need help! new to chameleons

[rax]

Hey guys, i have a few quick questions.

i'm very interested in getting my first chameleon, first pet thats not a dog actually. i was thinking about getting a panther, but some say it might not be the best starter for a new chameleon owner. the local pet shop suggested getting a veiled to start, or a jackson. this could save me money, for instance if i didnt like taking care of chameleons i would learn this through the veiled rather than blowing hundreds of dollars more on a panther.

my main concern about the chameleon is that i would like it to be somewhat social. how social are panthers? is it just on a personality basis? or would i be better off starting out with a veiled like the pet shop suggested.

would it be best to get the chameleon when its still a baby? that way i can raise it being handled every so often

also, if needed how reliable are ordering chameleons online? my only concern with it is that since i can not hold the chameleon before hand i will not know how social he is.

if i do decide to order online what are the best sites? how does www.screameleons.com and www.flchams.com come in comparison?

sorry for the block of text, i just want to do as much research as possible so i can be SURE about what im doing

thanks in advance!

 

[coolmoon]

If you want something you can handle a chameleon is not your best choice. They should only be handled when needed for cleaning, vet visits, etc. It can cause them alot of stress. Any type of chameleon needs lots of attention and care but veils are more forgiving of beginner mistakes. Personalities vary with each chameleon and even if they like you when they are young they may change their minds as they age.

 

[rax]

okay thanks for the info. how do you feel about buying one from the pet store versus www.screameleons.com or www.flchams.com ?

 

[sandrachameleon]

From what you've said, a chameleon is likely not a good animal for you, especially if you've no previous lizard experience. Chameleons are one of the most difficult reptiles to care for. Chameleons never make good "pets".

Check out this recent thread:https://www.chameleonforums.com/why-did-i-ever-22714/

I highly recommend a bearded dragon. Those are kewl lizards. You'll still need to do some reading/learning, but I think you might find a beardie a much more rewarding pet. They actually like contact.

Chameleons shouldnt be handled much if at all. They are NOT social. They are somewhat delicate in their needs. You have to spend a lot of time deadling with the various bugs they eat (cant just buy from pet store and dump the bugs in). I could go on and on!
And if you think the cost of a panther is high, you probably cant really afford a chameleon. Vet visits for chameleons can be very expensive. I recommend keeping one thousand dollars aside for emergency vet visits per chameleon.

 

[tburgcris]

I never had lizards before chams but always wanted one growing up but my dad always said no way. I am now glad he did because I would have gave it a long painful death. Thanks dad right again, lol. Now I live in my own house with wife and daughter. Saw a cham in the pet shop and did homework for 2 weeks before getting one and should have done 2 more weeks, but found the forum and these people helped with my learning a great deal. My chams r fine and I think I am doing pretty good with them. I wish I could handle them more but that is why I have my dog. So I say make sure u r serious or your not being fair to the cham and do your homework first so your cham has the best chance at a good captive life rather then a slow and painful death. Good luck either way...Chris

 

[leid]

the local pet shop suggested getting a veiled to start, or a jackson.

Jacksons are one of the more difficult chameleons to start with.

 

[rax]

alright thanks for the tips...although i have taken into account that chams should not be handled, it still doesnt change my mind i want one. i still need some help about the authenticity of buying a chameleon online. why do some sites have panthers for cheap, such as $145, but then you go to screamelons.com or flchams.com and they jump to $300?

and one last thing about buying a chameleon online, has anyone heard of kingssnake.com ? from my understanding its sort of a more professional craigslist for reptiles, and you can get chams for really cheap!

 

[ChrisnLisa]

and one last thing about buying a chameleon online, has anyone heard of kingssnake.com ? from my understanding its sort of a more professional craigslist for reptiles, and you can get chams for really cheap!

More often than not, you get what you pay for. Having chameleons shipped to you is safe if the sender knows what s/he is doing. I suggest buying your first from one of our site sponsors. You can view the list here https://www.chameleonforums.com/index.php?page=sponsors I know some of the personally, and have bought from a few...all good people. You can also check our classifieds section here, all other forum members https://www.chameleonforums.com/chameleons-sale/

I suggest reading until it feels like your brain will burst and having your enclosure set-up PRIOR to your chams arrival. There may be minor things you miss that we will be able to help you tweak before your new friend arrives.

 

[rax]

thanks chrisnlisa. i will keep reading, im in no hurry to get one. has anyone ever had any experience buying a panther off a site? what about one thats $299 compared to $140?