knocked up and with chameleon!

[lzoronz]

Hi! we have just found out that my girlfriend is 8 weeks up the duff, and she is a little upset because I told her it would probably be best if she didn't handle the chameleon.

I am in the understanding that lots of reptiles carry salmonella, I'm not sure how true this is or whether it applies to chameleons, can anyone shed any light on this?

Do we think that it would be o.k with proper hand washing after? ...I realise this might all sound a little neurotic but its my first kid, so I figure I'm allowed to be!

 

[THECHAMMAN]

well, i have had many reptiles,and a few pet chickens but ive never gotten salmonella. i hardly even wash my hands so i dont think it'd be a problem

 

[BocaJan]

If you are concerned perhaps you should talk to her OBGYN.

 

[reptimom]

Thats a question best answered by her doctor. I know that some chams can carry coccidia, and that can be very dangerous to an unborn baby!!! Tell her not to empty any cat litter boxes either!!

 

[ciafardo 4]

thats a question best answered by her doctor. I know that some chams can carry coccidia, and that can be very dangerous to an unborn baby!!! Tell her not to empty any cat litter boxes either!!

toxoplasmosis

 

[Eyal]

Well, if she directly touches poop , then she sould wash her hands. Salmonella doesnt spread by touching the animal itself.

 

[sandrachameleon]

Congratulations lzoronz and lzoronz's gf!
Frequent handwashing is a good idea any day of the week, preggers or not.
But do check with a qualified medical practitioner regarding any possible health issues related to chameleons (and their prey).

 

[opihiman]

Congradulations. NOW you get to practice new kinds of husbandry skills.
Now that its a baby it won't be as bad chams. LOL

I think that you will find a wide variety of opinions on this if you talk to enough people.

I think that if you practice good Hygiene ( hand washing, blah blah) and stay away from the chams if you are sick. you should be fine.

Be aware though that just like driving a car you increase your chances of a car accident, you also will increase your chance of catching Cham bound illnesses. Luckily most of these will need to be ingested but again wash you hands.

Again congradulations

OPI

 

[lzoronz]

Thanks! We figured that if we can keep a chameleon alive, keeping a baby is gonna be a walk in the park! ...As long as we remember to mist him regular!

Thanks for the advice, does anyone here know of anyone who has got sick from their chameleon? I will try to get a medical opinion and let you know what they say but in the mean time we will keep some alcohol rub about and ban him from climbing up on to her head for a while!