameleons but it would be best to keep them separated although an occasional "glimpse" of another male will not imprint on the memory of the chameleon. May even be helpful stimulation. Chameleons are not social animals and direct eye contact daily can be stressful for them. Best of luck! Ruth

 

[azgnoinc]

so if raised from young, 2 males can live in the same cage??

To answer this directly- the answer/rule of thumb is NO. 2 male Panthers should NOT be housed together whether they have been raised together or not- once they are much beyond 4 months, I won't speak on other species but this is generally the known rule with Panthers.

 

[asongforyou]

[/QUOTE]

this one is too cute. I think you just have special chams

 

[thephotoprincess]

this one is too cute. I think you just have special chams

Thank you! I think they are pretty special too.

 

[absolutbill]

I was going to say how much I love that pic of the 2 veileds - looks like they are cuddling!