What is the best pet Cham for me?

[PaintedFlare]

Hi there! I’m looking to get a chameleon, surprise surprise I have owned a collection of geckos and snakes over the past 8 years and have been sitting on the idea of getting a chameleon for about a year now. However I can’t seem to choose which one will be best suited for what I want/have. I have a glass viv with a mesh top that I plan to keep it in. It’s measurements are 18x18x18 (I, of course, am willing to change it to something slightly bigger if there are none that would happily fit in it however I don’t have the space for anything huge). I already have a uv light for it. I would like a chameleon that doesn’t get too stressed by handling, I know they’re more look at pets but of course good husbandry dictates getting them out to give the viv a clean, check they’re healthy, etc and I would like one that will be okay with handling, albeit infrequent. I also would like one that doesn’t get too big, but also has a fairly decent life span— I would hate to have it die of old age after only two years or something. I really quite like flapnecked chameleons (Chamaeleo Dilepis) as I think they’re gorgeous and they apparently live about 5 years, however from what I’ve read they get to about 12in, which if that’s the case then they won’t fit in the viv. And of course, I’d like one that is relatively hardy and forgiving as it is my first chameleon. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks in advance!

 

[Chameleon Mike]

What kind of UV light is it? A? Or B? I have geckos and snakes myself but chameleons are a whole different world. You'll need a mister as well. If you can't go much bigger then you said, maybe a Jackson, however I'm not real familiar with the needs of those. It would be a good idea for you to look at the Care Sheets for all the different chameleons, on this form, and see what is the biggest cage requirements for each one. That would be a starting point for the type you should get.

 

[jamest0o0]

18x18x18 is too small for pretty much any cham other than pygmies

 

[PaintedFlare]

What kind of UV light is it? A? Or B? I have geckos and snakes myself but chameleons are a whole different world. You'll need a mister as well. If you can't go much bigger then you said, maybe a Jackson, however I'm not real familiar with the needs of those. It would be a good idea for you to look at the Care Sheets for all the different chameleons, on this form, and see what is the biggest cage requirements for each one. That would be a starting point for the type you should get.

I’ve trawled through lots of care sheets and recommendation pages, but there is a lot of information that doesn’t quite match up with each other so I thought I’d ask for information on here. I can’t go much bigger due to limitations on space but would be able to get a somewhat bigger one as that seems necessary, and I can definitely get a taller one as height isn’t an issue. I’m not home at the minute so I don’t know which uv bulb I have off the top of my head, what type do you recommend? I do intend to get a mister as I know most of them need quite high humidity, and I plan to have the viv all set up before I purchase a chameleon, I just of course want to make sure I have the best chameleon for me and am able to care for it properly.

 

[Goose502]

Your cage is very small. Do you know who the manufacturer is as well? Are we talking terrarium or aquarium? You need a linear t5 high output fixture with a bulb that emits a measurable amount it UVB. An automated mister is almost a requirement as well. Are you prepared to create a bioactive enclosure? If not, how will you drain the excess water from all the misting required? Make yourself familiar with all the live plants you will need to purchase. If you can’t get another cage, look into dart frogs. If you can master their husbandry, a chameleon will be much easier for you to maintain.

 

[PaintedFlare]

Your cage is very small. Do you know who the manufacturer is as well? Are we talking terrarium or aquarium? You need a linear t5 high output fixture with a bulb that emits a measurable amount it UVB. An automated mister is almost a requirement as well. Are you prepared to create a bioactive enclosure? If not, how will you drain the excess water from all the misting required? Make yourself familiar with all the live plants you will need to purchase. If you can’t get another cage, look into dart frogs. If you can master their husbandry, a chameleon will be much easier for you to maintain.

I have experience with bioactive enclosures and that’s what I plan to do. I intend to have it all set up and thriving before I introduce the chameleon. I currently have a glass Exo Terra terrarium with a mesh top, however I will get something bigger as it is too small for any type of chameleon. I don’t plan to get a chameleon for another few months yet as I wish to ensure that I am fully prepared for its arrival.

 

[Goose502]

I have experience with bioactive enclosures and that’s what I plan to do. I intend to have it all set up and thriving before I introduce the chameleon. I currently have a glass Exo Terra terrarium with a mesh top, however I will get something bigger as it is too small for any type of chameleon. I don’t plan to get a chameleon for another few months yet as I wish to ensure that I am fully prepared for its arrival.

That’s really great to hear. When you’re set up, post some pics, sometimes the glass terrariums present unique problems. After adjusting they are extremely solid and reliable habitats.

 

[Chameleon Mike]

The smallest cage you will want is 18x18x36" for an adult Jackson. For an adult male panther or veiled you will need 24x24x48".