Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all,

I am currently researching chameleons and wanted to ask a few questions.

I have been interested in chameleons for several years, but never felt ready to "take the plunge". However, I've been giving it more serious thought lately and want to be sure I'm getting correct information.

I am really interested in panther chameleons. Color variety isn't that important to me. One thing I would really like to be able to do, if possible, is handle the chameleon a few times a week .. but I don't want to stress it out. I understand that reptiles aren't cuddly animals per say (I've had a box turtle for 7 years) but it would be awesome if I could handle it a little, and maybe take it for a little walk on my shoulder or something.

So, what I'm wondering is ... are these totally unrealistic expectations from a chameleon?

I've heard so much conflicting info.. some sources say that they are okay with some handling if you don't overdo it, and others say that you should never handle them, and chameleons are more "for show" type pets.

At the moment I am considering a female, because I have heard that they are more docile than the males. I know they aren't as colorful, but personality is more important to me than color. Am I on the right track? I also know that females require a bit more work because of their egglaying, and the possibility of becoming egg bound .. what sort of work would be involved to make sure she stays healthy?

Thanks so much for your time and any help will be very much appreciated!

Hi!

I agree, that mostly all chameleons are "look, but dont touch" but there are also some that tolerate moderate handling. If you want a chameleon you can handle, but to an extent, I would search for a sub-adult panther on the kingsnake classifieds. Sub-adults (juveniles) are easier to raise then babies, and there are less chances of making "accidents" if your a first time cham owner. Some breeders have already handled them aswell, so it makes the acclimation and handling easier and less stressfull. Just make sure to do your research

When you mentioned a female over male, both do have advantages, and disadvantages. People usually want male panthers for their color and size, and the females are underestimated! Female panthers can still be colorful, but some do carry an attitude, its not just in males! If purchasing a female, just be sure to provide her with all her supplies, and when laying eggs, to know what your doing!

All in all, get what you think your most comfortable with. Even though (as I mentioned) they are more like "eye candy" there are some handling exceptions. I have a male Ambanja-nosy be cross who is actually quite friendly. Of course, he has his "moments" (lol) but I handle him minamlly and he still can just sit on my shoulder and do what he wants. I hope I have been of some help, and good luck with your final decision!
Michele
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1.0 veiled chameleon (Godzilla)
1.0 Ambanja-nosy be panther chameleon (Cobalt)
4.0 cinnamin blue faced button quail

Cobalt, Ambanja-Nosy be cross Panther

Good to hear that you are researching chameleons before you
get one! They are definitely not the easiest lizard to keep in
captivity! I have been keeping/breeding chameleons for many years
and there are still things that I don't know.

Regarding handling chameleons, they are generally creatures that
should NOT be handled often IMHO. Each has its own personality
though and some will tolerate some handling without any ill
effects. Stress is always a factor....and the damage can be
quite "silent" since chameleons tend to not show illnesses,
etc. until the damage is done...which makes it hard to know
how much handling is too much.

I have had some male panthers that are more docile than females,
and some females that are more docile than the males. Its that
personality "thing". Its hard to say which you will end up with
and you can't always tell when you first handle them.

Not only do the female panthers (even when unmated)
reproduce (and require a bit more work and a lot more worry in
that area), females tend to have shorter lives. If the female is
provided for properly, she should be able to remain healthy even
though she lays eggs. Providing for a male or female panther
differs little in my experience with the exception of calcium,
of course. Providing UV light and/or natural sunlight, gutloading
insects, supplementing their diet properly, providing proper
temperatures and good hydration, keeping the cage clean are the
basics in husbandry to ensure good health.

Hope that helps! Hope you learn all that you need to know before
you get one! This forum is a good place to ask questions!

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions, I appreciate it.

I definitely have a lot to think about! Chameleons are really fascinating animals and I want to be sure I can do right by one before I make any definite decisions .. so more research for me!

We're happy to help, and thats wonderful that you are researching them before you purchase one. If you do purchase one, and have any questions about him/her, post them here, for this is an excellent place for questions! Good luck,
Michele

no problem!