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[Scobey12409]

Hi,
I have been thinking and debating about getting cham. I have read a couple post on here also done research online about chams. I would like to know more from people that own. Money isn't a issue just an fwi. I also have to breadies, but would like to add a new famity member to my home. Would like to know about your habitat, what type of coconut she'll do you use, do you have a bubbler, waterfall, fountian, or a mister? Tell me anything that will be helpful in my decision to either get a cham or not. Thank you for your time.

 

[kinyonga]

Welcome to the forum!
I recommend you do a lot of reading on this Site before you get one.
If you do get one I would start with a male since some/many females have reproductive issues.

I don't recommend using a fountain or bubbler...they are hard to keep bacteria free.
Some substrates, if ingested, can cause impaction so I don't use them either for most chameleons species.

You need lots of appropriate sized branches and non-toxic plants for cover in the cage.
You need a UVB light (mostboftdn recommended is the reptisun 5.0 long linear tube) and a basking light (regular incandescent household bulb of a wattage that provides the appropriate temperature)
Exposure to the UVB light allows the chameleon to produce the D3 needed to allow it to use the calcium in its system. Appropriate temperatures allow for proper digestion and thus indirectly in nutrient absorption.

Because the feeder insects have a poor ratio of calcium to phosphorous its important to dust the insects just before feeding them to the chameleon with a phosphorous-free calcium powder at most feedings.

It's recommended that you dust twice a month with a phosphorous - free calcium / D3 powder to ensure that the chameleon gets some D3 without overdosing it and leaving the chameleon to produce the rest of the D3 from its exposure to the UVB.

It's recommended that you dust twice a month with a vitamin powder that contains a beta carotene (prOformed) source of vitamin A. PrOformed sources of vitamin A cannot build up in the system and lead to overdoses like prEformed sources can and will leave it up to you to decide whether the chameleon needs prEformed or not.

It's important to feed/gutload the insects properly too. Crickets, locusts, superworms, roaches can be fed a wide range of greens such as collards, escarole, endive, dandelion greens, kale, etc and veggies such as carrots, sweet red pepper, squash, zucchini, sweet potato, etc.

Water can be provided by misting the leaves in the cage and by using a dripper.

The above supplements and feeding/gutloading. Can be used with your dragons. The above veggies and greens can be used for your dragons in addition to the insects along with a small amount of fruit such as apple, pear, melon, berries.

Hope this helps!

 

[Scobey12409]

Welcome to the forum!
I recommend you do a lot of reading on this Site before you get one.
If you do get one I would start with a male since some/many females have reproductive issues.

I don't recommend using a fountain or bubbler...they are hard to keep bacteria free.
Some substrates, if ingested, can cause impaction so I don't use them either for most chameleons species.

You need lots of appropriate sized branches and non-toxic plants for cover in the cage.
You need a UVB light (mostboftdn recommended is the reptisun 5.0 long linear tube) and a basking light (regular incandescent household bulb of a wattage that provides the appropriate temperature)
Exposure to the UVB light allows the chameleon to produce the D3 needed to allow it to use the calcium in its system. Appropriate temperatures allow for proper digestion and thus indirectly in nutrient absorption.

Because the feeder insects have a poor ratio of calcium to phosphorous its important to dust the insects just before feeding them to the chameleon with a phosphorous-free calcium powder at most feedings.

It's recommended that you dust twice a month with a phosphorous - free calcium / D3 powder to ensure that the chameleon gets some D3 without overdosing it and leaving the chameleon to produce the rest of the D3 from its exposure to the UVB.

It's recommended that you dust twice a month with a vitamin powder that contains a beta carotene (prOformed) source of vitamin A. PrOformed sources of vitamin A cannot build up in the system and lead to overdoses like prEformed sources can and will leave it up to you to decide whether the chameleon needs prEformed or not.

It's important to feed/gutload the insects properly too. Crickets, locusts, superworms, roaches can be fed a wide range of greens such as collards, escarole, endive, dandelion greens, kale, etc and veggies such as carrots, sweet red pepper, squash, zucchini, sweet potato, etc.

Water can be provided by misting the leaves in the cage and by using a dripper.

The above supplements and feeding/gutloading. Can be used with your dragons. The above veggies and greens can be used for your dragons in addition to the insects along with a small amount of fruit such as apple, pear, melon, berries.

Hope this helps!

Yes thank you it does, I know about gutload crickets, I have a cricket keeper for my breadies. I feed the crickets kale,carrots, collared greens, N sometimes small amounts of apple. I will still keep on researching about chams. I a
so wanted more info from ppl that own them. Also time isn't an issue either I am a stay at home mom. Thank you again for writing on my post.

 

[Crashbandit05]

Just my .02 but since you said money and time aren't an issue, I'd start piecing together supplies. Most chameleon "kits" are lacking in supplements and other various components. You can basically customize your enclosure to how you exactly want it. I already have the cage, uvb, several vines and bamboo sticks. Waiting til the weather gets warmer before I actually purchase the cham and also so I can monitor temps/humidity and make the necessary changes to provide the proper husbandry. Hope this helps!

 

[kinyonga]

You're welcome. I've been keeping chameleons and lots of other lizatds and turtles/tortoises, etc for over 25 years.

 

[Carlton]

Hi,
I have been thinking and debating about getting cham. I have read a couple post on here also done research online about chams. I would like to know more from people that own. Money isn't a issue just an fwi. I also have to breadies, but would like to add a new famity member to my home. Would like to know about your habitat, what type of coconut she'll do you use, do you have a bubbler, waterfall, fountian, or a mister? Tell me anything that will be helpful in my decision to either get a cham or not. Thank you for your time.

If you haven't already, read the husbandry articles located under this forum's Resources tab. They will get you off in the right directions and refute the web garbage you'll probably find along the way.

 

[urawrath]

Also if/when you decide to get one we have many amazing site sponsors that have many great chameleons to choose from.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/sponsors/