KarmaChameleon1337
Avid Member
Oh, not you, the person who originally told him that it's an every other day thing.
wants the get a Cham. what do i need
- Thread starter isayno
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Oh, not you, the person who originally told him that it's an every other day thing.
KarmaChameleon1337
Avid Member
Another question to help you pick, how much are you willing to spend on the animal itself? Price range usually helps.
davthevieled
Avid Member
Welcome to the forum OP! Anyways, gonna have to quote and agree with Laurie. There is a bit of an expense on how much it costs to start up owning a chameleon and depending on the chameleon (I'm looking at all the Parson's) they can very from inexpensive to rather costly. They are do-able, I keep 3 chameleons (soon five) in an apartment, healthy, with only the slight issues.... ie... realizing that we built a terrarium that we might not be able to get out of the apartment... Damn small hallways >.>... ANYWAYS... Chams are cute, fun to watch, and have stunning personalities.... but come with a huge cost of time. Let us know what species you decide on!
KarmaChameleon1337
Avid Member
I mean... if it comes down to it.... you could trade one of your kids for the cham! Hahah, I'd do it. 
Carlton
Chameleon Enthusiast
Please listen to us, not your friend on this topic. I would NOT consider a Mueller's a beginner cham! They didn't mention the veiled which is a great beginner species. I'd suggest that over a Jackson's.
Really, first read the "basic care" sticky posts and roam around on the species forums to learn some of the very basic topics (such as knowing if they are stressed, temps and humidity). There is way too much to answer in these posts...got to thin it down a little. You can read about these species and get an idea which appeals to you most. Each has definite pros and cons, but as far as personality they vary a lot and are individuals. Be aware you should pay attention to the source...wildcaught imports may be less expensive, but are more likely to be stressed, dehydrated, sick, or injured. More Muelleri or Jackson's are imports than captive bred. Available veileds and panthers are mostly captive bred these days.
KarmaChameleon1337
Avid Member
IMO any cham is able to be a beginner cham if the person researches enough.
Carlton
Chameleon Enthusiast
That's true, but if you don't even know which species you prefer got to start somewhere and compare your particular climate and indoor situation to the species that will have the best chance handling the newbie mistakes that may come up.
davthevieled
Avid Member
I would only disagree because when it comes to wc and acclimation, between the cb veileds and Jackson's that I got to the wc mellers? Mellers definitely took a bit more work. Veileds give a bit of a learning curve with how hardy they are in comparison to others.
Carlton
Chameleon Enthusiast
And a LOT more space, more feeders, more water, bigger plants! Much more expensive to set up.
davthevieled
Avid Member
Not to mention the initial parasite load, gender issues, and over all temperament.. My favorite species to work with out of all that I have so far but I wouldn't recommend it to someone who hasn't experienced the attitude of a chameleon.
Carlton
Chameleon Enthusiast
Definitely! No one should put their hand right in front of a Meller's nose if they don't realize it's scared or pissed off! One of my big wc rescues clamped down hard enough to split and blacken my thumbnail for months. Some are totally mellow but again you've got to recognize the difference in behavior and coloration.
davthevieled
Avid Member
Exactly! I actually have to take a video of my big boy deciding to play king of the hill when I get into the room sometime. If he is on a lower branch, he won't do anything but lift himself up and say... MINE lol
Carlton
Chameleon Enthusiast
So let me see (for the pleasure of the uninitiated) he inflates himself into a large green and yellow striped, black and white spotted stalking terrestrial flounder, curls and uncurls or lashes his tail, that huge pink mouth roars at you, the earflaps flap, he rocks, and those hammy fists shake his branch furiously right?
davthevieled
Avid Member
Actually, he just makes sure he is looking down at me... although he DOES do that on the occasion, he has acclimated quite well... During the first week of owning him? It was like trying to fight with a two year old who had their first bite of chocolate. Now, he just kinda knows he runs the show. Kinda just makes sure you realize that he is running the place. I feel lucky to know he doesn't throw a fit every time I enter the room XD
Carlton
Chameleon Enthusiast
Oh, OK, maybe I'm confusing the "I see the garden hose lying on the floor and I think its a snake" display with general territoriality.
Explanation: I was experimenting with indoor plant watering sprayers and had only one house faucet that would work with the coupler. So, I had garden hose running from the bathroom into the free range bedroom most of the time. The melleri HATED that hose. Once I realized what they were flapping at I carefully coiled it up after using it each time. That got old, so the sprayer idea ended up on a shelf in the garage.
