The college I go to is an hour away from my home. I will be living at college, but obviously visiting home some weekends, thanksgiving, winter break, etc.. Has anyone gone through this with a chameleon? Would having two cages be a better idea? Transport one back and forth? I need some input here.
Need people's input on what to do.
- Thread starter KRuehle
- Start date
I'll be getting a veiled
jpowell86
Chameleon Enthusiast
The side of me that understands how much time a chameleon takes, says wait until you're done with college. But, that would be slightly hypocritical of me considering that I kept multiple species of chameleons while attending college. But, I wouldn't if I could do it all over again. I would have had a bearded dragon or something similar.
But, let's be honest....you're going to get one and that's okay. Here is my two cents.
Set up a cage at both locations. It is going to cost you a significant amount of money to buy and furnish two enclosures. Unless of course you are willing to pack up all the lights every time you go back and forth. Regardless, I am not a fan of moving a chameleon in their enclosure. To me, unless your chameleon is some kind of social butterfly...which most aren't so don't bank on it, the stress of everything whizzing past them in the car can be overwhelming. With that being said, I don't personally think there is anything wrong or harmful in traveling with your chameleon. But, when I do, I pack them in a box that is nice and cushioned and put them down either in a cardboard box or something similar. That way you take away the visual stressors and make the trip as easy as possible.
In all reality, if you were going to choose a species for this particular back and forth, a Veiled is probably your best choice. So I'm all for that. Just use your brain and make the best decisions for your pet. Remember URI's are common in chameleons that are constantly exposed to wrong temps/humidity. So, be mindful of that. Also, being that you are going to be putting all you energy into studying and having fun.....invest in a mistking so that your chameleon's hydration is controlled through automation.
But, let's be honest....you're going to get one and that's okay. Here is my two cents.
Set up a cage at both locations. It is going to cost you a significant amount of money to buy and furnish two enclosures. Unless of course you are willing to pack up all the lights every time you go back and forth. Regardless, I am not a fan of moving a chameleon in their enclosure. To me, unless your chameleon is some kind of social butterfly...which most aren't so don't bank on it, the stress of everything whizzing past them in the car can be overwhelming. With that being said, I don't personally think there is anything wrong or harmful in traveling with your chameleon. But, when I do, I pack them in a box that is nice and cushioned and put them down either in a cardboard box or something similar. That way you take away the visual stressors and make the trip as easy as possible.
In all reality, if you were going to choose a species for this particular back and forth, a Veiled is probably your best choice. So I'm all for that. Just use your brain and make the best decisions for your pet. Remember URI's are common in chameleons that are constantly exposed to wrong temps/humidity. So, be mindful of that. Also, being that you are going to be putting all you energy into studying and having fun.....invest in a mistking so that your chameleon's hydration is controlled through automation.
I was thinking of using a styrofoam cooler, line it with paper towels, and attach a branch in it somehow. I'll use this for vet visits and transportation. Also I think only transporting him at night would be best, as temperature drops are acceptable at night. Does all this sound good?
jajeanpierre
Chameleon Enthusiast
You are over thinking this.
Here's what I use. It costs about $3. Each of my chameleons has their own box used for transport to the vet. A branch with bark still attached--not a dowel or bamboo because it is too slippery--added and secured would be appreciated. I just twist up ropes of paper towels for a perch and then dampen everything. Be thoughtful of where you drill the ventilation holes to avoid a rub to their nose. This box is about 11" x 6.5" x 5.5" high. It would be too small for a big male veiled, but would be plenty big enough for a juvenile. As soon as the chameleon is in the box, I put them inside a cardboard box that I close up. I like to give them a few minutes in the dark but with a little light so they can find a place to perch before I completely close them up in pitch black. They just shut right down like they are sleeping until they see light again. The quicker they go from being put in the box to complete darkness, the less time they spend fretting and stressing. You can also just throw a dark towel over everything. Just block out all the light but make sure they have plenty of ventilation. I also secure them with a seat belt.
Don't worry too much about temps except be prepared to keep him reasonably warm in the event you have a car breakdown in the dead of winter. You can use a hot water bottle beside the box. Overheating has always been my biggest fear, not chilling. A veiled is a very forgiving chameleon.
I agree with jpowell86 re the mister. I think a mister is a necessity, not a luxury even for single-chameleon households.
