Which Chameleons are best for beginners?

[Tindomul1of9]

I have been rather interested in Chameleons for while, but am not even sure where to begin. Which are the best for beginners? Why? What are the prices for these guys?

Thanks.

[jbeetle]

I would look into getting a Veiled Chameleon, Jacksons Chameleon, or possibly even a Panther Chameleon (if you have more cash and more experience with herps). The Veiled will be the cheapest, then the Jacksons, and Panther chameleons are usually a decent amount more then the other 2. All of these are pretty easy to keep, as they really don't need cooler temps or higher humidity. They are pretty tough for chameleons, so they can usually handle some mistakes by the new keeper. I would look into the specifics of these 3 animals, see which will fit you and where you will keep them... then go from there. You could probably email some chameleon breeders for some more info if needed as well. Whatever you decide to get make sure you get a captive bred animal.

[Tindomul1of9]

Captive bred are a must for a beginner in my opinion.
Do many need low temps, I am assuming that by low temps you mean 65-70?
Thanks!

[jbeetle]

Yeah, Captive bred is the way to go with almost all herps if you ask me. As for lower temps, some of the chameleons do but I am pretty sure the 3 I mentioned before don't need lower temps. I don't remember the exact temps anymore, but I just remember that some species like the Four Horned Chameleon need lower temps as well as higher humidity. The cooler species can't handle being kept at higher temps (maybe like 75+) for too long, while Veileds can handle a larger temperature range... so they are easier to keep.

[Tindomul1of9]

They need UV light as well?

[jbeetle]

Yes, all chameleon species need UV. You just buy those UVA & UVB bulbs that are for sale at most reptile stores or from an online source. There may be other UV bulbs around, but those are the ones I used.

[Tindomul1of9]

Cool, thanks for all the help!

[jbeetle]

no problem

[Landon]

Hey Tindo, i didnt know you were thinking about a cham. i did a lot of research when i first got into them and decided to go with a veiled for a number of reasons. i can say that i made a wise decision and was very pleased with the cham i owned. the veileds are very temp hardy as mentioned above. they have a wide range and can tolerate temps from the upper 90s to the 50s (night drops not constant day temp), IME. if they do get down into the 50s they just need a basking spot so they can raise their temp as need be.

basking and UV are very important. i used the NO UV and UVB bulbs along with a powersun. that was the ticket. it provided a nice basking area and great UV light. the NO bulbs are only effective in like a 10-12" range away from them, so unless your cham is right up next to them, they are rather inefficent. with the powersun wattage determines the effective distance away from the bulb, but i want to say the one i had was something like 6' before loosing half of its intensity. this is essential in the taller tanks that these guys need. i kept mine in a 24x24x36 screen cage. once he was getting full grown it was too small though. i think 30x30x48 would be a good size for an adult male. of course the larger the better.

heres a shot of the tank i kept him in. its just a potted ficus tree with pothos and a small shefflera tree.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6.../NewHome_B.jpg

this is a good article that was publishd in reptiles mag. it was definatly the best online care sheet back when i was looking. im sure it can help you out.
http://www.kingsnake.com/rockymounta.../RMHveiled.htm

[Tindomul1of9]

Thanks Landon.
THats a nice setup you got for that Cham.