Newbie here, I have a couple of questions...

[Azadeth]

Hello, newbie here.

I'm looking to eventually get a chameleon and I have a few questions. They might seem insignificant, but I take this project extremely seriously and I want to be 100% sure of things before I invest the time, money and responsibility into one of these amazing critters.

First of all, being a newbie, I'm gathering that a veiled is probably the best idea to start with. By all accounts the veilds are a great deal cheaper, but the panthers seem to be considerably more popular despite the expense, and I'm not sure why. Is it just because of the greater color ranges that are available?

Also, in looking for a suitable enclosure, FLChams seems to have a great selection of complete and more or less idiot-proof habitats for sale. Can I get an okay that these are as good as they sound, or if not, a better recommendation?

Last of all, some sites (such as FLChams) offer baby, juvenile, and adults to buy. What is the best option for me, as an owner? I understand that babies are fed more often, etc., but what are some other factors?

Thanks very much, I appreciate it.

 

[opheliaeatsbugs]

You're awesome for doing all the preparation before getting the chameleon.

Read the care sheets for the different types of chameleons if you haven't already:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/chameleons/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/

I would suggest setting up your enclosure first and get the temp/humidity figured out, get the misting/drainage figured out, etc.

Good luck!!

 

[joshuadh2310]

well i have never owned a veiled but form my understanding they are just about the same in caring for as a panther so if you wanted to get a panther of your color choice that would not be frowned upon for being a beginner.(all panther locals or colors are cared for the exact same so choose the color you like best). that being said if you still want a veiled go for it! i would also recommend getting everything setup for your cham before he is even ordered. from my understanding its a waist to buy any started kit. some stuff you might use in it and some you won't. i would recommend buying a cage weather it be screen or glass depending on where you live and your situation and then getting things setup the way you want and your budget allows. you will need plenty of vines/branches for your cham to crawl all over as well as plants to hide in. i use live plants i like them better and would recommend them. there are plenty of enclosures for you to look around at on the forums to get ideas from if you go to the enclosures tab and then just look at one of the threads at the top. as for the age of the cham im not an expert so i can't say what would be best as i can't really think of a difference other than there age. but i would say get a baby just because i feel like the cham growing up around you and with you caring for it grows a special bond with them that you won't get out of a adult. my female panther has grown to love being with me and waits for me everyday to come see her and give her food and some outside time.