Thinking of getting a chameleon...Are they good pets?

Question

Are chameleons nice? if I want a good starter reptile pet, what type should I get? Do they require running water? if they do, is that expensive? Please tell me all I need to know about there basic personality and care! Thanks.

thanks. are you talking about the chameleon or iguana, though?

Answer 1

I looked into getting a chameleon at one point. They are not reccomended as a beginner reptile. They have very specific needs and requirements and are easily stressed. Because of this, it's best not to handle them very much. I wouldn't reccomend starting off with a chameleon.

If you're looking for a good beginner reptile, go to exoticpets.com They have lists of pets they reccomend as beginner pets and have links and caresheets for each.

I reccomend snakes! ^.^

Answer 2

Hi,
You really have to do your homework. There is a lot to know about chameleon care. If you're willing to commit to a little expense and time, they are fascinating and worth it.
They need fairly large screen enclosures with lots of preferably live plants to hide in.
They are not the kind of pet you can handle a lot.
As for the water, a good spray misting of the plants a few times daily is adequate as long as they drink. They do need moving water, but it does not need to be a constant source such as waterfalls.
They eat several crickets or meal worms daily.
They need UVB light to convert vitamins properly and a source of heat for basking. They also generally require a night time temperature drop which is usually achieved by turning off the basking and UV lights.
There are several good first chameleons species depending on your budget and personal preference.
Veileds are most forgiving of mistakes with care are cheaper and more readily available, panthers are most colorful and most expensive, Jacksons are very docile and fair priced if available.
If you are not willing to commit and keep a cham that is for the most part "hands off" (they stress when handled too much) then a really good pet lizard is the bearded dragon. They seem to like being handled and are fairly easy to keep.
Good luck with what ever you do.

Answer 3

Chameleons are not beginner pets. Most don't tolerate handling well. They need ventilation and high humidity, a basking bulb and a source of UVB. They need insects which have been gutloaded, vitamins, and a dripping water source plust twice daily misting. Some good links:

http://www.junglewalk.com/info/chameleon-information.htm

http://chameleonsonly.com/Chameleon%20Care.htm

http://www.bluebeastreptile.com/plantlist.htm


http://www.chameleonnews.com/year2003/mar2003/calyptratus/veiled_faq.html

Answer 4

haha! :) i LOVE chameleons! They are as loyal as dogs! It doesnt really matter what kind you get. No, they dont require running water. Just buy a pretty big fish tank, and cover the bottom in woodchips, grass, leaves, and dirt. Put a small bowl in it, fill it with luke warm water, and cover the edges of the bowl with the dirt and woodchips and stuff. You might put a few tree branches in the tank. MAKE SURE you have a heat lamp over the tank, but dont make it too hot. Put some shade in the tank, so if it DOES get too hot, the chamleon can cool down in the shade. My sisters Chameleon, Mr. Jiggles, LOVES grasshoppers, crickets, and fruit. Try not to give them acidic fruits, like oranges and pineapples! GOOD LUCK!

Answer 5

no because chameleons are more of an advanced pet i would suggest a bearded dragon there the best

Answer 6

i used to have a chameleon but sadly it got parasites and were so costly i had to give it away. for a first pet reptile i would definetley go with either a panther chameleon or a veild chameleon

Answer 7

Funny you should ask! I just bought my daughter a chameleon about 3 weeks ago! They do not require running water and cannot drink standing water. You simply spray water into their crate onto the walls twice a day. The chameleon eats mealy worms or crickets, which can be bought at a pet store. They need a heat lamp to stay warm, we keep "Fred" under a desk lamp as much as possible. For the best advice and pet food go to PetSmart.

Answer 8

yes chameleons are nice, and they wont need running water, but for begginers, you should get a red eared slider, i have 3 and the're easy to take care of
good luck=)

Answer 9

Sure, if you can find it! :D

The best starter reptile is probably an Iguana. They get pretty big, but they are friendly, herbivore lizards. They move slow, so they won't get away from you too easily, and they don't take a lot of care. Generally, they are a lovable reptile.