Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

[bolky]

hi all
right i was considering of getting a chameleon soon
maybe a panther or is that to much for a me cos i already got 2 female leopard geckos
* is that too much for me to handle or is that perfect?
* wat sort of size cage should i be lookin at getting for it ?
tall 1
long but short 1
or do i build 1 in the gap in my bedroom
i got a gap in my room i think is 6ft 5inches high x 3 may be 4ft wide x 2ft deep
hope some 1 or some people can help me step by step cos i always look to professionals for help i do
so let me plz

[bolky]

right i will try and make it simpler cos not even i can understand wat i asked then


wat would be a suitable chameleon for a beginner?

wat size cage would they need as i am planning make a custom 1 on my bedroom?

hope some 1 can help me out ere!!!!!!!

[Peter Parrot]

The most common reply that you will get to "What is the best starter Chameleon" will no doubt be the Yemens or Veiled Chameleon. A) because they are commonly available and B) As such, there is a lot of information available on their husbandry also.


Personally, I do not think that there is such a thing as a "starter" Chameleon species. Whilst I do not consider them difficult to care for, there are quite a few basic ground rules that anyone considering keeping Chameleons of any species should familiarise themselves with. After that, the next step would be to make a list of both what one wants from the animal as well as far more importantly , what can be provided for the animal in terms of both space and cost as well as enviromental factors.

It`s a basic understanding of what makes Chameleons on the whole , (regardless of species) "Tick" as it were, that is needed. The subject of Stress in Chameleons being an important one to gain an understanding of, ie what causes it and how it can be avoided. Then research the different species that appeal to you most. Once at this stage, the best person to answer the question of which species of Chameleon would be the best suited to you would be yourself!

Here is a link which will answer a great deal of your questions. Have a good read and then go to the home page and you will find plenty of information on various species of Chameleon. http://www.chameleonnews.com/chamcare.html

Don`t be afraid to ask as many questions as you like here . There are plenty of people here that can help you. I would read the above link first though, which will help you build up a basic knowledge of Chameleon husbandry requirements and an understanding of their needs. Good luck and enjoy your research.
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YSBRYDOLI POBL, GWELLA LLEOEDD
INSPIRING PEOPLE, IMPROVING PLACES
www.btcv.org
Visit our website - Gwelwch ein Gwefan
www.btcvcymru.org
Llinell Gymorth / Helpline: 08702 40 48 41

[bolky]

thanx very much i appreciate any help

[Peter Parrot]

No problem . The link that I first posted up was not the direct link that I wanted you to see. I have now edited it to the correct one.

If you click on it again , it will now lead you straight to the Introduction to Chameleon Care article that I think will be really useful to you. Click on the link and then scroll down a tad.

All the best
_________________
YSBRYDOLI POBL, GWELLA LLEOEDD
INSPIRING PEOPLE, IMPROVING PLACES
www.btcv.org
Visit our website - Gwelwch ein Gwefan
www.btcvcymru.org
Llinell Gymorth / Helpline: 08702 40 48 41

[Rickeezee]

Yep well said Pete, I concur that there is no ideal or begginers chameleon.

Yemens are very hardy and will tollerate a wideish margin of incorrect husbandry. But this does not mean to say they will be a happy cham. High level stress is very noticeable in chams and corrective measures can be taken, low level stress is not so noticeable, stress can affect their health adversely, making them more prone to infections etc.

Most chams can be kept well if their requirements are known. i would even go so far as to say if you get a Yemens and are not looking after them correctly you may never even know, where as with other chams you will know pretty quickly.

The best way to learn is through experience in my view, and plenty of question asking and research.

It's a toughie, but on balance maybe a Yemen is a good starter cham, if cared for correctly. Or maybe it is not, as if not cared for properly one may never know.

I did six months solid research, asked loadsa questions before I got my first cham, and I am still learning about them now. I am completely addicted to them and find them an extremely interesting and rewarding lizard to keep!

I wish you luck with your research.
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www.rickslivefood.co.uk

[Budsteam]

My first lizard was, and still is, Bud - yeman cham.
We made several visits before the final decision. One thing which swayed my choice as to which baby to pick was out of the 4 or 5 to choose from Bud was the most outgoing. Climbed onto your hand and was happy to look around, also Bud was the piggy of the group, put a cric in and zap straight away. She was bright and alert, not hiding in the corner with a dark hue. From a novices standpoint, having read a couple of books and several website caresheets etc this was my intuitive was of selecting my cham.
Everything the guys have told you above is spot on, just wanted to tell you what we did as rank beginners.
The only thing I would have done different (although I can't imagine swapping Bud for anything) is made certain I was getting a male, for a first cham I personally think this is a must. You can see the tiny spurs on youngsters, but I was not sure at the time. Bud's got a lovely personality but the egg laying is stressful. Bud's successfully laid eggs twice now but it does take it's toll on their little bods and you can't help but worry each time. They really need extra TLC at this time - especially just after laying, Bud eats and drinks for England to build herself back up again.

One HUGE advantage you have is that you have found this website before getting your cham! - Good luck - you couldn't be amongst better folks

BTW we are also in Suffolk, if you would like to come and see Bud and our set ups (still have the junior viv) you are most welcome - just PM and I'll give you the phone number, we are between Ipswich and Woodbridge.

[Peter Parrot]

That is a very good point about a male chameleon as a first. Definately easier maintenance all round with no egg laying related problems to worry about.
_________________
YSBRYDOLI POBL, GWELLA LLEOEDD
INSPIRING PEOPLE, IMPROVING PLACES
www.btcv.org
Visit our website - Gwelwch ein Gwefan
www.btcvcymru.org
Llinell Gymorth / Helpline: 08702 40 48 41

[Rickeezee]

Sounds like you picked a winner there Bud! Glad she is thriving with your good care!
_________________
www.rickslivefood.co.uk

[Budsteam]

Thanks Rick, your comments during the first egg laying really helped, we were sooo worried, she's seems to be taking it all in her stride now and we know the tell tale signs of when to put her pot in