Which Chameleon?

[JJchameleon]

HI there,
I am looking to buy a Chameleon, as I saw one at a garden center recently. The one I saw was a Panther chameleon and I was mesmerized. I was just wondering, however, if this was suitable as a a first chameleon. I have been doing a lot of research but this has been made harder by the fact that I did not know which type of chameleon I was buying. I already have a vivarium sorted (45 x 45 x 60cm) by exo terra.
All comments are greatly appreciated

 

[Carlton]

HI there,
I am looking to buy a Chameleon, as I saw one at a garden center recently. The one I saw was a Panther chameleon and I was mesmerized. I was just wondering, however, if this was suitable as a a first chameleon. I have been doing a lot of research but this has been made harder by the fact that I did not know which type of chameleon I was buying. I already have a vivarium sorted (45 x 45 x 60cm) by exo terra.
All comments are greatly appreciated

A healthy older juvenile panther can be a "first" chameleon if you do your research and have the setup equipment (lighting, proper temp and humidity range figured out, feeders on hand, gutloads and supplements ready) arranged. consider finding an experienced reptile vet just in case...you don't want to be frantically searching for one in an emergency. Also consider your daily schedule...do you travel a lot? Consider who will provide care. They take more daily attention than a snake for example. This forum has an excellent chameleon husbandry page with caresheets for panthers. You can find it under the Resources tab.

 

[JJchameleon]

Thanks @carlton (New to this forum, dont know if this alerts them like it does on other social network?) thank you for your advice, but I would prefer to buy a younger chameleon as I am not looking to buy more than one. I am just wondering which would be easier to keep.

 

[Carlton]

Thanks @carlton (New to this forum, dont know if this alerts them like it does on other social network?) thank you for your advice, but I would prefer to buy a younger chameleon as I am not looking to buy more than one. I am just wondering which would be easier to keep.

By "older" juvenile (of either veiled or panther) I meant one that isn't a tiny hatchling. Look for one that's about 3 months old. They will be easier to feed and won't be as sensitive to newbie mistakes, to dehydration, overheating, etc.

 

[JJchameleon]

OK thanks a bunch! So I will be looking for a 3 month old panther or veiled chameleon! Thanks again