Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I'm hoping to start keeping a chameleon in addition to my various assortment of geckos and python. I was wondering what are the best chameleon species to start with in your opinion? I've heard a lot of different opinions in books, but I'd like the opinions of people who are experienced with them.I've been doing a lot of research, I know a chameleon is not an impulse buy. Veiled and Panther chameleons seem really appealing, but I've heard that Veileds are aggressive, are panthers more docile? Thanx for your help!

-Jacob

In my experience, its not that veiled chameleons are aggresive it's just that they might not tolerate handling as much as other species. I have a veiled and she has been one the best reptiles i've ever owned(and now I'm looking for another). Also I would recommed a veiled to a begginer because you can find a bit more information on them should you have a question or an emergency.

I hope this will help you choose.

Chams are individuals enough that saying "panthers are docile" or "veileds are aggressive" is risky. Either one can be nice or evil. I would pick the one you like visually and be ready to accept the personality you end up with. Veileds are a bit more tolerant of keeping mistakes partially because they don't need as much general humidity as panthers. I hear of more laid back panthers than veileds, but there are many exceptions too. Jax are very docile in comparison, but they are not beginner chams. One thing about an aggressive cham...you learn much quicker when the cham is stressed than you will with a cham who does not demonstate it as obviously. And, until you learn to read the subtle signs of stress chams can show, you may miss important clues to health problems.

vields