New Here

[Hakai]

Hey guys, I'm 17 and recently interested in chameleons. I was going to get a hedgehog as a pet but after about 3 hours of research came across a website telling me that they are illegal to own in my state and so began the search for a new unique pet. I stumbled across chameleons on some reptile website and decided to do some research and eventually get one. I'm planning on ordering one in the next few days from a breeder from this site because everyone here seems dependable and knowledgeable. I hope I can become friends with you guys and expand my knowledge of chameleon care and make as few beginner mistakes (if any) as possible. Thanks in advance for any help and advice!
~Ben

 

[shaunaroxanne]

Welcome! You certainly came to the right place for your research!

 

[djfishygillz]

You may want to try locally buying so you do not have to worry about shipping. I am guessing you are in California since everything is banned here

 

[Hakai]

lol, surprisingly no. I live in Pennsylvania(close to Philly) and there doesn't really seam to be many breeders in my area so I'm afraid I will most likely be shipping. And I know Petco is out of the picture. Unless I'm on a rescue mission that is...

 

[shaunaroxanne]

lol, surprisingly no. I live in Pennsylvania(close to Philly) and there doesn't really seam to be many breeders in my area so I'm afraid I will most likely be shipping. And I know Petco is out of the picture. Unless I'm on a rescue mission that is...

There are breeders in PA, less than 2 hours from you....you just need to know where to look for us

 

[Hakai]

K thanks, I'll have to check it out. I'm so exited! I just hope I'm end up doing everything right. =O

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the forums. I have a blog that will help you prepare for a panter or a veiled. https://www.chameleonforums.com/blo...-keepers-young-veiled-panther-chameleons.html

 

[carol5208]

Hi Ben and welcome to future chameleon owndership! I just answered something on your other thread!

 

[Hakai]

(meant for jannb) Hey I checked out your blog. There are still a few things I need to do in preparation for my first little guy. Specifically in terms of the drainage of the cage. I also appreciated the plant recommendation, because I wasn't really sure what would be good. I think I'll try the Pothos plant. Thanks. ;P

 

[sandrachameleon]

welcome to the forum
pothos is a good choice for plant.

here are some more links you may find useful, as a new cham owner:

https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/ryan-jarosek/119-new-arrival-bringing-home.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/syn/226-frequently-asked-questions.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/frequently-asked-questions-71620/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs...hameleons.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/74-feeders.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/92-hydration-importance.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/65-supplements.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/75-feeder-nutrition-gutloading.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/407-gutloading-isnt-just-crickets-roaches-gutload-everything.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/olimpia/522-average-cost-owning-chameleon.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/olimpia/573-chameleon-physiology-supplements.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/662-temperature.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/659-green-leafy-goodness-gutloading.html
http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/

 

[ReptileLove18]

Welcome to the forum Ben!!
you certainly came to the right place for reliable knowledge about chameleons! i'm a fairly new member here and everyone has been so awesome and helpful with any questions ive had. there is much to learn from all of these experienced cham owners!!
also, i suggest doing a lot of research before you bring you baby home, it really helps. the links people have given you so far are full of priceless info and if you find you have more questions, just ask!

 

[maxttu]

Welcome to the community, Ben! I hope that you find all of the resources that you'll need. Don't be afraid to ask questions, lots of questions! Awesome of you to do your research prior to purchase!

 

[Hakai]

Thanks so much everyone!

I'm honestly a bit overwhelmed with all this info, however, I'm a lot less worried with such a great community full of experience. I just need a few more materials until I'm ready to order. Don't worry though. I have been doing research for about a month now and know pretty much all I need to know for the beginning. I obviously can't know it all right away but part of learning comes through experience right? I'll try to friend request most of you. If I miss anyone, please, FRIEND ME. I need as much help as I can get!

 

[Sinfulintent]

You may want to try locally buying so you do not have to worry about shipping. I am guessing you are in California since everything is banned here

Haha so true!

Any way welcome to the forums Hakai, lots of good friendly people here

 

[DavidBuchan]

Hello Ben, welcome Have you decided which species/sex of cham you would prefer yet?

 

[Hakai]

Yes. I am going to go with a male veiled considering they are the easiest and most forgiving. I figured they would be the best choice for a beginner such as myself. I also like how they are cheap but can still have some very unique and vivid colors. I'm most likely going to order Douglas, sired by Buckley, when my final material shipments arrive. =P. Douglas https://www.chameleonforums.com/4-5...-males-sired-turquoise-yellow-buckley-101485/

 

[ChameleonMom]

Welcome Ben!! You are getting a lot of great advice so I don't have anything to add except to give you a friendly warning: Once you love a Cham, you're hooked for life!

 

[DavidBuchan]

Yes. I am going to go with a male veiled considering they are the easiest and most forgiving.

An excellent choice ........and it means I'm going to overload you with even more info...........here is a great all-round caresheet for Veileds - https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/chameleonsinmyhouse/395-veiled-chameleon-care-sheet.html