Which Setups Are Best?

[Ellron]

Hey Guys! I've been looking into getting a Chameleon for some time now. I will most likely be ordering from FLchams.com I am getting a baby female vield Chameleon. I was wondering if the Screameleons set up seen here : http://screameleons.com/setup_kit_video.htm was better or worse than the FLchams setup seen here : http://www.flchams.com/complete_cages.asp?ca=2592

Thank you guys!

 

[mc9423]

The only true difference is that the Screameleons setup only comes in one size and has a mister in place of the spray bottle.

 

[boj3434]

Really there isnt much of a difference execept the FL ones you can choose you size and price. I would go with the FL on but they are both great. Good luck with your new chameleon

 

[satch4684]

I ordered the kit from screameleon on feb 7th, but the snow situation really messed things up and delayed shipments. they were waiting for parts to come in and said they'd get it out as soon as possible, but i dont think its even shipped yet.

so you may want to keep that in mind if you're trying to put things together quickly for some reason. personally, i think the auto mister will be a lifesaver until i can afford something better.

 

[Texas Panther Man]

I know the haba mist sucks but i think its a good item for anew cham owner. You can always upgrade the size of cage later.

 

[ShaunaLynnA]

Only difference I really see is the one from Scremeleons has the mister and only comes in one size. I think personally I would go with FLchams set up! Good luck with your new arrival!

 

[Ellron]

I presume from what I've read I want to start off with the medium size. Is that correct?

 

[Texas Panther Man]

Depend on how old the cham is you are buying. At six months they can go in their adult cage in most cases.

 

[Ellron]

Im buying a baby Veiled.

 

[mc9423]

If you're buying from FLChams, they have a recommendation for their kit size on every chameleon

 

[Ellron]

Alright. Im going to go with the Baby Vieled cham and the small kit. I will have to upgrade at about 6 months to the adult cage? I am also going to buy a habba mister by Exo Terra into the cage. Does this all seem good?
Just one more question...
Do females produce and lay eggs without being fertilized my a male?

 

[mc9423]

If you're going to buy the Habba Mister anyway, you might want to go with Screameleons. You won't get FLChams' 30 day guarantee that way, but you will be saving $60 for the Habba Mist.

Females do lay infertile eggs.

 

[Ellron]

The whole infertile egg thing seems like a pain. They get gravid, and you have to allow them to lay. I wanted to go with a female because they are so much smaller than the males. How do you deal with the females laying eggs? At what age do they start producing eggs? When do you know their gravid?

 

[Leilaskeeper]

Alright. Im going to go with the Baby Vieled cham and the small kit. I will have to upgrade at about 6 months to the adult cage? I am also going to buy a habba mister by Exo Terra into the cage. Does this all seem good?
Just one more question...
Do females produce and lay eggs without being fertilized my a male?

They sure do! Just put a laying bin in the set up .... some say to put wet sand, some say organic soil, some say use both. I personally use organic soil. Just make sure it's moist enough that the soil won't cave in when she digs, make sure it's well hidden but leave an inconspicuous area for you to peak at her and you'll be all set. Obviously she doesn't need one as a baby but anywhere after 5-6 months, it might be a good idea to place one in the enclosure just in case.

 

[Leilaskeeper]

The whole infertile egg thing seems like a pain. They get gravid, and you have to allow them to lay. I wanted to go with a female because they are so much smaller than the males. How do you deal with the females laying eggs? At what age do they start producing eggs? When do you know their gravid?

You might notice behavioural changes, and gravid coloration, she might not eat ... you will definitely notice a difference in behaviour. Also, watch for a
bag of marbles look to her stomach. It will be noticeable underneath her rib cage towards the base of her tail. My girl is gravid right now and huffing and puffing when I go near her. Her tummy is full too. Watch out! They have attitude lol ..... also, when they are gravid, calcium supplementation is very important. Keep her hydrated and a close eye on her ...

 

[Elizadolots]

The whole infertile egg thing seems like a pain. They get gravid, and you have to allow them to lay. I wanted to go with a female because they are so much smaller than the males. How do you deal with the females laying eggs? At what age do they start producing eggs? When do you know their gravid?

I would honestly recommend a new chameleon owner stay away from a female who might bear eggs. The first year of chameleon life is pretty much "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" (the only ride in Disneyland that takes you through HELL!) and females often need to lay the first year.

If you are worried about size, there are other smaller breeds. Fischer's are smaller (and have great tails!). There are also breeds that bear young live (I have a Rudis...she's really small) so not a danger on the "egg laying" thing.

Once you get your sea legs (which I'm still working on) a female from an egg bearing species would make a fine pet...

That's just my opinion and if you decide to ignore me (perfectly reasonable, I'm just typing on a screen to you) I will support you and try to help you as much as my pitiful knowledge will let me...I've lost an eggbound female due to my stupidity and I would really want to try to help you not make all the mistakes I made....but the easier thing would be for you not to get a female who might bear eggs.

 

[Ellron]

I have been looking into the Veiled chams and they are said to be aggressive. I have kids ( age 12 & 15 ) and I was wondering what a good chameleon species would be. I know chameleons are for viewing mostly and not handling. I just want something that can feel comfortable around the kids and vise versa. I've seen Jacksons Chameleons and those look cool, any other species recommendations?

 

[pssh]

Anything you like. Any chameleon can turn out aggressive and any can turn out nice. It's the luck of the draw my friend.

Also, with veiled females you can prevent egg laying (usually) all together with careful monitoring of temps and a special feeding schedule.

 

[Texas Panther Man]

Pretty hard for a new owner to prevent egg laying. Thats for a more experienced keeper. You would prob do quite well with a male jacksons or a male panther to start. Both are fairly easy to maintain as far as chams go. I would stay away from a female until you have had a male for at least a year. Jmo take it for what its worth. Good luck with your decision

 

[tkilgour]

If you are concerned about price I think Vincent at Screameleons only sells Panther chameleons. I could be wrong about this but I didn't think he sold Veileds. Panthers on average cost more than Veiled chameleons. Each kit is very comparable and both companies know their animals very well. Screameleons is notorious for having some screaming colored panther chameleons.