Beginner Species?

For a first time cham owner, what species are the most hardy and easiest to get started?

I have had good luck with very young veileds, but I have never tried to own and raise a very young panther so this is just from my own purchases.

The youngest panthers I have purchased and raised were 8 weeks old when I bought them. Although I had no problems with them I think that panthers are harder than other chameleons to take on at a young age.

I have purchased and raised 3 week old veileds and hatched and raised my own clutch of baby veileds. I personally think that Veileds are easier for beginners if you are getting them at a young vs. panthers. Veileds are also less expensive for a starter chameleon.

I would say veilds are probably the easiest, then maybe panthers. A couple of reasons why I say veilds on "easiest" is because of their tendency to accept a variety of foods making it easier for a newby to acquire food in their area. Also veilds seem to tolerate a larger range of temperatures than other chams making it easier to make them happy. I will also say that purchasing a chameleon that is at least 3 to 4 months or older will greatly increase the chances of its survival. I haven't had any issues raising baby panthers, they seem pretty hardy but I have kept chameleons for awhile now so it's almost second nature to me, so I can't say that they are easy to someone with no experience, but they have definitely been easier than some of the montane species that I have kept (Jacksons, Rudis, Werners). Good luck with your decision and I hope this helps.

Jerm

I am new to chams but from what I have read Veilds are usually recommended as "starter" chams. I have started with Jackson Xanth and they are not that easy, lots of equiptment with the montane species. Hope it helps

I'd just like to dhirp in a though of mine.

I find that veileds are a very good starter, because from their more aggressive nature than many other chameleons, they will teach the keeper that less handling, is often best.

This forum came at the exact right time, and thank you for posting those replies, it narrowed down the search

I also replied here for one big reason- I want the low-down.
Dragonfly, you seem to know alot about chams, and you have been on most of these forums, so i am wondering if you or any other expirienced cham keeper could tell me everything a young vieled would need. This will surely be a test of your knowledge....

And whoever gives me that info could you please send me a private message, thx


Thanks alot,
Rusty