>>I would not recommend a melleri as a first chameleon. WCs tend to be very delicate and CBs are not readily available.



I second this, melleri have better odds with an experienced chameleon keeper. No matter which species you (groundskeeper) choose, it stands the best chance if you read many articles, caresheets, books, and even call/email experienced breeders. So many people in this hobby are very friendly and willing to help a serious newcomer.



>>Also they are sensitive against lowe humiditiy and easily loose parts of their flaps and crest by drieness induced necrosis.



Ingo, did you experience this firsthand in melleri? Did a vet make the diagnosis? Can you tell us more about it?



In America, melleri keepers and their vets have found necrosis causes to be fungal and bacterial, not from low humidity. In fact, excessive humidity and no dry-outs in the captive environment exacerbates a case of necrosis. The tendency to develop these skin conditions is on an individual basis, depending on stress, immune system status, and possibly diet (lack of essential vitamins, etc). In the wild or caged outdoors, all are exposed to the same opportunistic microbes present in the environment.



If you can tell me more about dry-induced necrosis, and if you have any other melleri data, I'd love to add the details to the Melleri Discovery site.



>>Anyhow, if you go for mellers, forget what I said about lights. This species avoids too bright lights and does better under fluorescent lights supplemented by a moderate basking spot.

>>Also other than for the other two listed species, significant temp drops at night are quite important for a melleris health.

>>



I also use the tube fluorescents (ReptiSun 10.0) and incandescent low wattage (50-150w) hot spots for melleri. However, when housed outdoors, they will bask in full sun for extended periods, as long as sun hits the cage. For melleri, a night drop is essential, reducing the risk of developing fatty liver disease, and increasing the odds of breeding successfully.



I am located near you groundskeeper24, and I house chams outdoors from after Easter until late October (normally). The high humidity (alternating 60-100% by night/day and rainstorms) and sun is good for them, but you must watch the heat by both day and night. If you aren't getting a night drop during the summer, they must be brought in, to cool in your home air conditioning overnight. I kept veiled, Senegal, and Meller's this way.



A CB oustie would be a great choice, I think, and the bigger the cage, the better. I've heard they can be very nice pets.
-----
Kristina Francis



www.melleridiscovery.com

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