Preparing for a baby veiled chameleon.

[infantry492]

Hi Everyone! This is my first post on here and id like to ask a few questions since i'm most likely going to be buying my first chameleon with in a few months. Since i'm only sixteen and its kinda hard for me to get a job, i'm on a budget. I am most likely going to buy a baby veiled from LLLReptile, which brings up my first question, are they a good supplier of chameleons? I saw their price for a baby veiled was cheaper than that of FLChams so Ill probably go with LLLReptiles if they are good. Next, cages! Should I build my own cage out of wood and wire mesh or buy one made of plastic and wire mesh? (Which is cheaper and will hold up better basically) Next should i use real plants such as my spider plant and soil i can find out side or should i go with wood chips or something of that nature? What kind of lighting should I go with? If you have any other suggestions feel free to tell me what you think. Thanks in advance!

-Tristan

 

[carol5208]

Here is some valuable info for you to read. Keeping a chameleon is not a cheap hobby and you should always have money set aside for vet visit if need be. They require a variety of feeders(not just crickets) and they all need to be fed also. If you want to breed your own insects you can save money but it takes some work and space to do so. here is the link to that should answer most of your questions https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/veiled/.

 

[infantry492]

OK thanks for the link ill check it out, hopefully i can get a better idea of what to do.

 

[Kaianuanu]

I'd suggest that you save up and get the Cham and setup that you really want the first time. I'm 17 and I also have no job, I decided I wanted another Cham about a month ago, a few Craigslist sales, one month, and about 700 bucks later, and I have a fully furnished 24x24x48, all my lighting, an AquaZamp, everything else you need for a Cham, and I have a nosy be from kammerflage kreations coming in the morning. Just save up a little while longer. Also, unless you're building a very large cage, I'd just buy an aluminum one. Lighting, you need a incandescent dome for heat and a reptisun 5.0 for UVB. Real plants are 1000% better than fake IMO, I have no idea why anyone would ever use fake plants. For the soil, use an organic potting soil without perlite (the little white balls), then cover the soil with screen, then rocks to keep the Cham out. I'd stay away from dirt from outside. Most importantly, I strongly suggest you buy your Cham from a reputable breeder, whatever species you settle on.

 

[Rango3d]

I would personally buy from the private breeders on this forum. Theirs nothing wrong with lll reptile, but your gonna get a higher quality pet. With a private breeder you can pick if you like more yellow or whatever, by seeing mom and dad. But that's just my opinion.
My advise, save cash, do your homework about these guys, and be patient about choosing the right Chami.

 

[infantry492]

Thank you all for the good information and I will definitely have to start saving up my money, I am currently in the process of trying to get a job but im not sure if ill even get it, but i will definitely take all of this into consideration when it finally comes time to get my first chameleon.

 

[carol5208]

Good luck and we are here for you if and or when you get your chameleon.