introduction

[mpv]

I just joined the forum. I don't own any chameleon's at this time but am considering getting one or two. I felt knowing more than I do now about chameleons (which is basically nothing) would be a good idea before getting one. I do have a friend that has some chameleons; although I can't even keep the breeds separate yet in my mind.

So I will probably lurk a lot and read.

 

[panthercham]

Welcome to the forum!

Just remember that there is no such thing as a stupid question so ask away whenever you need

 

[kinyonga]

Welcome to the forum!~
Very smart of you to learn before you get one!

Here is some information to get you started...
Exposure to proper UVB, appropriate temperatures, supplements, a supply of well-fed/gutloaded insects, water and an appropriate cage set-up are all important for the well-being of your chameleon.

Appropriate cage temperatures aid in digestion and thus play a part indirectly in nutrient absorption. Temperatures needed can vary with the species.

Exposure to UVB from either direct sunlight or a proper UVB light allows the chameleon to produce D3 so that it can use the calcium in its system to make/keep the bones strong and be used in other systems in the chameleon as well. The UVB should not pass through glass or plastic no matter whether its from the sun or the UVB light. The most often recommended UVB light is the long linear fluorescent Repti-sun 5.0 tube light. Some of the compacts, spirals and tube lights have caused health issues, but so far there have been no bad reports against this one.

Since many of the feeder insects have a poor ratio of calcium to phosphorus in them, its important to dust the insects just before you feed them to the chameleon at most feedings with a phos.-free calcium powder to help make up for it. (I use Rep-cal phosphorus-free calcium).

If you also dust twice a month with a phos.-free calcium/D3 powder it will ensure that your chameleon gets some D3 without overdoing it. It leaves the chameleon to produce the rest of what it needs through its exposure to the UVB light. D3 from supplements can build up in the system but D3 produced from exposure to UVB shouldn't as long as the chameleon can move in and out of it. (I use Rep-cal phos.-free calcium/D3).

Dusting twice a month as well with a vitamin powder that contains a beta carotene (prOformed) source of vitamin A will ensure that the chameleon gets some vitamins without the danger of overdosing the vitamin A. PrEformed sources of vitamin A can build up in the system and may prevent the D3 from doing its job and push the chameleon towards MBD. However, there is controversy as to whether all/any chameleons can convert the beta carotene and so some people give some prEformed vitamin A once in a while. (I use herptivite.)

Gutloading/feeding the insects well helps to provide what the chameleon needs. I gutload crickets, roaches, locusts, superworms, etc. with an assortment of greens (dandelions, kale, collards, endive, escarole, mustard greens, etc.) and veggies (carrots, squash, sweet potato, sweet red pepper, zucchini, etc.)

Calcium, phos., D3 and vitamin A are important players in bone health and other systems in the chameleon (muscles, etc.) and they need to be in balance. When trying to balance them, you need to look at the supplements, what you feed the insects and what you feed the chameleon.

Here are some good sites for you to read...
http://chameleonnews.com/07FebWheelock.html
http://web.archive.org/web/200605020...Vitamin.A.html
http://web.archive.org/web/200406080...d.Calcium.html
http://www.uvguide.co.uk/
http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/
http://web.archive.org/web/200601140...ww.adcham.com/

 

[krknieriem]

Your certainly in the right place, welcome and that is very responsible of you to do your homework first, there is alot of different steps involved in their care.

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the forums a great place to learn about chameleons. I would recommend a veiled or panther to start with. They are such fancinating creatures! I have three veileds and it's such a pleasure caring for them. My advice to you is do pleanty of reshearch and have everything set up and tested out before you buy your chameleon. I've attached a link to my blog below and it will tell you everything you need to keep a young veiled or panther healthy with links to pictures and where you can purchase each item.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blo...-keepers-young-veiled-panther-chameleons.html

 

[eeekroar]

WELCOME! You eyes and brain will hurt from all the information around here.

 

[camimom]

WELCOME! You eyes and brain will hurt from all the information around here.

I can vouch for that one. I've been a veiled cham mom for like 3 weeks now and I stalk this site like its my job. I've posted over 100 threads and read more than that. This site has been very useful and it helped me when my cham bruised his tail. It is def the place to go for information. I learned more here than just googling stuff.

Good luck!