Our new Veiled Chameleon! **UPDATE - New Pics Added Pg 5**

[Bec]

He changes color to an extent, when he is scared or startled, he gets darker with some spots but they don't change to their surroundings as most think they would. There are other species that have brilliant colors! Here is a site that shows stunning examples!

http://www.flchams.com/


You can get Baby Veileds anywhere from 25$ up to 100 depending on the breeder and variety. I was looking at babies that were 55 because of their color variation.



Chickensioux- To answer some of your questions,

Are they hard to keep (health, cleaning, etc.)?

They are not hard to keep as long as you have all the essentials for them and a lot depends on the species. Veileds, Panthers and the tiny Pygmies tend to be the best starters. Veileds, I would say, are the most common and in my opinion would be the best to start with because of their hardiness. The Panthers are pretty expensive, but require about the same care as the Veileds. I don't have any experience with the Pygmies, but I hear they are good starters too.

As for their health, they need the proper heating, lighting, food and supplements. I will start with lighting. They need a UVB light, the one they need is the Reptisun 5.0 LINEAR bulb. They have smaller screw in compact UVB bulbs but they do cause eye problems and blindness. The other ligting they need is a basking light.

Here is a link to an excellent page with very accurate information...this is one of the best sights!

http://raisingkittytheveiledchamele...-max=2008-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=11

 

[Bec]

Here are some pictures from a few minutes ago...sorry some are blurry, my camera doesn't do good close-ups!

This is him on his feeding cup under his infrared bulb (which needs to be switched out for a regular bulb.)

This one kind of shows his scared color, darker with some spots. But the picture came out blurry. His eye is wild looking int his pic!

 

[insiderart]

Sounds like you have things well under control Bec! Just checking you know.

He looks great there, all basky. I think it would be neat to have a chameleon.

 

[Bec]

Thank You!! You never know with some people, some need checking up on...lol!

We haven't had on in years so it was about that time!! He is so fun, especially when he eats with his big long sticky tongue!!

 

[chickensioux]

Thanks Bec for the info! Will keep it for whenever I take the chameleon plunge.....

 

[Bec]

Your very welcome! I hope you get to have the pleasure of owning one someday

 

[Bec]

Here are some picture from tonight! He is settling in and seems to be a happy little fella! Still no name, but I am sure it will come to him soon!


My son and his new little buddy!

My daughter giving it a try, I am surprised how much she loves him. (Excuse her crazy hair!)

Here he is on the move!

 

[lovesduckies]

how cute. i was going to get one a year ago, but when i read about their care it seemed expensive and time consuming. i was working abd going to school then so i didn't have time for anything, but now i am just a student

very cute though!!!!

 

[MomtoSyd&Emma]

I just absolutely LOVE them, I swear everytime I see one all I can think of is my all time favorite show as a child, and that is Land of the Lost, they remind me of SleeStaks! lol I just love them!!! My brother (26) has a Bearded Dragon and some form of gecko but we have no reptiles here. Just furred, feathered and finned lol

Question though, my Dad caught Salmonella from an iguana YEARS ago, do these transmit that as bad? I would LOVE to get my girls one or two in a few years.

Also is that a Martins aquarium topper that you are using? Do you prefer the aquarium topper cage or the one that is free standing with out the use of the aquarium?

 

[Bec]

I am not sure about the salmonella, but I make sure I wash after handling anyway.

I think they are a good starter pet for kids because they really don't require that much attention, cleaning and handling unlike a hamster, gerbil, guinea pig or rabbit. Although we have a LOT of other pets, this is my sons first "room" pet. We make sure that we oversee the feedings and mistings, making sure everything is good and everything is being done correctly. Meanwhile my son is learning the responsibility of having his own animal. By no means to I recommend getting a pet for a child and expect them to take care of it by themselves, but letting them help with the care makes them feel good and gives them a sense of accomplishment.

The tank topper I use is made my Pointer Hill, you can go on their website and see the different sizes. I personally prefer a custom build cage with no aquarium for adults, they need good ventilation. Contrary to what most think, they do not require a tropical environment. They are happiest in an enclosure that is more tall than wide and most times they stay up at the top of the "canopy" My little guy only comes down to eat of there are some crickets on the bottom. As he gets bigger, we will build him a bigger enclosure, but his is definitely big enough for him for a while.

Overall, I think they are a nice introduction to the reptile world. They are slow moving, if you get them young from a good breeder and handle them frequently, they are docile and as far as care, as long as you do your research on what they need, they are pretty easy to care for. However, I do not recommend getting a female to start with, they tend to get egg bound and you should never keep more than one chameleon per enclosure no matter what sex. Company stresses them out and they live much longer, happier lives alone.