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Chameleons as pets Anonymous
hi /an/,

I'm considering buying a pet chameleon but I'm worried. I've heard plenty of stories about how reptiles tend to do poorly in house environments and I don't want to mess this up. I've only had fish and dogs before, so this is new territory for me.

I was wondering if any fellow anons have had chameleons, and if so if they have any advice? What sort of enclosures should I be looking for? What are some big dos and don'ts when it comes to these guys? Should I get a baby or an older chameleon? What kind?

Any advice would be a huge help.
>> Anonymous
Ask /r9k/
>> Anonymous
>>231293

Wow I didn't know any of that at all. They're that easy to stress out? Ok then that's a really bad idea.

I've considered bearded dragons too. They're more hearty/easy to handle? I am looking for something a little more interaction-friendly so if that's going to kill a chameleon I clearly need something else.

Not big on geckos. Are there any snakes that are good for first-time reptile owners?

>>231291
lol hi again
>> Anonymous
>>231295

Yeah, chameleons are ridiculously delicate creatures. Bearded dragon would be your best bet, they don't mind handling and actually seem to enjoy lounging about on you. I can't answer your other question since I don't keep snakes, but a beardie would probably your best bet for a first reptile.
>> Anonymous
>>231296

Alright I'll look into a bearded dragon instead then. Thanks a lot for telling me, though. I would never have imagined chameleons were so fragile.
>> Anonymous
If you're going to start a thread about chameleons, you might at least have made the effort to find a picture of one.
>> Anonymous
you could get a frog! or a turtle. :)
>> Anonymous
>>231299
blind anon is blind
>> Anonymous
The size of the enclosure/humidity is completely dependant on species. Captive bred specimens of the commonly kept varieties (veileds, jacksons and panthers) are fairly easy to keep if you've done your homework and know what you're doing and can provide the right environment... one of the biggest problems with chameleons is that the wild-caught imports that once dominated the market were loaded with parasites. It's not a trial-and-error affair, though. You can buy a nylon mesh cage suitable for an adult for under $300, plus you'll need basking lights, compact or fluorescent fluorescent/full-spectrum UV-lighting, live plants, a humidifier or drip-system, and a constant supply of suitable food. Some of the biggest problems with chameleons is properly balancing ventilation with humidity, as most species do require a fairly large amount of humidity but are susceptible to respiratory diseases if they don't get enough airflow. Another issue is stress. Stress will kill them, so you want to keep handling and noise to a minimum, and if at all possible keep any cats/dogs/large birds out of sight.
>> Anonymous
>>231295

My first pet was a snake (or is, I guess, since she's still alive), and they're pretty easy to keep, as long as you just get the common type that they have in stores. Small boas, etc.

But bearded dragons are great for your first reptile, they're easy to keep, and live for a good while. Staying away from any exotic reptiles until you're experienced is always a good idea.
>> Anonymous
>>231347
A lot of people actually have the same issues with bearded dragons as people tend to have with iguanids; improper diets and lack of uvb exposure resulting in stunted growth and bone defomities. Not that they're exceptionally difficult, but I always find it odd that people recommend them as a 'starter reptile' given how much more difficult they are than many reptiles.