Which Chameleon is right for me?

[Roni013]

So I am getting my first chameleon, I have been researching them for weeks and know what I'm getting myself into. My only problem is which kind do I want. I like the smaller one, Pygmy and Rudis are my two favorites so far. Is one hardier than the other? Is one a little easier to care for? Is thier some other smaller speices I havent found yet thats better than both?
Lemme know your suggestions

 

[Tygerr]

Is there a reason you need to keep small chameleons? Is it a space issue?

Because if you do have a bit more space, there is no doubt that a Veiled chameleon would be the best starter chameleon. They tolerate a greater range of temperatures and humidity than most other species, and are generally hardier than a lot of species. Also, because of their proliferation as 'pet' chameleons, they are generally a lot less expensive than other species.

That all adds up to make them a great chameleon to learn with. They tolerate quite a few beginner mistakes.
Panthers are usually ranked second for beginner chams, since they are almost as tolerant as Veileds.

Rudi's chams require more specific conditions to be kept in, and I wouldn't recommend them to a beginner. Also, a lot of the stock sold in your country is WC, and those animals are even more tricky to deal with.
Pygmy chams are also a little more difficult for the beginner since due to their size and behaviour, it is harder to diagnose problems as they arise.

It must be remembered that chameleons are some of the most difficult reptiles to keep, so if you are just starting out with them, it makes sense to choose a chameleon species that is relatively easier than others (even Veileds are not 'easy' to keep - they're just not as difficult as some)

 

[Nicodemayo]

If you want something besides a veiled and want something affordable and hardy i'd go with a flapneck chameleon! You dont see them too often and most places sell them for the same price as a veiled for a CB one. I believe mike at fl chams sells them but you would need to ship it as well. I think they're way underrated and are an awesome species. tygerr is right, most all the rudis you see for sale are wild caught, which means theres a possiblity you might have parasite issues, hydration issues, and many die from the journey. I would stick to something CB(captive bred).

Check it out
http://flchams.com/other_chameleons.asp?id=102619

 

[Roni013]

I already have an enclosure thats pretty big, 18"x18"x24". I just like the little ones better, thier so cute and I think having something a little more rare would be fun.
Flapnecks seem intresting too, I'm looking into them

 

[Nicodemayo]

No one seems to have them because it seems everyone buy veileds as a first!

 

[Kat77]

Is the enclosure you purchased glass or screen? Pygmys do better in glass, not screen and you cannot keep other chams in glass. So that might help with your choice....

 

[Tygerr]

I already have an enclosure thats pretty big, 18"x18"x24".

That's acutally not such a big enclosure. If you keep any of the larger chams to adulthood (including flap-necks) you're going to have eventually get a bigger cage. That would be fine for housing a baby though.

And as Kat mentioned, if it is glass, it would probably be better off for pygmy chams.

I think having something a little more rare would be fun.

This is the same sentiment that gets most of us into chameleon-keeping in the first place. But just remember, though there is fun and fascination, chameleons are quite demanding. Don't just get them because they're exotic - get them because you are truly committed to seeing something as fragile and delicate as a chameleon flourish in your care. I've always believed that gaining experience with the more 'common' chams will open the doors to keeping the more challenging specimens in future. But if you have an early failure with one of the more delicate species, it might put you off chameleon keeping forever.