Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am thinking about getting a colony of Rhampholeon chameleons. I am getting one of those new Exo Terra cages and I can't decide between some type of uncommon anole or Rhampholeons. Has anyone had very much luck with any of the species of Rhams? Any interesting species I should look for? Has anyone seen Brookesia for sale lately?

I don’t think you are going to want one of those exo terra enclosures for a colony of pygmy chams. It will most likely be too small for a group and the air flow is not that great either. Depending on how many you want to keep, the size of the enclosure, and modifying the top for better air flow – it may be suitable. You are going want some Rieppeleon brevicaudatus (formerly known as Rhampholeon brevicaudatus), since they are the most common and easiest to keep (but like any other cham they are considered an easy herp).

Here is a link to an article for setting up an enclosure: http://www.chameleonnews.com/humidifier.html

There are only wild caught specimens available and people to typically sell them are IMO “shady” with their business practices. In the next month or two I will have some captive bread ones from 2 different blood lines for sale. Here is a pic of a one of the females I am keeping for myself. She is about 3.5 months old here – and quite beautiful.

-roo

Ah crap, wrong link to the article - here is the correct link: http://www.chameleonnews.com/stumphabitat.html. Sorry for the pic being so big as well.

-roo

Man, sorry for all the crew ups (Monday). Correction ...

"(but like any other cham they are NOT considered an easy herp)."

-roo

Thanks for the information. I have heard that the Rhampholeons are very prolific. Why don't you see more of them? Are rhams as territorial as other chameleons? Could I keep a colony of 2.3 together? Do you not think an 18" x 18" x 18" tank would work for 5 small chameleons? Thanks again.

Mine seem to be prolific; my 2.4 / 1/3 groups have produced close to 90 eggs in the past 6 months. I don’t know why people don’t breed them. There is certainly a demand for them – especially CB since the only thing you see for sale is WC.

You could probably get away with 2 males in that enclosure if it’s heavily planted. Males are territorial and the stress will eventually kill the smaller one. I like go with 1 chameleon per 10 gallons. Females are fine together as long as there’s elbow room.

-roo

These are such cute little guys!! How do you tell the difference between a male and a female?
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Feenie

1.1 vieled cham.- Stitch and Rana (Missing you,Chloe)
2.0 Panther chams- Lou and Yosamite Sam
1.0 Giant Day Gecko- Mr. Gecko
0.1 Aussi Whites Tree frog- Frumpy
1.0 Peacock tree frog- Igaro
2.2 Canines Junior-pitbull chiuahuah mix, Jose- chiuahuah, Pearl- Staffie, and Daisy- Red nose Pit- foster child
1.0 boyfriend- Trent species unknown