New to the Fam!

[efitzgerald1111]

Hi All, I just wanted to say hi. I'm a brand new Chameleon owner. I will absolutely admit it was a very impulsive buy...from a pet store...using THE chameleon kit...(don't come at me please! I am perfectly ashamed on my own!) but now I have him and I want to do the best for him I possibly can. I have binge-watched videos and read articles and blogs since I brought him home 2 days ago and decided to Google "How often do I feed my Chameleon?" since the lady at the pet store didn't tell me. I also felt like something was off. So I started doing some research (something I should have done LOOOONG before bringing a baby chameleon home) I found if I didn't make some fast changes my chameleon would not thrive and I would feel awful! Not only is everything with my kit wrong; Its too small, it has the wrong lighting, and it has the wrong foliage, I also know nothing about how to create good humidity, set accurate lighting levels, know exactly what to feed it, and how often, and basically any knowledge that comes with being a successful keeper of a chameleon. With all that said, I have since purchased like 10 live plants, washed branches, ordered all the good bugs, bought a fogger, a timer, and a better lighting system. I will have to wait to get the larger enclosure because right now this one will have to do. He is so tiny right now though I think it'll be okay as long as I am doing everything else right and I can change him over to a newer and improved enclosure in the next couple of months. However, if I am dead wrong about that, please will someone tell me now? I'd appreciate knowing if I have a little bit of time or if I need to scramble for that too. Anyway, I don't know the likelihood of a chain pet store baby chameleon surviving but I at least want to give him a fighting chance if I can. Has anyone had success with them coming from a pet store? Any tips, tricks, and support would be appreciated! Thank you!!!

 

[GrannyK]

Welcome to the forum!! You’re in great hands here and you will soon be right where you should be. Do not not beat yourself up for buying the chameleon kit. You have already started making good choices by coming here asking for help and researching. I may suggest reading chameleon academy for your specific species. It’s been a great asset to my chameleon journey. What species of baby do you have? I do believe you will be ok if you have a baby for a little bit. If you’d like to fill out the husbandry form I’ve pasted below it will help the experienced keepers give you great information.

Chameleon Info:
Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. long has it been in your care?How
Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Cage Info:
Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?

 

[GrannyK]

“ I do believe you will be ok if you have a baby for a little bit. “
This statement I meant for the enclosure size you were asking about. After i hit the button to post I noticed I left off for the enclosure. Sorry

 

[GrannyK]

Many of the chams on the forum are pet store babies! There’s a good chance your little one will be fine with everything in check.