More questions, can someone help please ?

[Squamata]

Hello everyone

First, I want to say thanks very much to everyone that answered my questions in my previous topic
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And here are some question I really need their answers, because I don't want to love chameleons without knowing enough about them + I want to buy a chameleon.
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1- How much does a male veiled chameleon eat ? drink ?

2- Winter is coming, but I live in a desert area which isn't very cold, can I buy a chameleon in these days ? or even in winter when it comes ?
And what should I keep in mind (if there is something different in winter) ?

3- I heard that veiled chameleons don't like to be handled.
What bad things would happen if I handled my chameleon much ?

4- How can I choose a good chameleon at the pet store ?
--

I hope they are easy to answer lol

And thanks to everyone that answers, you will really help me!

( sorry for my English I think it's bad :/ )

 

[Pilotman800]

Hello everyone

First, I want to say thanks very much to everyone that answered my questions in my previous topic
--

And here are some question I really need their answers, because I don't want to love chameleons without knowing enough about them + I want to buy a chameleon.
--

1- How much does a male veiled chameleon eat ? drink ? When younger, (2 months to AROUND a year) they should eat around 15-20 crickets per day. To drink, you need to mist the enclosure. They do not like standing water. Misting should be done around 3 times per day, for around 3 minutes each mist. You should also have a dripper running so that he can drink when you're not around.

2- Winter is coming, but I live in a desert area which isn't very cold, can I buy a chameleon in these days ? or even in winter when it comes ?
And what should I keep in mind (if there is something different in winter) ?
As long as you keep him inside, it is okay. Just make sure the temperatures in his enclosure remain around 75-79 with his basking spot around 82-84.

3- I heard that veiled chameleons don't like to be handled.
What bad things would happen if I handled my chameleon much ?
It all depends on the chameleon you get. Some like to be handled more than others. As babies, most don't like to be handled. You can try to make him tolerant of you by handfeeding, cupfeeding, using gentle movements, and of course, interaction.

If he doesn't open up to you, handling can cause a lot of stress, which isn't good.
4- How can I choose a good chameleon at the pet store ?
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We wouldn't recommend getting one from a pet store. They often keep them in bad shape. If you want a Veiled, you should get it from FLChams.com. Its a breeder who breeds Veileds. They also carry plenty of other species of chameleons. Many on here have purchased from him and he is fantastic.

However, if you DO want to buy from the pet store, these are the MAIN things you need to watch out for. Ill describe the sickness and the symptoms.

Signs of dehydration - Usually sunken in eyes.
MBD- Curving of the legs, and extra joints. These extra joints and curved legs are fractures due to a calcium deficiency, called Metabolic bone disease/disorder.

Also keep in mind if you purchase from a store, depending on how they care for the chameleon, it can very well have parasites. The problems I described above aren't the only thing that could be wrong with them. They can have deficiencies other than calcium deficiencies, fungal infections, bacterial infections, etc... Its much safer to buy from a breeder.


I hope they are easy to answer lol

And thanks to everyone that answers, you will really help me!

( sorry for my English I think it's bad :/ )

My answers are in red!

 

[carol5208]

First, I want to say thanks very much to everyone that answered my questions in my previous topic
--

And here are some question I really need their answers, because I don't want to love chameleons without knowing enough about them + I want to buy a chameleon.
--

1- How much does a male veiled chameleon eat ? drink ? You cannot really put an amount on how much they drink, but they need to be misted daily several times and also should be provided a dripper for a constant water source. They need a variety of insects which can be costly. A baby on average will eat about 20 crickets a day. You can also offer fruit flies and certain types of worms that you can purchase. They will eat less as they get older. Veilds will also eat plants, so it is important to have plants that are not toxic in their enclosures. They will also eat some fruits and vegetables.

2- Winter is coming, but I live in a desert area which isn't very cold, can I buy a chameleon in these days ? or even in winter when it comes ?yes, you can keep a chameleon, it would just have to be kept indoors if your temps are going to be in the 50's
And what should I keep in mind (if there is something different in winter) ? Again, if the temps get too low(even inside your home) you may require a ceramic heater in the room or cage to keep your chameleon warm

3- I heard that veiled chameleons don't like to be handled. As a rule, chameleons are not social creatures, like a dog or cat, but with love and care they can be handled. I handle mine everyday.
What bad things would happen if I handled my chameleon much ?
Well, they just get mad, and puff up, hiss, or worst scenerio you can get bit.
4- How can I choose a good chameleon at the pet store ? Most pet stores do not know how to care for chameleons. Therefore, they could be selling you an animal with health issues. I would buy from a breeder or one of our site sponsors that sells veilds.
--

I hope they are easy to answer lol

And thanks to everyone that answers, you will really help me!

( sorry for my English I think it's bad :/ )[/B][/QUOTE]

 

[Elizadolots]

I believe Squamata lives in the Middle East. I can't even begin to guess what the situation is for pet store chameleons there.

I would look for an animal that is housed alone in an enclosure with good ventilation (either all screen or with screen near the bottom and all across the top). I would look for an animal that is housed with a dripper, or one you see being sprayed. I would look for an animal who's eyes look good, not sunken or shriveled up. Open and clear is what you want. I would look for an animal with good limbs, no "extra bends". I would look for an animal that can climb well on its own. (maybe take it out of the cage, let it climb on your hand for a bit, then put it back near the bottom and watch it climb...it should not grab itself by the tail or grab a front leg with a back leg).

If you can spy around the cage to see some poop, that would be useful. Healthy looking poop is always a good sign.

 

[DavidBuchan]

Here's a great caresheet for veiled chams - https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/chameleonsinmyhouse/395-veiled-chameleon-care-sheet.html
It doesn't have everything you asked for but it should help

 

[Squamata]

Thank you all very very much!
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Pilotman800
You said that a young cham can eat 20 crickets
What about older ones ? and what if the food was locusts instead ?

And thanks again
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carol5208
Yeah I know especially pet stores around me, when I see their chameleons I get really mad lol

Thanks for your help
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Elizadolots
How did you know ?

And yes, our pet stores are very bad, not all of them but most of them
And if you found a good store you will find everything very expensive in it
But I'm not gonna buy from a store

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DavidBuchan
Thanks for the link I must check it out

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Thank you all again

 

[Elizadolots]

How did you know ?

Your other thread suggested it very strongly.

 

[Pilotman800]

Thank you all very very much!
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Pilotman800
You said that a young cham can eat 20 crickets
What about older ones ? and what if the food was locusts instead ?

And thanks again

The older ones eat around 6-8 crickets every other day or so. If they were locusts, it would depend on the size. Probably less since they're generally a lot bigger.