Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a few questions. First of all, what is a good price range for veiled chameleons? There is a petstore near my house that is not the best kept petstore. They currently have a veiled female, age possibly around 2. He said she is "evil" in his words. i.e. she hisses and bites. I think this is because she is not cared for the best, and has not been handled. Has anyone had any success with helping a less tame chameleon become more handleable?? Also, she is $89.99. Is that a good price. I am interested in her to get her out of there. I wish I could get a lot of thier birds out of there to. Poor things. But anyway, anyone have any good advice?? Thanks

I can't tell you if the price is good or not. It depends on where you live.

The average life span of a veiled female is three years...so if she's two its hard to know how much longer she has to live.

A change in care and extra handling won't likely do much to change her temperament. Usually a hissy one stays hissy....not saying that one can never change.

You said you are interested in getting her out of there....and I can definitely understand your feelings....but if you buy her they might get another one and then will you buy that one too? Also, if you get her out of there and there is something wrong with her, are you prepared to take her to a vets? Also, are you prepared to pay for everything that you will need to keep her once you have bought her?

If the store is looking after all its animals poorly, then talking to them won't likely do any good. If only certain animals are not looked after properly, then giving them good husbandry information might help.

You said..."Poor things"...and you are right.

Sorry to be such a "downer" on this, but its a dismal situation.

Yes, you are right, and that is a good point that they will only get another one. I have worked in petstores where they take such great care of the animals and hire people for thier animal knowledge, and this to me is sooooo irresponsible and atrocious. I hate it. But, I am thinking about going with a breeder. That way I will know what I am getting.

It is very sad to see pet stores that don't look after the animals. I hate it too. Its good that the pet store you worked for wasn't like that.

Good luck with your chameleon when you finally get it!