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What is the best species of Chameleons for beginners? I was woundering if vields and Jackson would be an ok choice. I like jacksons because they are live bearing and smaller, But vields are hardier and more readily available. I have seen more vields sell so I think Im leaning on them. I have experience with many geckos and snakes and I want an interesting project. If I was gonna get a chameleon pair would It be good to buy a young pair or adult. Is it safe to buy the babys that are about two inches? sorry for the questions, Ive heard chamelons are chalenging herps.

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1. ball python
.2 anery kenayan sand boas
1.1 Adult childrens/spotted python pair
1.2 adult leopard geckos
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.1 Tremper Albino
.1 Albino Patternless
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.1 bearded dragon
1.1 red ear sliders
.1 blue tounge skink
1.1 Tangarine Honduran milks
1.1 Irian Jaya Carpet Pythons
1.1 Crested Geckos

Coastal Herps

Jax can be tricky when gravid, and babies are hard to keep going. Not sure what the problems are, just hear that babies can start dying for unknown reasons. Jax also need cooler more humid conditions than veileds, and depending on your local and house climate this can be harder and more expensive to provide. Veileds are more tolerant of newbie mistakes as their climate is easier to provide. For a first cham I would look for juveniles, not babies. Regardless of the size, you want to look for juvies about 3 months old. They don't need the huge numbers of tiny fruitflies and pinhead crix, are easier to acclimate, don't dehydrate or overheat as easily, you can use something closer to their adult sized cage, and the sturdiest babies have survived to this age. I would not get a pair right off either. Start with a male, see how much time and effort you have to set him up correctly and then when you know you have the separate setup available for a female try that. You can't keep them together or even within sight of each other. There is good keeping info articles on common species at www.chameleonnews.com, www.adcham.com, www.chameleonjournals.com and www.calumma.com

Panthers too but they cost more. Jacksons are a bit harder.
Carlton gave you great advice above. Research as much as possible and buy a cham at least three months old.
Stay away from those really cheap tiny babies. You will end up paying double when it dies and you have to get another one or spend it on vet bills (even worse).
Tiny baby chams can die suddenly with no signs of illness.
When raising my first Veiled clutch I lost about 20%
With my panther clutch 100% survived but that is not typical results. They have big clutches and the weakest babies die in the wild. When they get to about three months old they are usually the stronger ones left. for a first time owner the bigger they are the better.
I love your picture of your crested. I have about 10 breeders and a bunch of babies I am raising right now. I love them they are really sweet.

>>What is the best species of Chameleons for beginners?
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The best species would be the one that you can easily provide optimum conditions for.
The sites Carlton suggested are great to get an idea of what is needed. Check out the species profiles for each. Also check out Chameleon E-zine- http://www.chameleonnews.com Some of the past issue's cover many of the issue's for a new keeper to consider. You might also want to try and locate some of the old issue's of the Chameleon Information Network. Some great issue's were produced that cover caging, health, and all the other things you should have an idea of.

>> If I was gonna get a chameleon pair would It be good to buy a young pair or adult. Is it safe to buy the babys that are about two inches? sorry for the questions, Ive heard chamelons are chalenging herps.
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Like Carlton said try to stay away from getting pairs. See how you do with one. Once you know you are doing well and the animal is thriving then think about getting the opposite sex.
Size is not a good thing to go by. You should be more interested in age. A 2" jacksonii will be older than a 2" calyptratus. Most people suggest not purchasing a baby that is under 8 weeks old. By this age they are usually stable in eatting and drinking.
Chameleons can be very challenging but they are also very rewarding when they are happy and healthy.

Carl

i wouldn't suggest a little baby for a first cham, they are extremely complex to keep up with. They hide their illness's, if any, better than older ones.
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Savannah Monitor - Artimus
Emerald Swift - Jesus
Baby veiled Cham - Sir August De Winter 1-20-05 RIP
Green Iguana - King Arthur
Rose-hair tarantula - Bill
Basilisk - Adam Used to be Adam and Eve but there was a food competition because my girlfriend was taking care of them and she didn't know what was wrong until it was too late.