Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey,
Ive had a very tough time deciding on which species of chameleons that I really want next. I was going to get a trio of Jacksons, but Im still undecided.

Ive been researching pygmy chameleons, and they look to be quite interesting. Ive narrowed it down to 2 different species of pygmy chameleons I may be interested in purchasing. I may want to buy the Bearded Pygmy Chameleon (Rhampholean Brevicaudatus)
or the Usambara Pitted Pygmy Chameleon (Rhampholean Temporalis)

What are the longetivity of these chameleons, for Ive heard they only live up to 2 years? Are they worth keeping? If anyone has had any experience with these animals I would love to hear from you! Ive read off many care-sheets, but I'd really like to know what people thought from personal experience. Thank you so much, and your input would be appreciated!
Michele
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2.0 veiled chameleons (zebu and godzilla)
4.0 cinnamin blue faced button quial

I have both species, and they are like any other chameleon when it comes to care. There are a few exceptions though. You can keep these in aquariums with an all screen top. It also helps to have the air in the room circulated which can be done with an oscillating fan in the corner of the room. A steady supply of small feeders is also needed; I feed mine .25” crix, small silk worms, small wax worms, house flies, fruit flies, mantids, moths and cock roach nymphs. Their enclosures tend to be more demanding when it comes to maintenance in comparison to larger chameleons. They are also fragile and tending to sick ones is more difficult then with a larger cham (especially when administering meds).
Both species are fine, but I would lean towards the brevs since IMO they are a bit hardier.

-roo

Roo,
Thank you sooooooo much for the info! You have helped me to make my decision, and I have decided to purchase the brevs! Just one question though. What is their longetivity? In other words, how long does a healthy brev live? Im not so sure I want to purchase them if they only live a year in turn. Thanks agian!
Michele
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2.0 veiled chameleons (zebu and godzilla)
4.0 cinnamin blue faced button quail

I am not 100% sure on their life span – 2 to 4 years is what I have heard. So try and get them smaller so you have them longer. Most of mine came as sub adults, only a few were IMO adults when I got them. The brevs are pretty easy to breed, but many keepers fail when it comes to getting them to adulthood.

-roo

Thank you so much for the info, it has been of much help!
Michele
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2.0 veiled chameleons (zebu and godzilla)
4.0 cinnamin blue faced button quail