Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello!

I would like to hear any advice experienced cham keepers can give me. In paticular, I'd like to see some pics of indoor enclosures. I will probably use a Reptarium, & need ideas for the catch basin. Thank you in advance for all of your suggestions!
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ToniaD

ToniaD-

I hate Reptariums, I saw the new ones to at a local pet shop and I had the hardest time seeing the chameleon in the cage, and when I asked the staff to open the cage, he had a hard time with it. I don't know if you are aware that cricket will chew through the screen, the zipper will break, and you will have a hard time seeing the chameleon through the screen, and it blocks allot of light/UVB. They are good cages if you are using them as temporary housing, but if not I would go with an aluminum all screen cage. Just my opinion! You can find both the reptariums and aluminum screen cages on eBay for allot less then any pet shop all new!

I use only the aluminum screen cages, and homemade cages. I have tons of pictures on my site of my setups, and new setups will soon be posted. You can also look in the gallery on kingsnake.

A catch basin can be made with acrylic sheets and silicone which can be bought at homedepot and cut to size for free. Another idea is to find a plastic tub that will fit your size cage, like Rubbermaid tubs.

Is this your first chameleon? If so , Jacksons would be the third choice recommendation for the new guy. Veiled would be the first and panther the second. Make sure you buy them form a good source (breeder) you get what you pay for. There is also some good pages on my site for info and links to other sites (most popular sites (best info) only for chameleons). Check it out click the banner below! Hope this helps!
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John
1.1 Ambilobe Panthers
1.1 Nosy Be Panthers
1.1 Sambava Panthers

John;
Just curious why you would consider a Jax as a 'third choice'. Jacksons make an excellent medium size beginner chameleons, and they don't have the 'attitude' male veileds typically do. They don't require as much space, and are more approachable.
Jacksons are about as easy to care for as veileds, but don't get quite as big. Plus, I've only been bit once by jacksons. Can't say the same for the veileds. IMO, its this approachability that might make a jackson a better beginner choice (if there IS a beginner chameleon).
Just my opinion.
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Victor Gomez
gomezvi.tripod.com/sdchamkeepers/
gomezvi@yahoo.com

Victor Gomez-

I would consider a Jackson's chameleon a third choice because of the care needs. Temperature and humidity to be more exact. Jackson's are a little more picky because they are a monate species, and have more needs to tend to. As you know they like a lower temp, and high humidity. It is much easier to heat a cage then cool a cage. I don't think the proper way to rate a chameleon as far as care needs go, is by there attitude. Yes veileds can pack an attitude, but care needs out weigh attitude in my eyes. I would and many others would say Jackson's are a third choice because they can't take fluctuations in there temps and humidity as well as a veiled or panther can. This is why veiled and panthers are my and many others the best choice for a new guy to start off with. Just my opinion! Hope this helps!
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John
1.1 Ambilobe Panthers
1.1 Nosy Be Panthers
1.1 Sambava Panthers

I think it sort of depends where you live too.

i live in Indiana and the summer weather here is perfect for jacksons....i'll admit some days get into the mid 90s but jacksons still do great if you keep them hydrated....think of their introduction the US

...down by Greensburg, in the southeast. We have 2 igs, 2 butterfly agamas, & 6 bearded dragons. We had a redtail boa, but it caused & died in a fire at a friend's house who was keeping it for us temporarily. We just like the looks of the jax & have been wanting to acquire another type of lizard.
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ToniaD

John;
I brought up their attitude to consider the interaction between chameleon and owner. A beginner chameleon owner is more likely to pick up his/her chameleon with more frequency than a more experienced owner is- one who's initial 'I can't believe I own this COOL animal!' factor has settled a bit. Definitely something to consider when reccommending a chameleon to a beginner.
Although a veiled is more adept at surviving the initial learning curve all new cham owners go through, they are not impervious to bad husbandry. Bad husbandry will kill a veiled as readily as any other chameleon.
>>I would and many others would say Jackson's are a third choice because they can't take fluctuations in there temps and humidity as well as a veiled or panther can.
I'm going to disagree with you on this point. I keep my Jacksons outside year round, and only bring them in if there's a frost warning (I live in San Diego, CA). Although they do require lower heat temps, they are almost as flexible as veileds in their heat requirements, certainly more flexible than panthers.
Just my opinion.
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Victor Gomez
gomezvi.tripod.com/sdchamkeepers/
gomezvi@yahoo.com

Victor Gomez-

We both bring up good and bad points. I am in no way saying that Jackson's are not for beginners, all I am saying is they are # 3 on my list and will remain # 3 on my list for the reasons I mentioned. I would have to say though every chameleon has its own personality and I think veiled and panthers take holding better then other chameleons as far as stress goes. Male panthers raised correctly will except holding the best. Just my opinion! Hope this helps!

P.S.-

All chameleons are COOL!
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John
1.1 Ambilobe Panthers
1.1 Nosy Be Panthers
1.1 Sambava Panthers

Very good point- we can have slightly different opinions and both still be correct.
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Victor Gomez
gomezvi.tripod.com/sdchamkeepers/
gomezvi@yahoo.com