Soon to be chameleon mom!

[SoccerSpam]

Hi there! I am looking to get a chameleon most likely at my next local reptile show if I find one I like. In the meantime, I'm doing a ton of research and trying to figure out which kind is best for me. I'm not new to reptiles, but I am new to chameleons and I want to make sure I'm doing everything right! I've already got some supplies as I want to have everything set up and running when I bring the little guy home. I'm still going back and forth between a Panther or a Veiled. I've been leaning towards a Panther, but there seems to be such a price difference. What are your experiences? I'd also like to get some food set up ahead of time. I've already got crickets for my beardie and am thinking of getting silkworms for both him and the new guy. Best online place(s) to get them? Any other helpful tips you can give me? I would certainly appreciate any helpful advice! Thanks!

 

[kimbodini1]

I am very new to chameleons as well. I spent several weeks deciding on if I wanted a veiled or a panther and then finding one in the price range I wanted to spend was another story. I did end up deciding on a panther but only because everyone said I would have a better chance of having a less grouchy pet. Also I was so new to chameleons I did not know how many varieties of Panthers there were to choose from.
I hit up my local reptile expo and not a single chameleon was there. I also checked craigslist and found a nice one but after requesting additional photos days past with no reply until of course I already bought one, then he sent the pictures lol. I was able to purchase mine from Heroic Chameleons for $225 shipped. That's one of the better deals I have seen for the quality. I am pretty sure he still has female Ambilobes for sale if sex is not an issue.

 

[SoccerSpam]

Haha, I really wanted a Panther because of the possibility of a better temperament, but they cost a good deal more than the Veiled. It's a tough decision and there's a ton of info out there. I saw chameleons at my last local reptile expo, so I'm hoping they're there again! But if they don't have what I'm looking for, I'll order online. I don't want to just buy one because it's there. These guys are involved, so I want to make sure I get a good one and am not impulsive. I'm hoping for a male.

 

[kplatvoet]

Welcome to the forum-
Make sure that you go with a captive bred - what ever you do - or at least captive born- I haven't seen many other species in the classified here lately of other species besides panthers and veiled but there are some that are quite hardy (from what I've heard) and I've seen some at shows - but usually they are wild caught which makes a big difference - especially if you've never had a chameleon before. Most Panther or veiled would be captive bred. I found my panther from someone who's on the forum who was local so I saved the shipping- You can post asking if there's anyone in your area or just check out the ads.
I like linda's gone buggy for small amounts of mixed bugs - Coastal Silkworms if I'm just getting silks- I've never had a problem with any of the sponsors that are listed in the classified section ..

 

[rybryantt]

Vieled

Hi there...

I also had the tricky decision when picking a chameleon which was best. I had also heard of the veiled cham 'grouchiness' which when deciding this was off putting even though they are drastically cheaper.

But veiled chameleons are iconic to look at with the signature green glow and large casks they were the type for me.

I got Rio when he was just 8 weeks it hasnt all been easy, he was shy and wasnt a fan of having big hands in his cage but he now is really used to us and enjoys coming out of his viv, when I open the his doors he climbs down eager to get on my hand and sits on my shoulder very pleasingly.

When choosing I would say choose which best suits you and your life, animals personalities differ from each indiviual rather than species...

for example all dogs are very different even when they are the same breed.. its all about how you raise them and how they are in themselvs each will have there own qualities.

Good luck I hope you find the cham for you