Just introducing myself!

[EmilyD88]

Hello from Augusta, Georgia! I'm Emily and I have always loved reptiles and amphibians. I've always wanted chameleons because I find them fascinating! Well, after some discussion with my husband and doing some research into breeders/distributors and species, we finally went ahead and ordered two Senegal Chameleons yesterday. This place seems very cool, it is in Texas and during spring, summer, and fall, all the reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates are in free range style enclosures that are supposed to be very similar to their natural habitat, and they are all bred in captivity. I am under the impression that Senegals are a good breed for beginners, I know Chameleons can be a high maintenance pet when cared for correctly! My little buddies should be here within the week, so I am getting their enclosure in tip top shape. I'll be reading the sticky threads and such for guidance, but any direction would be fantastic. Though I am a newbie with Chamis, it wasn't an impulse buy and I do want to make sure my new babies are well taken care of!! I'm a stay at home mama to my beautiful 15 month old daughter and 5 year old mixed breed dog, so I definitely have the time and energy and I hope to raise my baby girl to love and respect all creatures like my dad raised me!

 

[camimom]

Congrats and welcome! I dont know much about the care of senegals, but are you doing seperate cages for them?

 

[DavidBuchan]

Hello, welcome to the forum There actually aren't many Senegal keepers around, so I don't really know the specifics either........of course most of the hints and tips you can pick up transfer to all Chams. Nice to see a couple more Senegals that you can post pictures of anyway

 

[EmilyD88]

Congrats and welcome! I dont know much about the care of senegals, but are you doing seperate cages for them?

Well I did read that these guys are a less aggressive breed and usually are ok together, but I will keep a close eye on them and separate them if they don't seem to be cohabiting well! They were buy one get one free :X :X

 

[JonRich]

Welcome!! And i'll leave this thread for Karma. I am sure she will go gaga over it!! :-D

So goodluck and enjoy the ride!

Aslo , did you order (2) as in a Male and a Female? I assume you don't intend on breeding!?. I would keep them in 2 separate cages regardless to avoid stress and an accidental mating.

 

[DavidBuchan]

Welcome!! And i'll leave this thread for Karma. I am sure she will go gaga over it!! :-D

Yeah, she usually notices when there are new Senegals around

 

[lindawaz]

Welcome!

Yes I agree Karma will be here with bells on

 

[EmilyD88]

Welcome!! And i'll leave this thread for Karma. I am sure she will go gaga over it!! :-D

So goodluck and enjoy the ride!

Aslo , did you order (2) as in a Male and a Female? I assume you don't intend on breeding!?. I would keep them in 2 separate cages regardless to avoid stress and an accidental mating.

You know, they probably haven't shipped yet, I think I am going to call and ask them for only one. I do NOT intend on breeding, I'll leave that to the experts. Lol

 

[lindawaz]

you would not want them to mate- especially from same clutch- brother/sister

might not be a bad idea to start with one and maybe they will let you do the "free" one later?

 

[EmilyD88]

you would not want them to mate- especially from same clutch- brother/sister

might not be a bad idea to start with one and maybe they will let you do the "free" one later?

I called and asked them to only send me one, I think maybe after a while if this one seems healthy and I am doing a good job, I can maybe even get another species. I am a big DIYer so would get really into building enclosures!

 

[lindawaz]

I think you made the right decision and best of luck to you
When Karma gets home I am sure you will be seeing her!

 

[JonRich]

I think you made the right decision and best of luck to you
When Karma gets home I am sure you will be seeing her!

I fear that anyone who addresses this thread with Senegal info b4 she does , she will start throwing stones! :hide:

She is passionate , to say the least about Senegals.

You have been before warned!! :hide:

 

[EmilyD88]

I think you made the right decision and best of luck to you
When Karma gets home I am sure you will be seeing her!

I assume Karma is an active member who has good knowledge on Senegals? I could certainly pick her brain! This place isn't shipping orders til early next week so I have time to perfect things

 

[EmilyD88]

I fear that anyone who addresses this thread with Senegal info b4 she does , she will start throwing stones! :hide:

She is passionate , to say the least about Senegals.

You have been before warned!! :hide:

Hahah awesome, I beg for her forgiveness in advance though, I am a newbie! I am reading a lot and taking mad notes right now, I want to be a good chami mama! lol

 

[camimom]

Haha, karma is eager, to say the least.
She is one of the few people on this forum that has a senegal. I would search some of her threads and start reading, and she will def be here when shes home from school.
And I think it was a good choice to wait on the second one.

 

[laurie]

Welcome to the forum. Starting is a senegal? Wow, what is the name of where you are getting them? I didn't know anyone was breeding senegals. I am amazed they are able to keep these chameleons outside in summer with the high temps Texas has. Maybe they are where it doesn't get as hot.

 

[EmilyD88]

Welcome to the forum. Starting is a senegal? Wow, what is the name of where you are getting them? I didn't know anyone was breeding senegals. I am amazed they are able to keep these chameleons outside in summer with the high temps Texas has. Maybe they are where it doesn't get as hot.

It's www.reptilecity.com, it says they're located about an hour north of Austin I THINK

 

[KarmaChameleon1337]

*HISSES* My thread!

 

[KarmaChameleon1337]

Welcome! Yes, VERY few people on these forums have Senegals, and even fewer that are living. They are seen as the commercial chameleons, seen most often in movies and such, like Pascal from Tangled. They stay small most of their life and are usually only green, so since most love huge colorful chams (don't get me wrong I'd kill for a red barred ambilobe panther too!) but most don't like Senegals. I've had Karma for almost a year, and he's between 1.5-2 years old. If you have any questions, ask away!

 

[fluxlizard]

I don't mean to be rude or discouraging, but-

if you can cancel your order, you might want to do it immediately.

Senegals are very rarely bred in captivity and 9 out 10 are dead within a few weeks of purchase.

The wc on that website next to the name senegal means "wild caught" which means brought in from the wild. Senegals have a fairly short wild lifespan (less than a couple years) and typically come in with parasites and stress and dehydration and other problems. captive bred can live longer and are healthier.

You might get lucky and get a healthy one.

But it is honestly like rolling a die and trying to roll a 1.

If you can cancel your order, get a veiled. Young veileds are nearly always captive bred, they are hardy and easy to care for compared to senegals. You can find captive bred ones for about the same price as the senegals on that website.

if it is too late and you cannot cancel your order- good luck and we are here for you on the forums if you have problems. Maybe you will be lucky and get a healthy one.