Tips?

[Seana_Lynch]

Hi I’m Seana! I’m new to the forum and world of chameleons. Is there anything you wish you knew before you got a chameleon? Please let me know

 

[janjan20]

Sorry to laugh and welcome!! Where do I start! I wish I found this website when I found my first chameleon in my backyard. I’ve never had any reptiles but of course I took advice from some pet shops and YouTube videos. Not all info is created equal. I wish I knew how to set up a proper cage. Supplements, what and when to give them. I didn’t buy the chameleon kit but I would not recommend it. Getting everything right the first time will save you lots of money. I’m sure many other members can agree on this one. Lol! Oh and I wish I knew that not all chameleons are created equal. They all have their own personalities.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Hi I’m Seana! I’m new to the forum and world of chameleons. Is there anything you wish you knew before you got a chameleon? Please let me know

Hi Seana, welcome.

The problem, as with all new ventures, is that you don't know what you don't know. (That does make sense if you think about it—I promise.)

Being a noob myself, my suggestion would be to peruse everything in the Resources section, then research some species. This video is a good starting place:
Which Chameleon Should I Get?

Then do some more research on whichever one interests you and fits your lifestyle best.

Before you make the commitment and invest any money, be sure to research the costs of owning a chameleon. Vet bills and feeder insects aren't cheap, and like most hobbies, keeping a reptile is a money pit—as much or (more likely) more than keeping a dog or cat. Whatever figure you arrive at, DOUBLE it in the event of contingencies and the unforeseen, and make sure you've saved at least that amount before buying anything.

The best advice I can offer is:
Do ALL your research, set up your enclosure, and have the glitches worked out and everything running smoothly BEFORE you obtain a chameleon. ☺

 

[MissSkittles]

Hi I’m Seana! I’m new to the forum and world of chameleons. Is there anything you wish you knew before you got a chameleon? Please let me know

They are a gateway animal. Before you know it you’ll be finding yourself seeking out more chameleons, more reptiles...then before you know it you’ll be breeding your own bugs with tubs of roaches in your garage and silkworm eggs in the fridge. Then things will really get out of hand when you decide you need to go bioactive and readily accept that you will have roly polys and other things that live in the dirt inside of your bedroom. You’ll find yourself cruising Facebook marketplace and Craig’s list to pick up cheap enclosures and other supplies from strangers.