Newb questions

racerfreak

racerfreak

Member
I have a few questions after doing hours of reading and research online.

The main question is what type is best suited for my availability? The biggest cage I have space for is a 18x18x36.

To continue with the first question: What is a better overall choice for a beginner as far as less maintenance and cost? I can't decide between a Panther, Carpet, Rudis, Flapneck, or a Oustalets Chameleon. I love the colorful charm of the panther and the fact that they seem to be pretty hardy but I love the greenness and rounder heads of the others.

Is there any equipment that I should just get over another because of cheapness? I figured out I should get a LLLReptile cage over the Zilla or other cheap name brand (not cheap in price but as in quality). Meaning I'd rather spend $600 now than $1k overall.
 
racerfreak said:
I have a few questions after doing hours of reading and research online.

The main question is what type is best suited for my availability? The biggest cage I have space for is a 18x18x36.
For that small of a cage, I'd suggest one of the montane species.
JAcksons would be a nice, relatively easy starter species.

To continue with the first question: What is a better overall choice for a beginner as far as less maintenance and cost? I can't decide between a Panther, Carpet, Rudis, Flapneck, or a Oustalets Chameleon. I love the colorful charm of the panther and the fact that they seem to be pretty hardy but I love the greenness and rounder heads of the others.
The oustalets and panthers require more space than what you can provide so count them out. Carpets are hard to come by and most of the ones you'll find are WC so definitely not for a first cham. Flapnecks are colorful and should be fine with the constraints of the cage you can have. idl about Rudis.
Is there any equipment that I should just get over another because of cheapness? I figured out I should get a LLLReptile cage over the Zilla or other cheap name brand (not cheap in price but as in quality). Meaning I'd rather spend $600 now than $1k overall.
Click to expand...

Get a screen cage from DIY cages. They are probably the cheapest screen cages that you are gonna find. The rest of the things (basking lights, fixtures, UV lights, vines, etc) get them from LLL as they are pretty cheap.
 
this is all just opinion so dont take anything too seriously.

out of the ones you listed considering your cage size restriction i would get a carpet (just because aside from panthers they are one of my top few favorites) - otherwise i was going to say you should consider getting a jacksons. really like jacksons.

as far as money saving, i would say to not buy a big or little dripper and instead go the hole in the bottom of a cup route. thats one of the few things i think "didnt really need that..."

also take a look at those pesticide sprayers (a new one of course) that you pump air into and it sprays out of a wand. if you dont want to get a misting system i personally think its the next best thing.

mmm.. lets see ... honestly i think one of the best money saving tips is going to be buy what you want the first time. when i got my stuff (not long ago) i bought some cheaper stuff and ive just been replacing it with nicer stuff as i go which in the end is just costing more..

you can get dome lights and fluorescent fixtures cheaper at home improvement stores - as well as a 6500k or other grow light if you decide you want one... guessing you've also read to try an incandescent house bulb before buying a basking lamp?

yep.. :)
 
racerfreak said:
I have a few questions after doing hours of reading and research online.

The main question is what type is best suited for my availability? The biggest cage I have space for is a 18x18x36. A female panther would do ok in this size, carpets are smaller as well - but you would have to get someone more experienced in keeping them for specifics on care.

To continue with the first question: What is a better overall choice for a beginner as far as less maintenance and cost? I can't decide between a Panther, Carpet, Rudis, Flapneck, or a Oustalets Chameleon. I love the colorful charm of the panther and the fact that they seem to be pretty hardy but I love the greenness and rounder heads of the others. See above lol, the panthers and veiled are more recommended for beginners (but the males of both would be cramped in the smaller cage IMO

Is there any equipment that I should just get over another because of cheapness? I figured out I should get a LLLReptile cage over the Zilla or other cheap name brand (not cheap in price but as in quality). Meaning I'd rather spend $600 now than $1k overall.
Click to expand...
You will get a lot of diff answers for this, AquaZamp and MistKing are the big battle as far as misting systems - def will make your life easier, I only know the MistKing, I have it and LOVE it. It sounds like the AquaZamp is basically the MistKing but it is apparently 100% made in the USA. Make sure you buy a quality cham from a reputable breeder! Dont skimp on the most important thing! Make sure you prepare for vet care - find a herp vet and put aside some $$$ for an emergency. And be prepared to spend the grand...it is gonna happen!!:D
 
Also, Is there anyplace else besides flchams.com to buy CAPTIVE BRED non Panther or Veiled Chameleons? I really can't seem to find any website that notes that there stock is captive bred.
 
Dooley1 is a member here and breeds cb carpets. You should also look at Hoehneliis, they are great little chams.
 
I finally decided, I'm going to see if I can find a captive bred Senegals Cham :D I had one when I was a kid from a pet store but it didn't live long :( I figure as an adult I'm more able to take care of the Cham and recognize what's going on. These don't get that big supposedly, would a 16x16x30 tank be OK or should I go for the 18x18x36?
 
:D
racerfreak said:
I finally decided, I'm going to see if I can find a captive bred Senegals Cham :D I had one when I was a kid from a pet store but it didn't live long :( I figure as an adult I'm more able to take care of the Cham and recognize what's going on. These don't get that big supposedly, would a 16x16x30 tank be OK or should I go for the 18x18x36?
Click to expand...

Bigger is always better IMO...if you have room for the 18x18x36 I would go with that. In the wild, they would have way more habitat than what we can provide in captivity :D
 
racerfreak said:
would a panther be able to fit in a 18x18x48? or even 20x20x48?
Click to expand...
cages.net can make you a custom size cage for any space! give them a call and tell them about the space you have and they will hook you up!!Oh and there affordable. they made me 6 cages for a metro rack. 60.00 each doors where i wanted them,and they use awesome materials
 
Would a 3 sided wood enclosure be ok? That leaves the door ant top to be mesh. I went to home depot and priced out making my own fixture.
 
You'd have to cure the wood and other things cause of the high humidity that the chams need. I'd stick to either making a screened enclosure yourself, buying one, or reaaally take your time studying the chams needs before making one with wooden sides.
 
I was going to just paint the inside with Krylon paint, it can be used in saltwater fish tanks with nothing seeping so I assume it would cause no issues with the chameleon. Obviously I would have to coat the wood so it wouldn't soak up the moisture :D I did some pricing and I'm expecting to spend $80 on everything for a 4'h x 2'w x 2'd, I managed to make some more space.
 
Well....I bought the little guy :D

My main thing is terrarium vs cage. My house is normally 60-80 degrees and dry 90% of the time. When I get him he will be about 5 month old, what will be the best size for the next 6 months?
 
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