Veiled or Panther?

[falconut]

Hi, new to the boards. Not to lizards though, I've had many lizards and currently have a female green basilisk. Just haven't kept a chameleon.

While out and about yesterday, we saw a few chameleons at a local pet shop. These were adults that were not for sale, not like we were buying one before having a setup anyway. I am starting my research now for a future pet.

My wife liked the Panther, which came down the branch and interacted a little. She also likes the veiled. Is one better than the other for a beginner with chameleons?

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the forums. Panthers and veileds are kept just about the same so you should get which one you like the best. I keep both and they are really awesome chameleons. My veileds have always had the most personality but I interact with my chameleons on a daily basis. I'm attaching my blog for new keepers. It has links to pictures and where you can buy all the supplies that you will need for a chameleon. Most chameleon supplies can not be purchased at a pet store and have to be ordered on line.

This is how I successfully keep veileds and panthers: https://www.chameleonforums.com/blo...-keepers-young-veiled-panther-chameleons.html


More great info here: https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/chameleons/

 

[falconut]

Thanks. I did a google search for care sheets for both about an hour ago. It said the Panther needs a humidity of 60-85% and the veiled needs a humidity of around 50%.

Is this correct, the Veiled needs less humidity? Ever other thing they listed seemed to be the same between the two.

Thanks for the links, I read them when I get a chance.

 

[jannb]

Veileds need a tad less humidity and a tad more heat.

 

[falconut]

I see you recommend the Reptisun 5.0 tube light. Is there something wrong with the Mecury Vapor bulbs for UVB?

I use a ReptileUV for my Basilisk and replace every year. They're supposed to disperse the UVB about 24" from the bulb, where I believe the tube bulbs have to be about 6-8" from the reptile for them to get UVB, plus don't they need to be replaced every 6 months?

Just looking for advice.

 

[jannb]

Mercury Vapor bulbs put off to much heat and by the time you get it close enough for the Cham to get UV it's way too hot. I would never recommend using one on a cage. Would be ok on a large free range for heat. I use them on a few of my free ranges.

 

[Kibu]

In My personal Opinion I prefer panthers (I'm biased). They are just absolutely gorgeous and tend to be less moody.

 

[falconut]

Mercury Vapor bulbs put off to much heat and by the time you get it close enough for the Cham to get UV it's way too hot. I would never recommend using one on a cage. Would be ok on a large free range for heat. I use them on a few of my free ranges.

OK, go to know. So I'll plan on using the Reptisun 5.0 tube for UVB and replace every 6 months.

So, it seems there is minor difference between the two as far as care. If I'm correct this is the minor difference:

Panther - little more humidity (60%) and little less heat (mid 80's for basking)
Veiled - little less humidity (50%) and little more heat (around 90 basking)

 

[jannb]

OK, go to know. So I'll plan on using the Reptisun 5.0 tube for UVB and replace every 6 months.

So, it seems there is minor difference between the two as far as care. If I'm correct this is the minor difference:

Panther - little more humidity (60%) and little less heat (mid 80's for basking)
Veiled - little less humidity (50%) and little more heat (around 90 basking)

Correct! I keep my adult male veiled just under 90.... 88 or 89. I also wanted to tell you that males are easier to start with because females lay eggs without a male even being around and that can get tricky.

 

[falconut]

Yeah, we were gonna get a male. Do you know how old before you can tell male from female?

 

[camimom]

Yeah, we were gonna get a male. Do you know how old before you can tell male from female?

Veileds you can tell almost out of the egg.

Panthers, can be a bit harder, but usually can tell by 3 months of age.

 

[falconut]

Veileds you can tell almost out of the egg.

Panthers, can be a bit harder, but usually can tell by 3 months of age.

Cool. I've read to get them around 5 months for best luck. So, they should be able to correctly sell me a male when the time is right.

 

[camimom]

Cool. I've read to get them around 5 months for best luck. So, they should be able to correctly sell me a male when the time is right.

ive sold veileds at 3 months old, panthers I would do the same age

sadly, a lot of people sell panthers (and even veileds for that matter) that cant sex them to save their lives.

that's why you should buy from a reputable breeder, such as our site sponsors.

Or buy from a forum member whose been around for a while.

 

[falconut]

Yeah, I think we're leaning heavily towards a Panther male. I see they're more $, but the colors of some of them are unbelievable. I've been searching some of the sponsors sites. I just haven't found where all of the sponsors are listed, so I just keep waiting for a different one to pop up on the sides of the forums.

Is there any reason why I can't use my current bird cage for him when he's fully grown? It's got 1/2" bar spacing and it's 26" x 19" x 36" tall. Sounds about the size I've been reading they need.

 

[jannb]

The adult male panther or veiled would need at least a 48 inch high cage. The bigger the better. You can find the site sponsors at the top left of the home page.

 

[falconut]

OK, thanks found them. Looks like the size I'll need to get is 24"x24"x48", which is being sold by several of the sponsors.

I already have a mister that I'm using on my Basilisk tank with two nozzles, but it can handle 15. I'll just add (1) for the chameleons change. So, I should be set there.