Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've long admired chameleons and have wanted one for several years now. My brother-in-law is really into herps and I've borrowed all the back issues with chameleon info. I'm researching online, of course. Eventually, I might like to get panthers, they're just so beautiful. But, as a beginer I'm leaning toward a veiled. It will be several months before I'd be able to actually get one. When the time comes, I'm thinking of housing it in a 4' high x 3' wide x 2' deep cage. Is this big enough. The wire is coated and the spacing is about an inch. I'm thinking of covering it outside with 1/4" x 1/4" hardware cloth to prevent feeder insects from escaping. It this appropriate for a chameleon of do I need to find covered wire mesh? I would like to have live plants in the cage. I would like to have a large ficus or hibiscus in there. Are these safe, since a veiled might eat it. I would also like to have some other vine-type plants, such as pothos. What are other safe plants? Can I use philodendron? I also would like to have some branches. I've seen cholla, manzanita, and grape vine bird perches. Are these woods safe? I'd really like to have some tillandsias or orchids growing on branches in the cage. Are these dangerous species? Should I get a young or adult chameleon? Can you earn their trust enough that they can be handled, or will this always be too stressful? Can they be comfortable eating out your hand or chilling out on your shoulder or lap? If not, that's okay too. I used to have tokay geckos and they were mean. My main concern is the animal's health and well being, even if that means they're just something pretty and fun to observe, not to hold. Thanks for any help with my research.

You seem like a very thoughtful, careful beginner who has done the required research. How very refreshing on this forum.

I do recommend a Veiled as a first Chameleon. Everything you mentioned sounds good, except:

Stay away from screen. It pulls out toenails that don't grow back. Go with the
1/2" wire you mentioned. Coated PVC wire if you can get it. The dimensions you mentioned (what a rhyme!) sound good.

Don't know about orchids, but Hibiscus and Ficus, as well as Schefflera are good cage-plants.

The less handling the better. Really, should plan on not handling him unless it's necessary. They just do better when left alone. Stress is a big factor.

You're on the right track. Other topics you will need to research are hydration and feeding (also gutloading and supplementation).

Good luck!

Great questions! Good work you are doing! Just in case you haven't found these excellent websites yet I'll list some for reading:

http://www.adcham.com
http://www.chameleonnews.com
http://www.chameleonjournals.com
http://www.geocities.com/ccicenter
http://www.calumma.com

Also for good nutrition info go to:

http://www.herpnutrition.com

There is a lot of good stuff here and you can trust it. Some specific answers to your questions:

Cage: that's a nice size. The larger the cage the easier it will be to provide a range of temps and humidity and to provide larger bushy plants for hiding and climbing.
Wire: as long as what the cham's toes can grasp is coated you could easily put a finer mesh outside to contain insects. You could make a "tent" of flexible window screen over the outside. Or, you can use larger mesh hardware cloth for the cage itself and attach flexible plastic mesh (such as bird netting) in the INSIDE for cham toes to grasp.
Don't use philodendron...it is often toxic to other pets, and veileds will sometimes chew their plants.
Perches: Use woods that are solid and easy to scrub, as molds can get into crevices due to multiple sprayings every day. If you have nice sized trees (without lots of sap) in your own backyard you can use branches from them rather than buy special ones. Just scrub them with 1:10 bleach to hot water, rinse well and let thoroughly dry before use.
Orchids/tillandsias: The cham might damage these while climbing around the cage as they are rather fragile. Tillandsias can be broken or knocked loose by cham feet...they are very strong for their size.
Cham age: as this is your first I'd suggest a juvenile of about 4 months, or a young adult of known age. Babies are fussier and harder to feed as they need lots of very tiny food like fruitflies. They are also easily overheated and dehydrated.
Taming: yes, chams can learn to trust you, but it varies by individual. They may not be all that friendly, but at least learn that you are a source of favorite treats rather than a funny looking predator. Do cage chores on a schedule, put lights on timers, everything you can to make life predictable. Chams hate change! A little bit of gentle handling is not a bad thing, as you will learn what your individual cham will tolerate and your cham will learn that you are not going to eat him every time you need to pick him up.

Have fun!