New Member-- Hello Everyone!

[JTelcontar]

I wanted to post a quick hello to everyone before I just "jumped" into the discussions.

I've been enjoying reading all of the topics here. You all seem very knowledgeable. This is definitely the place to be! Haha. Reading this forum has helped to calm my newbie fears. I have had friends/acquaintances (who keep other reptiles) say that keeping chameleons is "so hard/almost impossible" and that they "die at the drop of a hat" etc. But from what I'm reading, that is totally untrue if you have the correct husbandry in place and learn as much as you can before you start. THANK YOU for helping to prove that chameleon ownership is rewarding and FUN if done correctly!

I am still in my "research phase". I have never owned a chameleon before-- actually, I have never owned a reptile at all. I have always wanted to, but it just wasn't in the cards for me when I was younger. We had a female cockatiel and mini dachshund when I was growing up, but I currently own no pets on my own due to serious allergy issues. Cue my research into reptile ownership, and falling in love with chams!


As of right now, my plan is to purchase a male Nosy Be Panther early in 2012 (after the busy holiday season is over, so I can focus on him and get my routine down). I am currently researching and figuring out the "wheres" and "whats" of cages, feeders, lighting, etc. My house has plenty of unused space (just me, the significant other, and our hobbies, woohoo!), so I'm looking forward to starting my "chameleon adventure" and creating a couple of free range spaces as well once I get used to chameleon ownership. From what I'm reading, it can be a bit difficult for a newbie, but I know I am up to the challenge! (working from home helps too!)


I do have a couple of questions for you all:

1). How do you feel about starting out with an adult-sized cage (2' x 2' x 4')? If I make sure to monitor my little guy's eating habits closely, it sounds like this could work well. But if it's better to start off with a smaller enclosure, I could do that instead. I'm kinda wondering what you guys would do, if you were starting off today as a new owner.

2). The tap water at my house is ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE (very hard and tons of particulate). I won't consume it myself except to boil pasta, so there is no way I will let my little guy have it and it is sure to clog up a misting system. It sounds like an RO system is in my future. I know these can be purchased separately rather than a whole house system but I have no idea about brands, sizes, etc. Do any of you keep an RO filter for your cham's water that is not hooked up to the house water supply? Brand suggestions? I know MistKing is the way to go for my misting set up, but I need to figure out the best way to supply my water for that. Buying bottled water is feasible, but would be more expensive in the long run I'd imagine.

3). Would attending a reptile show be worthwhile for a newbie like me? There is one in Pasadena, CA in early November that I was considering. I don't want to purchase anything yet, so it would be looking around mostly. Is it worthwhile to go? Or are these shows mostly for buyers?

4). Any of you also located in Ventura County, CA? (Santa Barbara or western LA County too!) I'm wondering about *good* vets in this area for chams (or other reptiles).


Thanks for your help and I look forward to spending time at this forum and getting to you know all!

 

[okiroo]

basic info for new users to get you started- https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/okiroo/532-chameleon-basic-info.html



about going to shows. they can be sad and have very unhealthy animals. dont get me wrong. you may very well see amazing breeders up their as well. so i say yes. go to the shows and look around. if you decide to buy from one be weary and try to get a garentee. id say use a breeder or sponcer here instead.

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the forums. This is a great place to learn about chameleons.
I keep veileds, panthers and have a Parsonii. They are all a pleasure to work with. Reptile shows are fun but I'd be sure to buy my cham from a small personal breeder. The show would be a good place to buy your supplies.

I use RO water but you could use bottled water. There's a couple of good chameleon vets close to LA. Dr Greek and Dt. Stein are both good.

If you plan to get a baby 2 or 3 months old I'd recommend a started cage.

I have a blog for new keepers attached below. I feel sure you will do very well with your cham. Jann
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blo...-keepers-young-veiled-panther-chameleons.html

 

[antithesis123]

You sound like the kind of person who would do well with a chameleon! If you have a desire to learn the best way to care for it and just know that they can be delicate-
You're off to a good start.

You don't have to start off with a baby chameleon either.. It's fun to watch them grow and to be with them from the early days but if you want to start out with a full size cage and a full size chameleon, you can find some awesome Adult chams on the classified section here raised by some very knowledgeable owners. Have patience with that too.. it pays to wait and get exactly what you want!

I can't comment on your water situation because I've never had a problem with that.. My water is awesome here..

But definitely check out a reptile show.. you could learn a lot there from people who have devoted a ton of their time to chameleons.. and maybe have an awesome time too checking aout all the other species you might see.
Good luck,
Make sure you post pictures here of what you get, feel free to ask for advice and don't take flamers seriously here..(you can also search for older threads and posts) remember, anybody can sign up and start giving advice.

 

[JTelcontar]

Thanks for the links and info! I think I may have read both of those before from seeing them linked on other topics, but I will be sure to refer to them and keep them bookmarked in my notes.

And thanks to everyone so far for the welcome!


Sorry if it was unclear in my first post-- I do NOT currently own a chameleon (or any other pet for that matter!). I will not be purchasing one until next year in Jan/Feb. I've been looking at some of the various site sponsors to purchase from but I am in no rush.


@antithesis123: ahhh looks like we posted at almost the same time, thanks for your input. I had been mostly considering a baby, but you're right, I should definitely keep my eye out for adults too.

And I will definitely post pics!