Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,I have always loved Chameleons and have wanted one forever! When I went to the pet store to pick one up, the people there suggested that your first reptile should be more along the lines of a bearded dragon because they are easier to care for. Im really glad I went with the beardie first but now that 3 years has gone by I'm thinking about it again. So ,I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for me. Is there a preference for the which type of chameleon should be your first? If I get a baby, can I put it in one of those big mesh cages right away, or keep in a small one at first? I know basically nothing and do plan on reaserching alot more befor commiting so anything would help.
Thanks

Shanna

I just got my first cham and it is a veiled. I have been told by a lot of people that they are a pretty good cham to start with, but whichever one you start with you want to make sure that you read up on it, talk to other owners and make sure that the cage setup is the way that it should be. Mostly I think that you want to make sure that you have the money to afford a good setup and that it is complete, and then just make sure you research husbandry of the species you get. Good luck. I am gonna post some pics of my new cham this afternoon. He is a turquoise veiled baby.

>>I know basically nothing and do plan on reaserching alot more befor commiting so anything would help.
>>Thanks
>>
>>Shanna

Shanna, my advice would be to thoroughly research your chameleon's requirements, come back, ask questions, and research some more!
There are some great link at the top of the forum for research.
Don't be afraid to come on and ask questions!
Good luck!
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Victor Gomez
gomezvi@yahoo.com

Hi Shanna,

smart to research first. The link below will bring you to the most recommended websites, info on vet listing (make sure you have one lined up) and setup tips. When you go to the links be sure to look over the many articles. Chameleonnews.com is very current with many articles, some that were written by forum members, and has a wealth of onfo as well as other links. Lurking here and asking questions will be quite helpful to see what sort of things arise.

Beardies are SO different as I am sure you know. I had chams before bd. I only got Darwin last April, he just turned a year a few weeks ago. I can't believe how easy he is - a real laid back fella!

As for your cage question let me first say that if you get a "baby" be sure it is at least 3 months old. The disadvantage of him being in such a big cage right away is locating his food, unless you cup feed, which many of us do. Depending on where you live a big open cage can amke it difficult to keep humidity up.

Victor's advice of reading then asking questions is the way to go!

lele
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Chameleon Help & Resource Info

0.1 Veiled Chameleon - Luna. She's now hanging from her big jungle gym in the sky
1.0 Beardie - Darwin
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Lita
0.1 African Clawed Frog - Skipper
0.1 Mad. Hissers and she is on the loose!
0.1 Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula - Rosa Leigh
0.1 Goliath Bird-Eater Tarantula - Natasha
?.? Pinktoe Tarantula - no name yet