Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am a pet store manager... bearded dragon breeder... I have very good general knowledge of other reptiles. BUT am no expert at chameleons. We have 3 veileds that are doing great and striving. My husband has shown some interest in Rhampholeon brevicaudatus. I have done some research, but have found litte informaiton on housing and terrarium set up. Does anyone have any experience with these little guys?? Any suggestions?? We are also into breeding... so any breeding info would be great too!! From what I have read they are pretty prolific but was wondering about clutch vitality and pairing ratios.

I have no info,Where are you getting them the herp store near me is getting set-up again and would like to know where to find these

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"Been there done that"
Canrivorous plant and Herp specialist
Ask me a question, I guarantee an answer.
May not be the answer to your question but it will be an answer.

Hi there...R. Brev's are such a fun little species. Morgana explained the set up that would be the best for them, so no need to add anything to that. I would recommend that you buy captive bred if at all possible. Many people have lost many wild caught lately due to unknown reasons. Right now, I have two females...one wild caught and one captive bred (seperate enclosures), and the wc is not doing well. There is little you can do for these once they are not doing well since they are so tiny. Also, when buying wc, you do not know the age of the animal...so it would not be really possible to know if you have an old lady that is entering her last days or a younger one that has awhile to go. Their life span is not that long anyway.

Kammerflauge Kreations is expecting some eggs to hatch soon, and First Choice Reptiles has some captive born babies available now, but I'd bet that they will have more in the future as well. He seems to have lots of those little guys right now.

I'm definitely giving up on the wild caught's since I've lost 2, so far. They died shortly after laying eggs. I'll never buy another wild caught animal. The only reason I did then was really a lack of options, but I definitely wouldn't recommend it.

Good luck! Here's a pic of my little captive bred girl.
Kristen

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0.2 pygmy leaf

Hi -
I lost 3 cb brevi's in July. No one is sure why. I am not saying this to discourage you in any way, but my question is this: Are you planning on just having these for yourself or selling them from your store? If you are planning on selling them from your store you need to somehow be sure their new keeper fully understands their needs. They are not unlike the big species in a myriad of ways and as Kristen pointed out b/c of their size it can be difficult to respond to a health issue. From what you said about yourselves I have no doubt you would probably be successful, but I would really worry about selling them to "folks off the street."

In a perfect world every new cham owner (regardless of species) would have to take some classes, pass a test and have their setup approved by a qualified keeper. Obviously this will never happen (not a bad idea though, huh?? ) and I for one just don't see them as a pet store cham.

Like I said, just my 2 cents (if you go back to June/July posts you can read what Kristen and I went thru with our precious little critters.)

best of luck to you (Kammers are a good contact for you)
lele

>>I am a pet store manager... bearded dragon breeder... I have very good general knowledge of other reptiles. BUT am no expert at chameleons. We have 3 veileds that are doing great and striving. My husband has shown some interest in Rhampholeon brevicaudatus. I have done some research, but have found litte informaiton on housing and terrarium set up. Does anyone have any experience with these little guys?? Any suggestions?? We are also into breeding... so any breeding info would be great too!! From what I have read they are pretty prolific but was wondering about clutch vitality and pairing ratios.

Thanks for your honesty. I am going to do a set up at home before I do anything at the store. And see how it goes. I have to tell you though, I run a strange pet store!! I don't know how many customers I piss off because I won't sell them something I don't think they are going to care for properly. That is my biggest pet peve about being in the business. People thinking they can buy a $30 lizard and a 10 gallon tank and be set. I HATE IT!!! If I did do them in the store... I would probably sell them IN setups with what they need... so I KNOW they are getting what they need. But for now, I am trying it at home with the little guys. They are far too cute to be masacred by the general public!!

Yes, they are too cute...along with all the other herps

I could never work in a pet store for that very reason. I know we have a few posters here who work in some chain pet stores and I give them huge pats on the back for trying to make a difference and huge sympathy for all their frustrations!

You know, my "in a perfect world" comment may NOT be that far fetched. What if Petco, et al, offer herp-care workshops. Home Depot shows you how to lay tile, why not offer a "herp of the week" session.....maybe begin with you???

lele

>>Thanks for your honesty. I am going to do a set up at home before I do anything at the store. And see how it goes. I have to tell you though, I run a strange pet store!! I don't know how many customers I piss off because I won't sell them something I don't think they are going to care for properly. That is my biggest pet peve about being in the business. People thinking they can buy a $30 lizard and a 10 gallon tank and be set. I HATE IT!!! If I did do them in the store... I would probably sell them IN setups with what they need... so I KNOW they are getting what they need. But for now, I am trying it at home with the little guys. They are far too cute to be masacred by the general public!!

You know.... that is such a good idea. It really is. We really aren't a chain store at all. We are corporately owned... but its by Veterinary Centers of America which owns 215 animal hospitals across the U.S. and I am the only pet store. We were included in an 8 doctor practice they bought so I am actually lucky enough to have three exotics vets, one specializing in herps in the same building as me. Our companies thought is they are providing health care... so they want us to sell HEALTHY products. Anything I carry in my store has to be approved by the staff of veterinarians. So it's not so bad for me. Good health is still ranked above profit. But even with the big box stores... like Pet Co. A weekly or even monthly herp class would not only educate but could be used as a marketing tool. If you advertised it, you will increase your business by gaining new clients. I think it is a great idea. We have been trying to start a local herp club. It would be great to utilize their knowledge and let one of them come into our conference center and give speeches to the public. If you love herps you would JUMP on that opportunity. Thanks and I will keep ya posted!!