Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

[Rickeezee]

I think all species are demanding in as much you have to get it right. Yemens are deemed as not being so demanding simply because they are more tolerant of mistakes. Doesn't mean to say though that that they have been kept properly if anything it is harder to know if you have made mistakes with a Yemen. t

A less tolerant species, one would know quite quickly if the husbandry is glaringly incorrect. Just wanted to point that out.

I dont think anyone's input so far has been bad, just trying to clarify exactly what it is that interests you so suggestions may be offered. As before all species have specific demands and their own unique interesting qualities, in my view.

In terms of demand Parsons can be difficult to breed, have a long incubation period and dont hit sexual maturity for quite a long time. The obvious route if wishing for a more demanding experience in my view would be to breed whatever chameleons you already have as this adds another dimension to the experiential learning curve and will add to the knowledge already gained regarding the species.

I have seen your adds on the classifieds regarding Parsons, there are three breeders at the Hamm show who have Parsons for sale this March.

Try this link for species specific chameleon information.

http://www.adcham.com/
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[Rickeezee]

Here ya go: Extract from Ad Cham website. Chamaeleo parsonii


This largest and arguably most magnificent of the Chamaeleonidae inhabits the cool, forested zone of eastern Madagascar and Ile. Ste. Marie. C. parsonii cristifer (q./v.) is restricted to the highland primary montane forests around Perinet (Andasibe). While some populations are under pressure from deforestation, recent reports of some locally abundant populations and colonization of both secondary forests and even plantations, give some cause for guarded optimism. C. p. parsonii has been documented at up to 27.75 inches total length. Unconfirmed reports exist of specimens up to 32 inches. C. p. cristifer is reported to grow to 19 inches. C. parsonii are only moderately aggressive toward conspecifics and tend to be timid toward keepers. Long term breeding success has been achieved by very few keepers and only the most expert keepers should attempt to maintain this most prized (and correspondingly expensive) species.

C. parsonii sports a large, flat casque with occipital lobes. In males, the canthi rostralis (lateral ridges running from above the eyes toward the snout) become more pronounced as they proceed in the anterior direction and become elaborated into two scoop-shaped, warty horns. A small dorsal crest is apparent in C. p. cristifer but lacking in the nominate form of C. p. parsonii. Both lack gular and ventral crests. Scalation is homogeneous except for large plate-like scales adorning the area between the canthi rostralis. The dominant colors are green, turquoise and yellow although juveniles may sport an orange hue. Some animals have yellow or orange eyelids or lips and/or irregular black or gray stripes or blotches. A pale yellow or white spot of variable size may adorn the flanks, particularly in C. p. cristifer which is also reported to have a more bluish/turquoise hue. Females lack the prominent rostral processes of the male. A hemipenial bulge is apparent in males, particularly during the breeding season. C. parsonii is known to lay 30-50 eggs but only lay a single clutch per year.
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[RobUKChams]

If you are looking for another species I would recommend a Panther. They are less tolerant than a Veiled if the conditions are not right. You have the added bonus that they are a more active and dare I say interesting chameleon which you will breed if you get things right.

Parsons are a very difficult animal to keep properly. They are slow moving and often inactive so its harder to spot if something is wrong. For example if a veiled or panther is in a part of the cage they don't normally visit it can be a sign something is not right. Generaly Parsons can't be arsed to move so you loose that indicator straight away.

I would strongly advise you do things in stages then you build up your knowledge and can aim for Parsons in the future. So few people manage to keep Parsons alive let along breed them. They also dont like it too hot. Aircon is a must for the summer and then you run into problems maintaining humidity.

Panthers are hugely variable in colour and character as you can see here:
http://www.ukchameleons.co.uk/albums/male_panther/

I also keep PArsons so am speaking from 3 years experience with these animals
http://www.ukchameleons.co.uk/albums/parsonii/

regards

Rob

[robje29]

Thanks guys, will do some more reading and let you know.
Rob

[Rickeezee]

Rob Have you managed to get eggs on the go yet from the Parsons?
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[robje29]

Sorry Rick wrong Rob unless you misread reading for breeding.
Rob

[Rickeezee]

It was for Rob UK in regards to his Parsons.
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