Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I really want to get some smaller chameleons (5 inches or less full grown) and i was just wondering how difficult are these to care for? I've grown up with reptiles my whole life, so I wouldn't consider myself a novice, but I am new to the chameleon arena. Also, where would be a good place to buy these (other than an expo) since my local pet store only has veiled chameleons, and very sickly looking ones at that.

Thanks for sharing your expertise.

Scott

Depending on what exactly you want.... Uuuh.... Why do you want a small chameleon? Limited amount of space or what? Smaller chameleons aren't as hardy, aren't as easy to find food for, and are hard to get treated by a vet because of the small size and tiny dosages they would need if anything happened. There's plenty of smaller chameleons to choose from, but I think in the end you're better off going with a more common species (Panther, Veiled, Jacksons, etc.) in case there's problems with anything or questions, then we're all here to help. We don't even charge that much either.
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Tyler Stewart
Las Vegas NV
1.2 Nosy Be Panthers
2.2 Sambava Panthers
1.0 Tamatave Panther
1.0 Nosy Be X Unknown Cross
1.1 Veiled Chameleons
0.0.2 CBB Desert Tortoises
0.0.1 Sulcatta Tortoise

Many of the "smaller" cham species have less captive keeping/breeding history and we know less about their specific needs than the more common large flashy ones such as veileds and panthers. Jackson's are a bit smaller, but not so much that their space requirements will be much less. A jax would not be a good beginner cham. As for personality and handling, none are notably more tolerant or easier to care for. Chams tend to be individuals even within a species, and often smaller species are just as demading space wise (either very shy or active and end up being cage hogs) as larger ones. You might look at Kammerflage Kreations website. I think they are breeding some smaller species and they could give you very good keeping info too. They might have some ideas for you.