Preparing for a baby Veiled!

[ChamGirl2013]

Hey ya'll

I'm looking to get a baby veiled some time in August and I'm so excited! I've been reading up on these little cuties and I have a few questions.

First off, does anyone know a reliable website to order one from and/or which websites to avoid? So far I've looked at flchams.com, veiledchameleon.com, reptmart.com, and theveiledchameleon.com. Is it the males that have brighter colors?

Second, what size enclosure should I start with? Should it be the size he'll need when he's an adult or could I start with something smaller? I read that the enclosure needs to have at least 2 screened sides for ventilation. Is this correct or should the entire thing be screened?

Third, I'm not totally sure what all needs to go in his new home. So far I know fake plants, a mist system, some sort of substrate (not sure what to use though), a thermometer and humidity gauge, UV light source, basking light, and some sort of running water. What all am I missing? What are some recomendations for brands or some to stay away from?

Any help I could get with finding a reliable source to buy a baby veiled from and setting up my future little darling's home would be greatly appreciated! Actually, any advice at all is welcome!

Thanks bunches!
~Nikki~

 

[Kate]

Hi Nikki. Welcome to the forum. I am realy pleased that you are doing your research before you buy. You have plenty time to learn loads and buy loads. Equipment is a matter of personal preference. It also depends on where you live, where your cage is going to be situated. And how much cash you have to spend. Check out some of the blogs here and get some more info. No substrate, no waterfalls. Where to get one, i suggest you check out site sponsors. Males tend to be bigger than females and their colours are different. There is a difference in their care as lower temps and less food help females cope with egg laying. Females will lay eggs even though they havnt mated. Hope that helps.

 

[Decadancin]

Hi, and welcome to the forums! I will answer the easy one first... yes males generally have more color. With veileds, it is simple to tell a male from a female at any age. So as for the size and type of cage, for a male full grown you will want at least a 24" x 24" x 48" (tall) and for a female an 18" x 18" x 36". I suggest at least top and two sides screened. You should start a young one (2 months or so) in a smaller enclosure, or a great idea would be to use a "false" floor to make the enclosure seem smaller. For watering needs, you will have to maintain a humidity level of 40% to 60% throughout the day with higher levels right after misting. No water dish or waterfall should be used. Veiled's drink from drops on leaves or hydrate through eating leaves. You can mist using hand misting, or much recommended automatic misters. I recommend MistKing (I use this) or AquaZamp. Both are site sponsors with great customer service and reviews. I do not recommend Monsoon systems, due to many problems with timers, etc. I had one and was lucky enough to return it after it failed. For lighting you will need a basking lamp (regular incandescent household bulb 40 - 75 watt is usually good) to have a basking spot of about 88 degrees for an adult male or 82 degrees for a female. Also a UVB tube light is needed. I use Arcadia 6% UVB bulbs from Light Your Reptiles (another site sponsor) and many use 5.0 UVBs. UVB lighting will not work if through plastic or glass, so a screen to is essential. You will need plenty of vines and leaves for hiding, security, and a way to get out of the lighting if needed. As for substrate, I would try to avoid this, especially with a veiled. They tend to eat everything and can become impacted. This can lead to some hefty vet bills, or even worse. Feed a varied diet avoiding fatty, chitinous food. I would suggest cup feeding so you can regulate the food intake. Lastly I will recommend you find a vet that knows chameleons. Once you do you should get regular annual (or bi-annual) fecal tests done. This will help detect parasites hopefully before there are serious health issues. I hope this helps and there are a lot of great keepers here with tons of advice! Good luck!

 

[DavidBuchan]

Hello, welcome to the forum Here is a great basic caresheet for Veileds - https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/chameleonsinmyhouse/395-veiled-chameleon-care-sheet.html