Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

[mikesils]

I am thinking of getting a chameleon, i would just like to know what they are like to keep. I have alot of spare time, so if there is alot to looking after one, then time wont be a problem!

[Brew]

It will all depend on which Cham you want to keep, there are many different types and most have different requirements regarding their environment, heat, humidity etc. Firstly decide on your preferred cham and then research and ask questions form there. Sorry I couldn't be of more help, I'm only now starting out myself and as I've stated there are so many different species. Your best starting with a Yemen (Veiled) or a Panther, I hope that's a good starting point for you to begin your research. This is a great forum with tons of information, as you have the time, trawl through the various threads and see how you feel. That's what I done and I got hooked, should be getting my cham in the next week or so. Good luck and let us know what prevails.

[mikesils]

Cheers Brew! I have done a bit of research already and was thinking that the Yemen cham was the one for me. Does anyone have any recommendations of where to get the set-up and cham from?

[Brew]

Yemen seem widely available from most pet shops/reptile supplies (at least in my area), they are not my personnel preference, but again search on here and I'm sure you'll find the info your lookin for. Best of luck

[kinyonga]

There is a lot to learn if you want to be able to keep a chameleon successfully...so its a good thing that you haven't got one yet.

Exposure to UVB (which does not pass through glass or plastic) allows the chameleon to produce vitamin D3 which in turn allows it to use the calcium in its diet. Sunlight is the best source of UVB but if you can't keep the chameleon outside then UVB from a tube/linear light will be the alternative.

Most of the insects used for feeders have a poor ratio of calcium to phosphorous...so dusting them with a phosphorous-free calcium powder just before feeding them to your chameleon will help to make up for this.

To ensure that the chameleon gets its vitamins you can dust with a vitamin powder twice a month. I use one with a beta carotene source of vitamin A. Beta carotene sources of vitamin A don't build up in the system like preformed sources can. Excess preformed can prevent the D3 from doing its job and lead to MBD.

If the chameleon is exposed to direct sunlight, it shouldn't need any D3 supplementation...but if its always getting its UVB from the tube light, then you might want to dust with a phos.-free calcium/D3 powder lightly twice a month. D3 from supplements can build up in the system...so don't overdo it.

Gutloading the insects and feeding them a nutritious diet is also important.

Appropriate temperatures allow for better digestion and thus play a part in nutrient absorption. I use a regular household incandescent bulb in a hood as a basking light. For baby veileds I keep the basking area in the low to mid 80's F and for adults it can be higher.

If you have a female, she might/could lay eggs even without being mated once she is sexually mature...its even more likely if she is fed too much.

Calcium, phos.. D3 and vitamin A are all important "players" in good bone health and need to be in balance. Look at what you supplement with, feed the insects with and feed to the chameleon when trying to attain a balance.

There is still more that I haven't covered.

Here are some sights with good information...
http://www.adcham.com/
http://www.chameleonnews.com/
http://web.archive.org/web/20060502074401/www.chameleonjournals.com/vet/index.php?show=5.Vitamin.A.html
http://web.archive.org/web/20060421082042/www.chameleonjournals.com/vet/index.php?show=6.Vitamin.D3.and.Calcium.html
http://www.uvguide.co.uk/index.htm
http://www.chameleonforums.com/supplementation-mbd-1-a-2451/
http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/

[mikesils]

Thank you. That is very helpful, i really do want one.