Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone.
I'm considering purchasing my first chameleon. I was wondering what I need as far as setup. Is there a checklist.
Also, I am planning on getting a screen enclosure. What is the best size to get if I want to not have to upgrade? Also, can you place heat lamps on these?
Also, what is the best kind to get for a beginner? our local shop just got in some veiled chameleons that are so cute. How much should I expect to pay for one?
as far as feeding. any alternatives besides crickets? I don't mind them as an occasional treat if thats possible.
Thanks

You asked what you'd need as far as setup.

And adult Panther or Veiled Chameleon would be happy in a cages 4’tall x2’wide x2’deep. Screen enclosures are fine. You have to be sure to get strong enough UVB lamp to penetrate the fine mesh though. Remember to replace UVB linear tubes every 6 months.
Yes, you can use a heat lamp suspended above a screen cage. Note: if you keep the ambient room temperature around 72F daytime, your basking bulb need not be particularily high watt to make a gradient from 85F in the basking spot (note this is for adults, young ones need less heat).

No chameleon is considered good for beginners. But vields and panthers are a little less difficult than other chameleons. Vields are least expensive, as little as $50 but of course you could pay double that easily for a good one. males are easier than females, since you dont have to deal with eggs.

Vary the feeder insect diet as much as possible. Crickets, silkworms, roaches, kingworms/superworms, butterworms, stick insects, isopods, moths, hornworms, etc. Remember to gutload the insects, use a calcium supplement, occasionally a vitamin supplement, occasionally a d3 supplement.

Pothos and Schefflera are the two most commonly used plants for inside the enclosure (make sure to wash off pesticides). Humidty should be 40-60% (dry out a bit between misting).
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Sandra
BC Canada

How old are the veileds at the shop? If they are tiny babies (less than 3-4 months old) I'd pass. Babies are trickier to acclimate especially for a newbie. A juvenile would be better partly as it will be easier to feed, can handle the larger cage (if you want to avoid upgrading you can temporarily divide the cage so it can find its food), is less likely to dehydrate or overheat while you are learning about it. There are some articles on setting up new chams, about veileds and panthers, about caging and setups on the Chameleonnews ezine that will answer almost all your questions.

Thanks. i was thinking that we have a very busy household and a chameleon might get too stressed. We wanted something we could look at and would be quite content not too be touched. But researching about them I think we would not have time needed for proper care. Thanks.

Well you did great by thinking about that. Better safe than sorry and the cham would definitely appreciate your homework!