Hope someone can help me...

I'm getting a chameleon in October - I have NO idea what i'm suppose to get. I went onto a website called Reptile City and there is SOOOOOO much stuff on there I don't know where to start. :huh: What I do know is that i must get a cage with netting or something.

Hi,

I am assuming you will be getting a Veiled Chameleon? I have bred these for many years.

in terms of caging, two options depending on size:

flexarium (which is netting around a frame) which you would use for adults

Faunarium - Imported glass enclosure of varying sizes, either from Hagan or Akwa, which has glass sliding doors and a wire lid.

You can get fake vine from those shops that specialise in reptiles as well as fake kreeper type plants for decoration - watch the thickness of the vine in relation to the size of the chameleon.

lighting is probably the most imporant thing to watch when caring for chemeleons - without the proper lighting, it will die.

There are both UV tubes and spotlights specifically made for chemeleons - again check with the petshop. Dont use UV tubes below 5.0 - the spectrum isn't enough for chameleons below 5.0

Chemeleons will only drink from running water. You can get by this using a drip system - this is a bottle with a tube coming out that you can regulate water flow through - tighten clamp so water drips into a dish. You could also use a water bowl with a small fountain pump in it, to lift the water in the bowl - thus create a running water effect. Otherwise you will have to spray water and let the chemeleon drink off the fake plants.

Calcium intake is important so buy a good quality calcium power and every time you feed crickets etc, make sure they are coated with calcium. This can be achieved by putting some calcium powder into a bag, throwing the crickets in and shaking.

I think that is all the basics taken care of for now.

Hope it helps - it is not a cheap exercise. Don't try and bypass the expensive lighting etc - the chameleon will die - and in that case I would say, rather not buy one.

all the best

The latest issue of ultimate exotics has a very detailed article with regards to which species are legal, illegal and in which provinces, etc.

Now even if I say so myself, THAT is a proper reply Scorp...

Good luck Suz...

OMG!!!! Wow, they hard work and darn sensitive little creatures!!

+1 Scorp - that is just... WOW!! Well, at least I know where to run to if I need help!

I think you right- I think it is a Veiled Chameleon.

It is too late - my hubby already paid for it.

I'll try get hold of that mag, thanks.

THANKS I think I'll need luck!! :ohmy:

Hi,

here are some contacts - all friends with petshops in JHB - they should be able to help with various caging and accessories.

Ian : 082 851 9351 (Lifestyle Pet Hyper -Lifestyle Nursery)
Angelo: 083 307 2986 (Reptilians on Jan Smuts)
Dennis: 072 603 5445 (Paradise Pets - Fourways)

tell them I referred you