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Anonymous
What do you think? Should I buy the chameleon on this page http://market.kingsnake.com/detail.php?cat=52&de=543164

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>> Anonymous
I wonder if it would be big enough to let roam free around my room
>> Anonymous
Them some good eatin'.
>> Anonymous
Why did you post a picture of your hand.

No, seriously, what does that pic have to do with your post?
>> Anonymous
>>170530
Must you say the same crap every time you see a chameleon pic?
>> Anonymous
Anybody have experience with chameleons?
>> Anonymous
>>170547

Chameleons are very interesting to watch. However, they do require more care than many reptiles. You have to keep a close eye on the temperature and humidity. You need a good light source in the UV spectrum. Be prepared to feed gut-loaded insects, as Chameleons can get metabolic bone disease (a calcium deficiency) fairly easily on a poor diet. They also will not drink still water, so you will need to provide running water or mist/drip system.

That said, they are pretty badass!
>> Anonymous
>>170549
So basically they're like a high maintenance screen saver?
>> Anonymous
>>170555

No.
>> Anonymous
>>170534
Is chameleon a slang word for "gloved hand"?
>> Anonymous
Chameleons are about the highest maintenance of any exothermic pet (aside from the sheer size and food consumption of crocodilians, large monitors, etc.). They tend to be fairly fickle and need rather specific conditions. You'll want a well ventilated enclosure (you can get all-screen enclosures made specifically with chameleons in mind), and unless you fancy manually spraying it down multiple times daily, you'll likely want to invest in a mister system or something of the sort (waterfalls can be good too). Live plants also help with humidity - I recommend philodendrons as a hearty, safe, and easy option you can readily find at a hardware store or whatnot. In addition to a basking lamp, you need UV lighting (helps metabolize vitamins/minerals), and a place where the animal can escape the UV (else you run the risk of radiation burns). For substrate, I advocate about a half inch to an inch fine gravel base with Bed-a-Beast* or another similar bedding on top (optionally mixed about 2-3:1 with sand to stiffen it). The gravel base gives excess water from the mist a place to build up without getting the bedding too soggy, and with many reptile enclosures, you even have an opening in the bottom of the tank from which you can drain it.

If you want a good pet lizard, the trifecta of good pets would be Bearded Dragons, Mali Uromastyx, and Leopard Geckos.
>> Anonymous
To avoid bone problems, dust the insects before feeding in bird calcium/vitamin supplement powder. Works great. Just drop some powder into a small jar with your crickets/roaches/whatever, shake and then release insects in terrarium.
>> Anonymous
>>170720
Aaahhh the ugly, boring, generic trifecta.
Bearded Dragons, Mali Uromastyx, and Leopard Gecko's. If I had only a passing interest in reptiles I might consider getting one of those.

>>170549
Pretty badass huh?
So I should get it then? That is if it's still even for sale.
>> Anonymous
I've had a veiled chameleon for 5 years now. They are great pet for a reptile fan!

I prefer to use enclosures that aren't entirely screened in. It is easier to control the temperature and humidity (and the mess) with an enclosure that is partially solid.

I use acrylic to build the enclosure. The bottom, back, and sides are acrylic. the front and the top are screened. This allows for plenty of ventiliation, but it also makes the humidity and the temps more stable. The top and the front of my enclosure are both hinged, so you can open them for cleaning and maintenance. The top is entirely screened, while the front is screened almost completely, except for the bottom 6". That incorporates a small door that I can use for feeding or to do minor cleaning without opening up the whole front. I also built a tray into the base of the enclosure, which can be removed from the front (like a drawer), which I put the substrate in. This makes it very easy to change/clean the substrate.

170720's suggestion about the gravel is a very good one! I use something very similar in my base tray.