Need some advice.

[ddvw123abc]

So I'm hopefully picking up a full adult enclosure with all the things I need included and a 3 year old chameleon for 200 dollars off a local person from craigslist. Now the question is, it will be my first chameleon, let alone my first reptile. I'm wondering if I should try and get to a local show and trade or sell the chameleon and get a new born? I don't feel like I will be as attached to this one.

 

[Solid Snake]

I would say it is unethical to trade sell an animal you dont know the condition of(its history),
I personally think you should buy the chameleon you want.

 

[ddvw123abc]

I would say it is unethical to trade sell an animal you dont know the condition of(its history),
I personally think you should buy the chameleon you want.

The only reason I am hopping on the deal as it should save me some money, and I convinced my parents on it. Otherwise I would buy a newborn.

 

[Solid Snake]

I think any chameleon is a challenge, and that challenge will bring you and the animal close no matter what

 

[DanSB]

I agree with Solid Snake plus would like to add a small tidbit of advice. A 3 year old chameleon needs you just as much if not more than the a new born. He has his senior years coming upon him and a good home is important!

While it is true you may not have the same connection to one you raised from a baby you will develop a connection and gain valuable learning experience with the mature one based on the fact it is your first reptile. You have a little more room for a learning curve as a baby is much more sensitive to lapses in care than an adult.

When I was 14 (over 20 years ago) I got my first reptile. Zed the soft shelled turtle. He was older and on the back end of his life when I got him and my care was less than perfect. But what I learned from him and the experience was very important to me. Its been a long long time since he passed and I still think of him fondly to this day.

If it turns out you are an animal / reptile person it doesn't matter how old your first is, you will get that connection and hopefully give that chameleon the honor of being the animal that spurred a lifetime love of reptiles!

Just my 2 pennies...

 

[Solid Snake]

I have more actually.
My first chameleon ws a year old when I got it.
My second was a baby.
Their is a certain bond that happens from raising them from youngsters.
However, Im way "closer" to my first cham, and wouldnt trade her for the world.
I think that first chameleon is important, no matter what.

 

[ddvw123abc]

Hmm you guys are right. I'll atleast give it a chance xD thank you!

 

[Daughty]

Be good to my little guy, and remember any questions at all. Just geta hold of me

 

[patrickfraser]

Get him, then get him a mate. Then make and raise your very own babies.

 

[mychamtini112012]

Are you from illinois.? We need more cham people on Illinois.

Your first cham will be special, no matter if its not a baby or your dream cham. hell still be very special. Make sure to post pics of him.

 

[Goldenarcher1328]

Your first chameleon will always have a place in your heart. Even if your not sure what you are doing yet. Even if circumstances are less then ideal, the first anything you have come into your life is memorable and important.

My First monitor lizard came to me malnourished, "highly aggressive" according to the store, and apparently was a lost cause.... She also had brain parasites... But if it weren't for her, i wouldn't have my love of reptiles or any experience with dealing with a challenging, special needs (in the end) reptile, Plus i am absolutely in love with monitors now.

the point of all this is that you should give your chameleon a chance, Give him the best you can and grow together.

Also, in my opinion, although he is getting older.. an adult chameleon ( maybe not an older one necessarily ) would handle the " Learning Curves" of Reptile ownership, let alone chameleon ownership much better then how a young baby chameleon whom is more sensitive would handle things.

I could however totally be wrong on that since i don't know how tolerant a 3 year old veil is compared to a 1-2 year veil is.

Anywho , that's my opinion.