by LizardLover » Wed Aug 21, 2013 7:23 pm
Something not everyone knows when getting into reptile keeping for the first time, is that you will most probably spend 3 times the price of the reptile on accessories, heating, cages, lighting etc. Rather save up, buy everything you need for it, and then buy the chameleon- like Bushviper said- that you have the necessary stuff for, like UV lighting, heating(heat-pads, basking lamps, heat emitters and heat cables), thermostats, outdoor and indoor cage, substrate, plants (live or fake, your choice), hides(not really necessary for chameleons), food (roaches, pinkies and other feeder insects), get a vet near you that can assist if your reptile has diseases, spray bottle, F10 disinfective-not a real word, but surely you would be able to figure out what it means-(buy from the local vet or large pet-shops that stock it) and the most important of all, a lock for the cage. If I missed something, I apologize, just comment it below, please.
I would rather go the route of exotic chameleon than an indigenous one, then you would not need a permit. There are two-top species in the market at the moment, veiled chameleons and panther chameleons.
Keep in mind that they do not get to live very long. Some species live 4-6 years other a few years more.
I know absolutely nothing about keeping them, do they need extensive knowledge/maintenance to keep happy?
All reptiles need to be researched for hours, maybe even days, before bought and kept as a pet or to breed it. So to answer your question, yes.
Which is the most hardiest species (for a beginner)?
Hardest in what way? Keeping, feeding, breeding? If I may ask, why would you want to get the hardest species first?
And where can I get one?
RoCkFoRdGuN has gave you a good breeder of chameleons, but if you are not saisfied by his prices, I'd suggest you wait until the expo-that is held by Arno Naude- and getting one for a lower price there.
One last thing, never keep two different species in one cage, never. Just don't