Reptile & Amphibian Forums

HI,
I am considering a panther and am in the process of researching. I need help with a few questions that I havent seen answered clearly in my research. Aside from appearances, is there any "race" of panther that you all recommend? In other words, are any of the panthers from a specific locale easier or more difficult to deal with, in terms of husbandry or attitude? Are males or females generally recommended for first time panther owners ( i do owned a female veiled cham)? Also, what is the consensus on hybrids? I see them for sale pretty often, but I know in other animals circles, like with dart frogs, hybrids are very much frowned upon. Is it different amongst panther keepers? Thanks alot.

Hey
As for the whole locale thing, I dont THINK there are any differences between them, at least none that I have heard. I believe its been said that Males make better first Chameleons, so you dont have to worry about possible clutches/egg binding and all down the road. They can sometimes have temperment issues but if you get him from a good breeder usually they arenice as can be! Usually its recommended to get a male unless you plan on breeding in the future.
As for the hybrid issue, I dont think there is any real big faux pas about them, again it goes back to Breeding. If you plan on breeding then you would want a full breed panther. If you are looking for just a pet they try a hybrid possibly. Less expensive and a great variety of colors!

Hope this helps some! Good luck!

Erin

HI,
>>I am considering a panther and am in the process of researching. I need help with a few questions that I havent seen answered clearly in my research. Aside from appearances, is there any "race" of panther that you all recommend? In other words, are any of the panthers from a specific locale easier or more difficult to deal with, in terms of husbandry or attitude? Are males or females generally recommended for first time panther owners ( i do owned a female veiled cham)? Also, what is the consensus on hybrids? I see them for sale pretty often, but I know in other animals circles, like with dart frogs, hybrids are very much frowned upon. Is it different amongst panther keepers? Thanks alot.
-----
1:1 Veileds (Gene and Alis)
1:0 Sambava Panther (Knoxville)
1:1 Albino Clawed Frogs (Phedre and Jos)
?? Fire belly toad (Harold)
Various cats and dogs

Chams really are individuals. I haven't seen any info that suggests any locale is more or less social. It also may not matter how "tame" parents or clutchmates were...some chams are simply touchier than others. Very hard to predict. I've heard from keepers who had docile parents and nasty stressy young and vice versa. About the best you can do is get the cham used to you by offering it treats by hand, doing all your cage chores in some type of routine, not changing the cage around, running lights etc. on timers so there is a predictable schedule (chams like routine), keeping it out of visual range of other animals and humans, have lots of hiding habitat in the cage if the cham prefers it, and appreciate your cham for itself. Your cham will tell you pretty quickly what it is comfortable with. Also, some can be docile as juveniles, but when their hormones kick in that can change.

As for hybrids, having one as a nonbreeder pet is OK, but maybe the bigger issue is supporting breeders who are not careful about what they produce. If you find a breeder who is up front about what the hybrid is and why it was produced, maybe OK. I would not support a breeder who doesn't seem to know the origins of the color morphs he has, or one who uses any available animals to produce babies. That's not something we want.

Good stuff. Very informative. What is a good size/age panther to begin with? I see some pretty young babies for sale, but that doesnt seem very safe for the buyer and, more importantly, the chameleon itself.

Thanks very much.

I would never buy any less than 2 months old and 4 months old is even better.
Hybrids can be very pretty and are a cheaper option. But I do recommend them for pets not breeders. I do think hybrids can have a place for people that want just a pet. They would probably be pretty hardy since there is not much of a chance they will be inbred since they are from different locals.
Kammerflage has some really nice looking hybrids and they keep good records of their animals too and represent them honestly.
I have noticed that my Nosey Be have been stronger and seem healthier than my Ambanjas but that could just be a fluke.
I only have my Ambilobe for a short time but he seems very strong and healthy too.