Please help! Do I have a male panther?

[LindsayG]

Is this a male??

I got this little guy a few days ago and I specifically did not want a female. I got him from a local pet store. The owner had a male and female who she had gotten from a breeder friend of hers. I bought the male and she suggested that I went home and set the tank up and come back the next day for him. I was totally fine with that but when I came back she was off and her employee was working. The employee called the owner to find out which was the male, grabbed the bigger looking one and gave him to me. After doing more research I'm thinking I have a female. If that's the case I'm really not happy. I'm going back down there this afternoon so any help before then would be greatly appreciated! Thank you

 

[carol5208]

No I believe you have a male there. The tail base looks a little thicker than the females and the females usually have somewhat of an indentation after the vent and I am not seeing that.

 

[NHenn]

I agree with Carol. The fourth picture shows what looks to be small bulge at the base which would lead me to believe you have a male on your hands

 

[LindsayG]

Thank you so much for your help. I truly appreciate your expert information. I'm a first time chameleon people and I am truly in love with me little guy. I can't wait for him to grow and get his colors. Does anyone have any idea on how old he may be? I was told one month but I just want to be sure. Also, not sure if this is right for this thread, but when I got him they had soil on about half the floor. I asked if this was okay and they said yes. I've read that he should have zero soil as substrate as he may accidentally eat it and cause impaction. I've removed most of it except about a quarter around the bowel I use to collect the water drippage. Should I replace it all with "carpet". I would hate to have something harmful in their for him. I also have a potted plant which he likes to sleep on but I don't think that's an issue. Thank you for all your wonderful help!

 

[carol5208]

I would say a couple of months at the most. So he could be about a month. Yes, soil can be eaten and cause problems so that is why we do not suggest it, plus if it gets all wet it can get messy. As far as the plant pot, most of us cover the soil with large river rocks. Rocks large enough so they cannot swallow them. No little pebbles or anything of that size.