Questions from a future chameleon mommy.

[ANZology]

Good afternoon, all!

I'll be getting a chameleon in the near future, and I wanted to know what types are best to start with and why. I've already done a lot of research on care and prices, but I always hear different opinions on which ones are the best to start with. A lot of people agree that Panthers and Veileds are the best. I've been told they have good tempers, and adapt fairly well. I've seen a few people state that the Jacksons is the best starter, but I've never heard any reason why.

I know I'm going to select a male, no doubts about that. I love all scaly critters, but I'm not new to owning reptiles, and I can easily say that I'm not a fan of any egg laying since I'm not trying to get them to mate. And since I will be a new chameleon owner, I'm sure it's not the best idea to get a female.

I took a look around Repticon last time they were in my state a few months ago. I scoped out all the excellent breeders and questioned them to death about the care of their chameleons. I have my list narrowed down, and I hope to make a purchase when they're back in the area. But if I miss the con I'll still buy from 'em. I just rather it be sooner than later.

 

[pssh]

Generally veileds and panthers are more tolerant of new keeper mistakes, and veileds even more so than panthers. I have both and I like them both. It really depends on what you want. The care is basically the same except panthers like a little more humidity and a slightly lower basking spot.

 

[Olimpia]

Honestly, between panthers and veileds, there is no significant difference. In my experience, I don't find one any different to care for than the other. Little things like heat of their hot spot might be different, but it can be changed with a weaker/stronger light bulb. Personalities can vary greatly from individual to individual, so it's tough to compare that across the different species.

I love my Jackson's, and he was my first cham. He also happens to have one of the sweetest personalities - super calm and docile. They do need more humidity, which again, can be achieved by doing relatively easy things such as hanging a shower curtain around the cage or getting a humidifier. I find them just as easy to care for, but again, I'm basing it off my own experience with the species. This might not be the case with everyone.

I think just go for the one you like the most. If its a panther, get a panther. If it's a veiled, get a veiled. There is no use in getting first one because it's the easier of the two to keep and THEN get the one you really wanted. I find that silly, personally.

As long as you read up on eveything and ask yourself honestly if you can meet their requirements, get whatever you want the most

 

[hallenhe]

Welcome! Chameleons can be very rewarding. If you haven't already, a couple sites to check out are General Care of True Chameleons and Successful Keeping of Veiled Chameleons (most of the info applies to panthers as well). Veileds and panthers are both recommended starter chameleons; my first was a Jackson's and I had no particular difficulty with him, but they are smaller and, like other montane species, like it a little on the cool side (a Jackson's is not going to like high 80's or 90's; a veiled or panther will be all right with that. If you live somewhere cool or have air conditioning, it probably won't be an issue). It's very subjective, but I would say from my experience and what I've seen on here panthers and veileds are a bit more interactive than Jackson's; don't get a chameleon expecting it to be cuddly and loving, but the odds of a "friendly" panther or veiled are probably higher than for Jackson's.
You probably don't want a chameleon younger than three or four months old. By that point, they're well-started and you can have the fun of watching them grow and develop their color. With an adult animal you know what you're getting in terms of color, but that may not be so important to you if you're not breeding (I have yet to see what I'd consider an ugly chameleon!).
If you haven't, take a look at some of the site sponsors; even if you already know who you're buying from, these pages can give you some feeling for the range of types and colors. Again, welcome and feel free to browse and ask questions!

 

[Syn]

To add on to what pssh said, getting a well started off chameleon would be a good choice. It might be a little more expensive, but it can be worth it.

 

[laurie]

Hello and welcome to the forum and to the world of chameleon ownership. I can almost remember back to when I wanted one.. now I have herd of them.

A lot of us started with a panther or a veiled because they are the easiest to care for and learn from. I currently have, panther, veiled, jacksons and a few other kinds. If it were me I would get a panther. Now why is that the choice? Of my kids the panther has the most colors, is the most interactive, the easiest to feed, and by far the easiest to get to come out of his cage when the need arises. All that is true of a veiled except they are not as dramatic color wise. Why not a jackson? I love all 4 of mine to death but they are much shyer, less likely to interact at all except to feed, have both a more rigid them and humidity range that if allowed to vary a lot can kill them quickly. They also are smaller so seem more delicate to me, but I don't think they really are. jmo

If you have more questions just ask. Also go to the classifieds and take a look at panthers, veileds and others for sale by our members. Might give you some ideas.

 

[ANZology]

Thanks for the help everyone! And sorry for my late response.