Question of the day: where did you get your first chameleon information from? Was it talking to a pet store employee? Google search? Friend? I’d love to know where your first information came from.
Unfortunately like many others, I got my chameleon from a dodgy pet shop where the babies were kept together and there was a water dish with air pump... I didn’t get him first, I went to a reptile shop to get all the equipment first...I got all the wrong stuff, the kit, the water kit, the cage ... makes me cringe thinking about it now! Luckily I came across the Chameleon breeder podcasts and was listening to you BILL aka the father of dragon 🐉 non stop daily to try to catch up on all the chameleon knowledge I was not aware of ... with progress now my first chameleon is two years old and he lives in semi outdoor walk-in cage with full grown plants inside like a little jungle paradise 💚 all thanks to you Bill 🙌 you are truly the best ♥️
Welcome back to the RU-vid world! Great video. I always say the hardest part about keeping a chameleon is getting them set up correctly and figuring out what care info is correct and worth listening to. Excited to see what else you have up your sleeve!
I am excited to be back. My podcast schedule always made it impossible to fit videos in, but I am now putting the priority on the videos and the podcasts will follow. And this is important as there are some things that just need visuals to effectively communicate. So, this is very much overdue! Thank you for the welcome. I will make sure I bring value to the platform!
I currently work at a pet store and we get chameleons in all the time. but there’s this one i’ve currently formed and bond with. he actually loves to come out of his enclosure when i feed him and only wants to come to me when customers want to see him. I’m debating on getting him but i wanna learn proper care fully.
Yes, I have been hard at work expanding the outreach! I did launch a podcast episode that is a companion to this video. Honestly, I am not sure what schedule I will be able to keep (trying something new here) so getting the Chameleon Academy app is the best way to keep up with the podcast. It will push a notification to you when there is a new episode. I’ll try my best not to be stealthy about it!
This is a must video for those who are interested in keeping a chameleon. It Is so important to take in all these factors before making the decision to purchase not only for the health of the animal but for the keeper. A pet who fails to thrive is discouraging especially for those who are just entering this rewarding hobby.
It has been literal years since your last video. I’m glad you’re back with more information. The Chameleon is my all time favorite animal and maybe one day I’ll have the chance to watch one in its environment. If I don’t own one that’s fine, admiration is enough for me.
I apologize for my absence. There was some important work I had to do within the podcast medium. But now the important work is here. I will do my best to provide a great “virtual” keeping experience for you until you are able to have one of your own.
You are spot on! I discovered your channel shortly after the passing of my first chameleon. I have owned 3 and as you said they are both rewarding and challenging. I learned the hard way with my first one - proper care/environment and "thought" I was doing everything right until sadly I found out too late and he died. I joined an online community and had another 2-both were rewarding as well as sadness when they passed. More people need to realize the dedication and commitment -or as my vet had described me as obsessive with their care.
@@ChameleonAcademy I'm torn as I know in captivity they survive longer than the wild but on the other hand I feel they should be out bugging around all the trees nature has to offer. The other issue is I love the little critters too much and when they pass it's just as hard as losing a beloved dog or cat. Those creatures sure know how to brighten a day tho - so appreciative and amazed of their uniqueness. I still watch your channel as I enjoy watching them.
Awesome video as always Bill. I always tell people about you when they are thinking about getting a Chameleon. You're what I call the OG of Chameleons care!
Paul Sullivan and Russel Lee 4 decades ago and by jingo they were way ahead of the curve. I thank them greatly for that and I had years of rewarding “keeping” with my T quadricornis. Cheers guys.
Thank you so very much for your great information and support on raising healthy and happy chameleons. I have watched your videos and I'm feeling very confident in caring for my new addition to the family
I waited a year after I built my chameleon cage. Wanted to make sure the plants would survive. Then I kept reading and researching. Finally got a veiled chameleon. He lived for 4 years. Im pretty sure I wasn't gut loading the feeders properly and I wasnt providing any vitamins. My other chameleon started showing the same symptoms. So I started up on vitamins. And gut loading the feeders with repashy. She's improving. Another issue I had is that when keeping them outside if it's not hot enough they cant digest there food. She hadn't pooped in like 2 or 3 weeks. So I kept reading and researching and finally gave her stool softener. Oh boy did that work. She was soo relieved lol. I felt horrible. It's a learning process. Going to have a ceramic heat emitter for the winter time. Wish I would've found out about you earlier. ✌️🍻
Very good advice!! I have had a chameleon for a year. She was 3 months old and a veiled translucent..I was told it was a male but she started laying eggs at about 8 months old. I am disabled and can’t care for her like she needs to be but afraid to sell her because I want to be sure she has what she needs. Everything you said was right on!! I love my chameleon and get upset if something is wrong. Thank you for all your advice!!
@@jamalford3999 my disability Is from arthritis in my spine. I can’t walk well and have trouble doing little things. Just lots of pain and weakness. Please pray for me! I love my chameleon and want only the best for her. She lays every 4 months and I always worry. No reason to worry because she lays just fine. Lol 😂 I’m just a worrier.
So glad to discover your new video! I got my panther chameleon a couple of years ago and I find that I love to watch him and he seems to like to watch me! I work at home since the pandemic started, and his cage is in front of my table where I work. I have learned so much from your podcasts and from the Chameleon Enthusiast Facebook group!
@@ChameleonAcademy I thought I wouldn't like it at first, started off as pet sitting, but I think we get along great now. Need to get her out of that tiny chameleon kit though! Poor girl
Just got recommended this video and it's exactly what I needed. My Nigel is exactly like Clancy lol every time I walk by his enclosure he hisses and shakes 🤣 I'm definitely going to be putting him in a corner with less foot traffic at our new place to reduce his stress levels
First thing I learned was that chameleons are not lovable handable pet's... It didn't stop me...lol... I love my Veiled Chameleon... He's so awesome to look at an Im fascinated by him... I've had him well over a year now an I think likes me now...lol... I've only handled him in order to take him to the vet... Thank you for the awesome video
Bill (This channel) is one of a very few who; a.) don't make me absolutely livid. And, b.) ACTUALLY gives some pretty sound advice when it comes to Herpetoculture. Thank you Bill! (my $0.02) = That being said, chameleons will never be pets but will always remain a superior lifeform who we micturate upon. We only need a license to house certain venomous animals because they pose a threat to humans. Humans should absolutely need a license to house chameleons, not because we pose a threat, because we are THE threat! Love you Bill - thanks for being you
Thanks for all of your hard work and for sharing with us! I thankfully found your website before I got a chameleon. So, I did not buy the dreaded chameleon kit. I have two chameleons right now, and I just love taking care of them and the plants!
I love the fact that are straight to the fact that owning reptiles in this case Chameleons, is really a recreation of nature in your home but not a puppy dog. They are like owning certain species of Tarantulas like BirdEaters since you can watch them feed and watch them in their enclosure but holding them is definitely not recommended
I have been waiting for another upload. Been a happy chameleon owner for a year now. One thing I do know is you can never have enough knowledge.... I just adopted another veiled chameleon to take it up to 3. Thanks for sharing
I Rescued a Veiled over 4 yrs ago .He was not put under a UVB light and had Rickets real bad .Today you wouldn't even know he was sick .However I'm pretty sure he doesn't see well and does not like being held .Only because he was picked up wrong .Now he's much healthier and Happy
Wow this is so true! I feel like when he wants to go out he will just step towards my hand and be chill. Same with taking him back, he did not want to leave while sleeping on the highest point of my snake plant!
The first thing I do when I bring a new animal home is to take it to my vet to get it established with my vet. I did that prior to bringing my panther home so the week I got him he was able to get a fecal and general look over. I am so thankful for my vet ❤️ I'm hooked on your channel and sorry for all the comments! I'm listening to it all even the starter videos
Great to hear! If you are loving this information and are looking for a little deeper dive check out the Chameleon Academy Podcast. There are enough episodes there that you can listen to one every work day in a year! Just start at episode 1 and work your way forward! You can find it on any podcasting app or download the free Chameleon Academy iPhone/GooglePlay app and it will have them all right there!
I love these things but would never get one. Too much work. Maybe after retirement. I do love this guy’s voice though. So incredibly calming. Thank you for the content.
Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed the video. Part of this is deciding if a chameleon is right for you. If not right now then you are very welcome to continue enjoying chameleons vicariously through these videos!
Funny thing I became aware of more recently, since chameleons can see color they'll sometimes react to different colors. I've noticed that my normally docile veiled will try to straight up murder me if I'm wearing my yellow hoodie. Just an interesting observation I thought was neat.
Oh yes. Each chameleon has their own thing that will set them off. I have one that hates my green watering can. And then some go nuts at a certain T-Shirt. Then I become a stranger to others when I wear a cap. It is fascinating to learn the individuality of each chameleon!
I absolutely agree. Creating the proper environment for a healthy chameleon is not simple. But the rewards have been significant and in ways I did not expect.
I've a question about handeling. My Panther Chameleon knocks a couple of times on his window on a day when he see me walk by. When I open the carge he always gets on my arm by himself. A lot of times he doesn't want to go back in the cage (only if he walks a longer time on me then he will). Some days he knocks more then 6 times to get out. Is this ok? I don't see him stress out. He is only getting out of his cage if he decides, I never force him.
Great videos, I've always had interest in chameleons. I am in the beginning stages. My thought was to get his environment well established before bringing one home. Established... Live plants growing for a few months. I wouldn't stress out a chameleon as I'm constantly reaching in to guide the plants. What are the correct plants,. I'm thinking a vine Any opinions on plants, what plants are right for a chameleon and are reasonably easy to work with?
Well, if you are a podcast listener you can find the Chameleon Academy Podcast and there is a whole lot more there! You can also download the free Chameleon Academy app on iTunes or Google Play which has all the episodes. Of course, there is always chameleonacademy.com which is an extensive website of reference material. So, there is a lot to enjoy if you like chameleons!
Love your videos. We have a 7 month old and offer a bamboo shoot for him to climb onto and come out if he chooses. Wonderful pets to watch and enjoy. Our son calls watching him "caveman tv". ❤️💚
That is a "Ruby Glow" Passionflower (Passiflora alata). This is an incredible chameleon cage plant, but you need a big cage and lots of light! This one gets 5*6500K T5 bulbs and one Jungle Dawn LED light bar. But, my goodness, it is worth it!
@@johnd697 well, there is nothing that says you can’t make a 4x2x4 cage for a carpet chameleon! :) But, yes, this is a huge vine and I am actually doing some trimming on it today to keep it in line so it can stay healthy. I think it is great you are looking at putting some beautiful plants on your cage. It really makes a big difference in how the cage looks!
Do you need to vary their diets? I'm going to guess that the answer is yes. But would a base diet of easy to keep dubia roaches work, with occasional other insects?
My panther male is like a dog. I come home and he runs up front of the enclosure and wants me to take him out. Even in his big cage outside, all I have to do is put my hand in and he comes right to me. Never thought I would have a chameleon like that. He's very friendly and will crawl over other people to get to me. I actually think there very intelligent
I am buying a 2 year old chameleon that is in a pet store in a get this 18 x 18 x 36 . I am putting that incosure in my 2 x 4 x 8 ft and he can dexide I know he will come out and I will have an extra set up for a small breed female . His life may have been shortened but the rst of iy will be PARIDISE I have to det him out of that store , everyone wants to stress him out and he is at kid level wish us luck but I am retired and I like bugs too
Most everything you said seems very reasonable, except...I don't think any chameleon breeder should be buying wild caught animals, considering their conservation status. How could I be sure and not support one of those breeders?
Breeders working with wild caught chameleons is the only way to get new bloodlines. Chameleons are CITES II controlled so there are strict quotas regulating exports to ensure they do not endanger the wild population. As long as you are in a CITES signatory country then the chameleons are available under controlled quota. But if you still want a baby specifically from captive hatched prenatal then simply ask the breeder of your choice to make sure you pick from F2 babies. But most reputable breeders do work with wild caught original stock as that is how they maintain a responsible program.
So i aquired a chameleon who cant climb, can hardly walk he is so deformed. His previous owner was crappy 😏 What substrate should i use for the bottom of his cage, since he is always on the ground? Also, should I move him to a different enclosure, since he cant use the vertical?
Handling is not a natural part of a chameleon’s life. Each chameleon will handle being on your hand differently. And short stress spikes are not necessarily damaging. But the best advice is still to not making handling your chameleon a regular part of its life.
@@ChameleonAcademy thanks for the response. I am not thinking of taking him to the store to buy groceries. However, hanging out around the house watching tv, 30 mins or more of holding depending on their movement. Once a day, few times a week. Does that seem OK?
@@m3Sp0rt chameleons are not a good pet for handling and hanging out with. A bearded dragon is a much better choice. I wish chameleons were different than they are, but they didn’t evolve to be pets and so we have to take them as they are. If you want to hang out with a reptile, a chameleon just isn’t the right choice.
Live plants are best for chameleon cages, but people have used plastic plants for a long time. I say to use live plants because that creates a better environment for chameleons.
And I did tons of research and i set up the cage and I feed him and mist him and I’m the one that wanted the chameleon and I’m a child I’m not a dumb kid who doesn’t take care of my chameleon
3:31 foreground is a Maranta “prayer plant”. Back right is a creeping fig, Ficus pumila. Middle back is a lipstick plant. Flower at 4:56 is a Ruby Glow Passion flower (Passiflora alata). You need bright light and lots of space for this vine!
That is a male Bradypodion thamnobates which is a dwarf chameleon from South Africa. Sometimes called the Natal Midlands Dwarf Chameleon, but the community just refers to them as "thamnobates"
The truth is that the Chameleon Kit can be made to work for chameleons under 2.5” if you do it right. I raised three babies in a Chameleon Kit for the express purpose of training my team in how to help Chameleon Kit owners stabilize the situation while they were working on a transition. I wrote up what I did and you are welcome to take a look and see if anything there is of use for your situation. chameleonacademy.com/chameleonkit/
Well, a False Chameleon is a totally different animal and has its own characteristics. There are actually a couple of lizards that are called false chameleons..(.I feel they should not have the burden of being compared to chameleons as they are special in their own ways!) So it really depends on what you are looking for and which one you want to prepare for.
@@ChameleonAcademy oh l never knew there is a couple of lizards that are called false chameleons, well the one l was talking about is the Cuban False Chameleon or a bearded anole
I actually don’t know much about their husbandry, though they look very cool! Which one is better really depends on what you are looking for. For me, chameleons are the ultimate and I will be team chameleon all my life so I have a very skewed opinion!
