Veiled Chameleons, Am I Ready?

[sweetmisery]

I know, stupid question... lol. But I just wanna make sure Im not making a mistake. Its $130 here with shipping, but only 2.5-3" SVL. Are those good enough for a beginner? Ive read all I can read about them. But any other info is appreciated...

Also, is it true that the beaded dragons' poopoo are bad for them?

I have beardeds and frilled dragons for almost a year now, dont know if they count enough for experience. So please help, and thanks.

P.S. We dont have any chams here and its very rare, havent seen one yet in fact, thus Im very very interested taking care of this beautiful animal.

THANKS!

 

[GailC]

I don't under stand what you mean by bearded dragon poo is bad for them? I'm sure it wouldn't be good if they came in contact with dragon poo but being in the same room won't hurt.
baby chameleons can be very sensitive about humidity so make sure you keep a very close eye on that, the adults are a bit more tolerant but still need consistent humidity.
Veileds are one of the best beginners chameleon, a bit tougher then other species. They can get fairly nasty tempered as adults though, especially the males. You do know that chams can also stress and die if they are handled? My mom had one drop dead from stress, didn't get sick at all, just died one day. The vet said it was most likely from stress as he was healthy.

 

[JeffX]

If you're willing to put in the time and money into a proper setup more power to you. But like Waldo said the humidity is VERY important to these guys. Plus you need a screen cage, because if they see their reflection they can get stressed. I can't imagine keeping the humidity in a screen cage.

 

[sweetmisery]

Thanks guys.

About the bearded dragon poo, I remember reading it a few weeks ago(forgot which forums, if its even in this one), someone said they shouldnt be in the same room with bearded, even if different enclosures.

Anyway, are screens with bigger holes(half an inch) ok? And here in the Philippines, I dont know which plants are good/bad, so artificial plants are ok right?

Is it true that they are also very easy to breed?

 

[spartybassoon]

chameleonforums.com It's the arachnoboards for chams. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.

 

[GailC]

1/2" holes is way too big for a baby, you use screen like what would be used on windows. Artificial plants work great.
They do breed fairly easily but incubation takes a longggg time.

 

[sweetmisery]

Yeah 6-9 months as I read. But for such a beauty, its worth it IMO.

Are they as easy to breed as Bearded though? Or harder/easier?

 

[Mushroom Spore]

I'd say you should worry about keeping a chameleon alive for a year or two before you even think about trying to breed them as well.

 

[sweetmisery]

I'd say you should worry about keeping a chameleon alive for a year or two before you even think about trying to breed them as well.

Are they even that notorious at dying? Cuz Bearded/Frilled, I dont see such warning/worry remarks as if its a given that theyd live. lol

 

[Mushroom Spore]

Are they even that notorious at dying?

They can be very fragile and easily stressed, yes. I've always heard it said that even the "tough" "beginner's chameleon" species is only tough for a CHAMELEON, they still aren't going to be as hardy as your beardies. Lots and lots of research before you get one is a necessity.

And if you end up with a female, you need to do even more research into eggboxes - because she WILL develop eggs whether she's mated or not, and if she doesn't have a place to lay them they'll get stuck in her body and she can die.

 

[sweetmisery]

Yeah no problem. I just bought a chameleon book in fact.

 

[Brad Ramsey]

Here is my info on veileds:

http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/

-Brad