Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got the chance to hold and interact with (?) a veiled chameleon today. I have been interested in getting one for some time. I will do my internet research, and I know they require a very diff climate than beardies, but has anybody in here raised veiled chameleons? Are they as docile as beardies? Are they more difficult to care for? I was just curious. I just think they're fascinating creatures!

maleea

i dont have a veiled chameleon, but i no they are handable. they can be held easy but if you hold them to much they become stressed out.the temperatures are cooler than beardies, and you can use basically most of the same terrain(but not all)

From what i have heard and read about veiled chamleons, they are a much more challenging reptile to keep than bearded dragons. For one, their caging requirements are completely different. Cham's need much much higher humidity than bearded dragons, alot more vertical space for climbing and alot less open spaces. They tend to stress easy if their caging/care requirements are not met. They do not tolorate handling nowhere near as much as bearded dragons and are completely insectivors (though a few chams may eat some fruits/greens, but not sure if veils are one of them).

Enclosures for chams need to be well ventilated as well and care must be taken with screen cages (or the reptiariums) that the cham's toes don't get caught or irritated by climbing on the screen). They also need high levels of UVB and a basking spot (though the basking temp doesn't need to be as high as bearded dragons).

If you feel you are ready for a much more challenging reptile pet, then a Veiled Chameleon would be ideal for you. However, deffinitely do your research, pick up the books on Veils, check the Veiled Chameleon forum h ere as well for more information from teh breeders and owners of veils, though I know many bearded dragon owners have Cham's as well.
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PHLdyPayne

Thank you for the information. I will start researching and see if I think caring for a veiled chameleon is doable for me. I remember how stressed I was with my first tortoise and my first bearded. I wanted to and still do want to get everything right.

I will check the veiled message boards.

Maleea

maleea - yes, I have kept a veiled, Luna just died in July

The other poster, DgG7, said they are handleable and that you can use similar setup - wrong on all counts. PHLdyPayne is closer on the mark. An adult needs a minimum of a 4'x4'x2' screen cage. Lots of foliage for hiding, branches for climbing, etc.

They are relatively high maintenance herps - VERY different from beardies and can be aggressive. Not that they will attack you (though it is possible), but once past sexual maturity their personalities can change. They are easily stressed and do not show symptoms of illness until it is far along so you need to be astute. Not all herp vets are familiar with chams so it is always a good idea to find one first.

The humidity can be a big problem, esp if you live in a cold and/or dry region (northern states). The do need good air circulation but they also need a humid environment so this can be hard to maintain. The veiled is the only chameleon that will eat fruits and veggies, but some accept them more than others and usually not until they are adult.

OK, all that said...the KS chameleon forum is VERY active, fun and friendly (aren't they all??) so feel free to join in or just lurk for a bit. As for one stop shopping, well, one stop research, you can go to the link in my signature to find the most often recommended and reliable sites, vet info ( by country, state, country) and a list of setup questions.

Chams are wonderful, weird, fascinating animals, but know what you are getting into before making the commitment.

lele

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Chameleon Help & Resource Info

0.1 Veiled Chameleon - Luna. She's now hanging from her big jungle gym in the sky
1.0 Beardie - Darwin
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Lita
0.1 African Clawed Frog - Skipper
0.1 Mad. Hissers and she is on the loose!
0.1 Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula - Rosa Leigh
0.1 Goliath Bird-Eater Tarantula - Natasha
?.? Pinktoe Tarantula - no name yet

I LOVE that picture of your Luna! I stopped by the chameleon forum earlier and I've already put your resource link in my favorite places! Thank you! I"m not rushing into anything. I just think they're so cool. Thank you for your help everyone!

Maleea

great! look forward to seeing you on the cham forum. You can see we have a bit of joking going on about my new (in the spring) cham. The board is fun and freindly - much like this one

lele
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Chameleon Help & Resource Info

0.1 Veiled Chameleon - Luna. She's now hanging from her big jungle gym in the sky
1.0 Beardie - Darwin
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Lita
0.1 African Clawed Frog - Skipper
0.1 Mad. Hissers and she is on the loose!
0.1 Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula - Rosa Leigh
0.1 Goliath Bird-Eater Tarantula - Natasha
?.? Pinktoe Tarantula - no name yet

Veiled chameleons are great, but many of them have a horrible disposition. If you want them do do well and live a long time, I reccomend handling them as little as possible. If you give them their requirements, many chameleons are easy to keep. Try maybe starting off with a male veiled, if you do well with it, I highly reccomend panthers. They are one of the most personable and rewarding chameleons. And pretty easy to care for. Josh

I have owned a few veiled chameleons over the years. They are quite rewarding and entertaining. They do require significantly different care than a bearded. Definitely do your research. Most Veileds do not like handling or interaction for the most part. None of them have been mean but they will hiss sometimes and bite. They are quite moody. Visually speaking though they are a great animal. Nothing like watching an adult male in brilliant color. Stick with beardeds if you want a lizard that will interact with you. However go for a veiled if you want something different with visual appeal. Do be prepared though.

Hope this helps a little!
Aaron P.

1.1 Redfoot Tortoises
1.1 Cherry Head Redfoot Tortoises
1.0 Prehensile Tailed Skink
8 Red Eyed Tree Frogs
2.3 Bearded Dragons (various morphs)
1.2 Pancake Tortoises
1 Pancake egg getting ready to hatch