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What is the best type of chameleon?

RKGrapeJr May 10, 2004 12:56 AM

I have never had a chameleon but do have other reptiles (4 sulcata tortoises). I have been thinking of getting 2 chameleons. I would like to set up a large open habitat (not a cage) but was wondering what type of chameleon would be best? I have read velieds are good to start with but in order to house them you need a LARGE area or seperate cages. I don't know much about panthers or other species, but was wondering what everyone would suggest. I would like one that is relatively large in size, but am open to all suggestions. Please let me know

Thanks,

RKGrapeJr

Replies (7)

RKGrapeJr May 10, 2004 01:06 AM

I've also thought about a jacksons, but do not know how good they would be for a beginner. Does anyone have experience with them? There temp gradient seems like it might be easier to maintain. Please let me know

Thanks again,

RKGrapeJr

jdany May 10, 2004 08:17 AM

Jacksons would be a good choice to start with;
lotsa info out there to get you started..
temps are easy to accommodate..
readily available..
inexpensive..
-----
Joe
- www.silkwormfarm.com-

Carlton May 10, 2004 02:16 PM

It sounded a bit like you think veileds would need more space than you have, correct? If so, a jax might also need more than you have, especially if you are thinking about an pair. Keeping more than one cham in a habitat is tricky (especially for a newbie) and you will need a really large area to do it. Smaller species might not free range well as they can be harder to keep track of to make sure they haven't wandered into danger. If the habitat is too small or doesn't provide all the temp and humidity gradients the cham wants, it will wander your house looking for them. You would have to be sure no other pets or hazards are around. To give you some free range ideas you might read the article on free ranging Meller's chameleons in a back issue of this e-zine.

http://www.chameleonnews.com

Generally it is safer to keep one cham in a habitat unless you know their signs of stress very well.

RKGrapeJr May 10, 2004 04:31 PM

I can dedicate 8ftL X 4ft W X 5ft H. I can completely fournish it with live plants and dont mind raising insects. The room it will be in will already be around 75 F most of the day and 65 F at night. The room is completely escape proof and the only other pets in the house are the 4 sulcata tortoises. I could screen the chameleon cage in but would perfer to leave it open. So tell me species do you think. I also have no problems setting up UVB and drippers, I can move them from above one plant to another to water them daily. Also what plants would you reccomend? I was thinking ficus, hibiscus (sp?), maybe umbrella tree?. I will get a lot of plants to make the folliage dense. So suggestions?

RKGrapeJr

Screameleons May 10, 2004 08:12 PM

Check out this link for an easy read on what to expect. Its focus is on Panther chameleons and their cage requirements. This should better prepare you. Take care.

Vincent
http://www.screameleons.com
Getting Started Part 1

Carlton May 11, 2004 12:14 PM

That would be a very nice space for a male of several species including jax, veiled, panther, fischeri. Probably not enough to support a pair. Besides, your female might get stressed with the constant presence of a male, and if she became gravid you would have to separate her anyway. Depending on how humid you can make the space (more for jax and fischeri, less for veiled, panthers in the middle). Consider that if your room gets too warm for jax or fischeri and needs to be cooled with an AC it might be too dry. All those plants sound fine. A thought. You could build a cage frame but only screen in the back and sides to confine movements somewhat, but leave the front open. This would give you the ability to shield walls etc from water spray or humidifier fogging. You will probably need to use some type of humidifier or a misting system to keep that large a space humid enough for most species. Most of those species love houseflies and moths, so free ranging them will cause some trouble! I had a male fischeri who loved flies over all else. So, I set up a large cage that could be closed in when the flies were first fed, then I could open it up for free ranging once he'd eaten them all. Worked pretty well. Good luck!

iamjason May 10, 2004 01:22 AM

i think the concensus is the best 'starter' cham is a veiled or a panther

both will need large seperate cages, 2ftx2ftx4ft is preferable for full grown although some people like 3ft tall so the cham is within range of a uv bulb more often

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