Rogue
Avid Member
Hello, all! I have posted a couple times but for the most part I have been lurking and learning. As I have mentioned on a prior thread, I am experienced with other reptiles (morphed boa constrictors and beardies) however I understand that chams are a whole different ball game. To make sure we can be the best scaled parents, we are waiting at least another month or two before we purchase and bring a cham into our home; longer, if need be.
My husband just joined the forums and is awaiting approval so that we BOTH are prepared. We are custom-building our own enclosure. He will be taking pictures of the progress, design, and he will be actively asking questions to make sure we arrange the best and healthiest set up. There is nothing wrong with store-built but as huge animal lovers, we want the lives of those that we are responsible for to have the most fulfilled and loving experience. After all, it's not just about us enjoying our new family member but for our critters to enjoy their humans. We understand the magnitude of proper husbandry, preparation, and knowledge.
I have gone thru the husbandry and sub sections, printed a lot of information out and created a notebook. We will use this notebook as well to log important dates such as when we use certain supplements, what and when he is fed, when he has vet appointments and any tests w/ diagnosis, etc. I also called our "regular" vet's office for a local exotic vet recommendation. I called the exotic vet, questioned them about the doctor's background and experience with chams, got their info. I was impressed when they told me that regardless of whom I get my little guy from that they recommend I bring him in for an initial exam and they quoted me (for an exotic vet, the pricing was extremely reasonable). So I am happy to say we already have a specific vet lined up and ready to go.
We are making sure that we have EVERYTHING covered, including our knowledge, before we even begin to talk to breeders or purchase a cham. I am looking specifically for a Panther Ambilobe juvenile male. We plan on attending Repticon towards the end of August but if we are not prepared, we will just "window shop". However, as I am about to be a new mommy to cham, I wanted to ask what I should look out for when at the reptile show or with any breeder we may buy from. Are there any specific signs of the onset of a URI or MBD (as well as dehydration, eye issues, etc.) that you experienced parents would suggest I watch out for? What are some good questions to ask other than how they are interacted with and fed? For those that are still reading (sorry it is so long-winded), any advise on what I can do to keep this experience from being traumatizing for our little guy (and us) is very appreciated.
My husband just joined the forums and is awaiting approval so that we BOTH are prepared. We are custom-building our own enclosure. He will be taking pictures of the progress, design, and he will be actively asking questions to make sure we arrange the best and healthiest set up. There is nothing wrong with store-built but as huge animal lovers, we want the lives of those that we are responsible for to have the most fulfilled and loving experience. After all, it's not just about us enjoying our new family member but for our critters to enjoy their humans. We understand the magnitude of proper husbandry, preparation, and knowledge.
I have gone thru the husbandry and sub sections, printed a lot of information out and created a notebook. We will use this notebook as well to log important dates such as when we use certain supplements, what and when he is fed, when he has vet appointments and any tests w/ diagnosis, etc. I also called our "regular" vet's office for a local exotic vet recommendation. I called the exotic vet, questioned them about the doctor's background and experience with chams, got their info. I was impressed when they told me that regardless of whom I get my little guy from that they recommend I bring him in for an initial exam and they quoted me (for an exotic vet, the pricing was extremely reasonable). So I am happy to say we already have a specific vet lined up and ready to go.
We are making sure that we have EVERYTHING covered, including our knowledge, before we even begin to talk to breeders or purchase a cham. I am looking specifically for a Panther Ambilobe juvenile male. We plan on attending Repticon towards the end of August but if we are not prepared, we will just "window shop". However, as I am about to be a new mommy to cham, I wanted to ask what I should look out for when at the reptile show or with any breeder we may buy from. Are there any specific signs of the onset of a URI or MBD (as well as dehydration, eye issues, etc.) that you experienced parents would suggest I watch out for? What are some good questions to ask other than how they are interacted with and fed? For those that are still reading (sorry it is so long-winded), any advise on what I can do to keep this experience from being traumatizing for our little guy (and us) is very appreciated.
I have seen what happens when people see an animal they think is "cool" and they buy it on a whim only to have no clue what all is involved in the care. Those scenarios typically end in tragedy 
