wanting to get into chams

[ROFLonfire]

I'm already expecting some pgymys soon, I've posted several threads here and have gotten great information.

But yesterday I went to the Repticon show in Memphis and saw some very nice veileds, panthers, and fischers. I'm really excited to be getting my pygmys soon, I've had an enclosure waiting for them for almost a month. But seeing the other species, I'd really like to get into some other types of chameleons.

What kinds of chameleons would you guys suggest for me to start with? This probably isn't going to be an undertaking I'll be pursuing anytime soon, I don't have a cage for a larger sized cham yet and I want to have plenty of research done before getting one.

 

[ciafardo 4]

My advice get into snakes! hahaha Just kidding veileds and panthers are both pretty forgiving species i would steer clear of any type of fischers they def aren't a begginers species.

 

[Jonas]

I think you are showing great character by being so prepared.

If you show the same dedication to your next chameleons, there is really not up to us too choose for you - with the right amount of reading etc. one can keep any animal.

My point is that you should not get a veiled just because its considered a "begginners chameleon", you should get an animal you are really interested in. Of course one needs to know ones limitations, but still, I think you should look around for what you are interested in. The forum can help you get a picture of what might be a stretch for a lesser experienced keeper once you narrow it down.

 

[Julirs]

My advice get into snakes! hahaha Just kidding .

LOL-some days-especially after spending all day cleaning out cages, feeder bins, etc...it just makes you say something like that!

I agree with Jonas-but Veileds are particularly rewarding. They are active, beautiful, and big.

 

[Jonas]

Yes, through out the years calyptratus is still a favourite of mine, this 15 years later. So you shouldn't not get it because it is considered "a beginners chameleon" eighter. I love them, most people do or will.

 

[ROFLonfire]

Its awesome to get positive feedback, lol. I do like the veileds, but I also like the jacksons. But seeing as how the veileds seem more readily available, I think I'll go after one of them.

I could get the cage and cham next month, so I think I'll start researching and looking around. But if I don't feel comfortable by then, I have no problem holding off. I'm a semi-experienced fish keeper and have already learned that preparation is important in having healthy, happy animals.

Would it be better to start with a baby or a juvenile?

 

[CleaTheChameleon]

Juvenile. Thats how i started off. Ask your questions on here and we will be more than happy to get you started. Any lighting, cage, plants, calcium schedule questions? We are here to help

 

[Julirs]

Juvenile-definitley.

 

[CleaTheChameleon]

I knew it lol

 

[ROFLonfire]

Haha, juvenile it is then. I'll have to start asking around at the pet stores I frequent and see what can be done.

I was thinking of starting with a medium size complete cage set from flchams. Is that a good call?

 

[Julirs]

Haha, juvenile it is then. I'll have to start asking around at the pet stores I frequent and see what can be done.

I was thinking of starting with a medium size complete cage set from flchams. Is that a good call?

It is a great call. There is not a more complete setup than FLChams. It even comes complete with the spray bottle and supplements!

 

[kinyonga]

Here are some good sites that you might read...
http://web.archive.org/web/20060421.../index.php?show=6.Vitamin.D3.and.Calcium.html
http://web.archive.org/web/20060502...rnals.com/vet/index.php?show=5.Vitamin.A.html
http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/
http://www.uvguide.co.uk/
http://adcham.com/

 

[ROFLonfire]

My largest interest at the Memphis reptile show was the FLchams vendor. They're website is what I've used to get a basis of what chameleons peak my interest and the website helped me narrow down which pygmys I want (I'm gunning for a pair of spectrals, if not those than beardeds). I talked to a woman about my ideas for the pygmys and she seemed to be really glad to hear that I had done alot of research and was waiting patiently for them. And to also be able to see the cages there at the show with chams in them was pretty awesome. They were selling the medium sized ones I believe and if the show had happened sooner after getting paid, I would have very well walked away with a cage but would've done my best to resist getting a cham, lol.

Thank you for the reference material, Im sure I'll start reading up asap. The pygmys come across as being very easy to care for so I want to make sure I don't miss a beat with other cham types like the veileds. It seems the largest difference has to do with lighting and cage size.

 

[jheitz]

There are also several breeders here on the site. I would talk to them as well. The down side to purchasing from a store is the increased difficulty in tracking down you new pets lineage. Some pet store owners guard there breeders like the holy grail!! Best of luck.

Jason