Kingsnake.com
Liddy Kammer
Chameleon Care
March 2, 2006
PHFaust: On behalf of Jeff Barringer and all of us at kingsnake.com,
I'm very pleased to welcome Liddy (& Ed) Kammer to our Eighth
Annual Chat Week.
PHFaust: Growing up as a southern belle, there were moments
as a little girl with a Maxwell House coffee can, blue belly lizards,
baby toads, mud-puppies and "chameleons" (green anoles!),
but then she grew into a sensible woman and put such things aside
. . . or so she thought. One warm July night in 1998, after a nice
dinner with our friends Philippe and Gigi, something wonderful and
amazing happened. Gigi showed me two little veiled chameleon babies
that had just hatched two days prior. She said, "Liddy, choose
which one you'd like and take it home for your very own". This
tiny creature I held on the tip of my index finger with little grasping
hands and feet, inquisitive eyes and curling tail . . . simply enchanted
me. That was it! I was "bitten by the bug"! We had to make
a decision . . . when you haven't met a chameleon you don't like and
then they all start liking each other . . . you better do something
quick . . . like sell some babies you don't want to part with! Voila
. . . Kammerflage Kreations
PHFaust: Thank you so much for joining us, Liddy & Ed,
and welcome
PHFaust: Ed, Liddy, ready to go?
Liddy_Kammer: It's very good to be here
Liddy_Kammer: We're ready
Liddy_Kammer: :-)
PHFaust: If you have a question for the kammers, please put
a ? in the room and we will call on you in order
coastalherper: ?
mavericksdad: ?
a23cham_nr: ?
PHFaust: Coastal you may begin
king_dj_nr: ?
coastalherper: What is the best Chameleon for beginners?
Liddy_Kammer: CB Panthers & Veileds make great beginner
chameleons
bmelv24: ?
Liddy_Kammer: ga
puzzlepiece: ?
PEPPERQUILL1: ?
Adam105_nr: ?
PHFaust: Maverick
PHSlick: ?
mavericksdad: which species of chameloeons live the longest
in captivity ...ive wanted one forever but i like my pets long lived...
Liddy_Kammer: Of the species commonly available, both the
Veiled and Panther Chameleon males may live as long as 9 years
mavericksdad: oh...thanks
Liddy_Kammer: The average is more like 4-5
coastalherper: ?
Liddy_Kammer: ga
PHFaust: a23cham
Reptilefreak16: ?
a23cham_nr: do u have any advice for those who would like
to emulate your chameleon breeding business?
Liddy_Kammer: Approach it with passion, dedication and integrity
Liddy_Kammer: Like any business, these qualities go a long
way
Liddy_Kammer: ga
PHAlex: Thank you for coming to our special chat. PLEASE DO
NOT OPENLY TALK IN THE ROOM. If you have a question for Kammerflage
Kreations on Chameleon Care, type a "?" to the room &
you will be added to the waiting list. WAIT for a moderator to call
your name to ask your question. Names will be called in order of ?'s
received. Do not whisper / private msg the guest speakers or moderators
as it will disrupt the chat.
PHFaust: king dj
dcmander: ?
king_dj_nr: do all chameloeons have the ability to change
color? and do all of them sway like a leaf? for camoflaudge that is
a23cham_nr: ?
Chamcham505: ?
Liddy_Kammer: With the exception of some ground dwelling species,
most chameleons have a range in which they can definitely change color
Liddy_Kammer: ga
king_dj_nr: what about veild?
PHFaust: melv
bmelv24: Hi liddy, I was wondering how difficult parsons are
to care for?
king_dj_nr: ok thx for your time
Liddy_Kammer: Once you meet their requirements, they are a
very hardy species to work with
Liddy_Kammer: in particular, CB's
Liddy_Kammer: ga
Chamcham505: Liddy-Ed, I was just curious on why Parson chameleons
are so expensive? Are they an endangered species of Chameleon...or
is it their size and difficulty to obtain? Thanks!
PHFaust: puzzle
puzzlepiece: Aren't Veileds known to be mean and a bit aggressive
for beginners?
Liddy_Kammer: They are no longer readily available from the
wild and they have not been consistantly bred with success in captivity.
It turns into a supply & demand issue plus their phenominal appeal
Liddy_Kammer: ga
PHFaust: pepper
PEPPERQUILL1: What breeding projects are you currently working
on besides panthers and veilds?
puzzlepiece: Aren't Veileds known to be mean and a bit aggressive
for beginners?
Liddy_Kammer: We're also working with Parson's and Fischer's
Liddy_Kammer: ga
Tsuky_nr: ?
geckogod2: ?
PHFaust: We missed Puzzles question which was arent veiled
know to be agressive and mean for beginners
Liddy_Kammer: Chameleons in general are "leary"
of humans but with routine interaction and starting with a young specimen,
many of the species can become tolerant of interaction.
holygouda: ?
Liddy_Kammer: Veileds in general can have a more "hissy"
attitude yet we've met some very sweet ones along the way
coastalherper: ?
Liddy_Kammer: ga
PHFaust: adam
Adam105_nr: I am thinking about getting a chameleon. It will
be my first cham but deffinately not my first reptile! I own reptiles
from beardies to corn snakes to crested geckos to hogg island boas.
So anyways, I rather get a panther over a veild. Would this be a good
choice? It seems panthers are smallers, tamer, and easier to keep?
I heard the only thing that keeps panthers from being the best beginner
cham are the prices. What do ya think?
aaron13_nr: ?
puzzlepiece: ty
aaron13_nr: ?
Liddy_Kammer: We think they are a great "first choice"
based on color, hardiness, personality etc.
Adam105_nr: Great! Just what I would like to hear! Thank you!
Liddy_Kammer: The best advise we can give is to learn their
care needs and be ready to provide them before you purchase one
Liddy_Kammer: Purchasing a healthy CB youngster is also highly
recommended
Liddy_Kammer: ga
Adam105_nr: Of course. Thanks a bunch!
Liddy_Kammer: You're welcome Adam. Good question
Liddy_Kammer: ga
PHFaust: coastal
coastalherper: What was your most rewarding moment?
PHSlick: ?
Liddy_Kammer: When our first child was born LOL
Liddy_Kammer: Really though . . . boy that's a big question
Liddy_Kammer: I'll answer first and then Ed will
coastalherper: lol i meant in the reptile hobby
Liddy_Kammer: My most rewarding moment was to witness 2 of
our CB Parson's breed for the first time
coastalherper: very nice
Ed_Kammer: For me it was when I realised that we could pursue
our passion for chameleons . . . and actually make a living at it!
Ed_Kammer: ga
bmelv24: ?
PHFaust: reptilefreak
Reptilefreak16: What is your breeding panthers cage set ups
like? Do you have huge cages so they have a ton of room,or do you
tend to keep them to a more confined set up?
coastalherper: ?
AnkInc: i have to say, you guys have the nicest collection
of chameleons on the web by far
Liddy_Kammer: Our male cages are 36"L x 24"W x 36"H
and the female cages are approx. 36"L x 16"W x 30"H
Liddy_Kammer: Thank your for your kind compliments!
Liddy_Kammer: We are very fortunate.
Liddy_Kammer: ga
Reptilefreak16: thank you
PHFaust: dcmander
FEENIEE: ?
PHFaust: dc going twice
PHFaust: SOLD!!!! a23cham your turn
a23cham_nr: my male panther is receptive but female is never
i try putting them together about every week and they never see each
other any advice?
Liddy_Kammer: How old is your pair?
dcmander: What advice would you give to someone who wants
to breed panthers and veildeds and own a small business similar to
yours ? i mean for starting up...tips and concerns, etc and a top
quality website wont be a problem :)
a23cham_nr: male is about 6months but big and ready female
is over a year
Liddy_Kammer: Is your female a virgin?
a23cham_nr: yes
Liddy_Kammer: Continue putting them together on a weeking
basis until she shows signs of receptivity (i.e. passive & calm
to his advances). It may take some time, so just be patient.
Liddy_Kammer: ga
Ed_Kammer: DC, it is a big question. Start out slow and make
sure . ...
Ed_Kammer: you have the intestinal fortitude for it. :-)
Ed_Kammer: I have been in the reptile business 26 years
Ed_Kammer: you have to love what you are breeding to be a
real success
Ed_Kammer: if that sounds like you then start with great founder
breeder
Ed_Kammer: dont skimp there
Ed_Kammer: give them the very best in nutrition and care and
know who you will sell them to BEFORE the babies hatch
Ed_Kammer: hope that helps
Ed_Kammer: ga
PHFaust: Tsuky
Redoaksblues: ?
Tsuky_nr: i've got a 8 month old female veiled and shes starting
to have sunken eyes and shes not wanting to eat for the past 3-4 days.
What can I do to help her, i've been giving her water with supplement
to hydrate herand 4sing her to eat what she can
Ed_Kammer: What you're describing is definitely symptoms of
a problem which should be properly diagnoised by a qualified reptile
vet
Ed_Kammer: There can be many reasons for her condition and
we wish we could help more
Ed_Kammer: Be sure to let your vet know her feeding routine,
daily care, supplements & setup information
Tsuky_nr: after this I've been feding her well and giving
her planty of calcium and vitamins in her diet
Ed_Kammer: anything you can tell he/she will be very helpful
in diagnoising the problem
Ed_Kammer: ga
Tsuky_nr: and after her simptioms i didnt had a dripping system.
I used to soak the plants in her cage
Chamcham505: ?
PHFaust: Geckogod your turn
geckogod2: i've always been fascinated with rudis chameleons.
you don't see too many around much.. are they protected?
Adam105_nr: ?
Paullywog: my chameleon has a massive tumor on his eye
Ed_Kammer: We aren't currently breeding Rudis, so we're unaware
of the import status for this species but they aren't "protected"
Ed_Kammer: ga
PHFaust: Geckosgirl your turn
Tsuky_nr: im going to see if i can take her to the vet, thnx
4 ur time and help
geckogod2: i think geckosgirl has connectionprobs.. i have
her question. Thank you both Liddy and Ed for coming in tonight, my
question is for my 7 year old son who loves chameleons. He would like
to know if you can recommend any good links on setting up a chameleon
Supplies which you feel are essentials and some just to have a nice
looking and yet natural set up/
Ed_Kammer: That is the best thing you could do.
Ed_Kammer: ga
Ed_Kammer: Liddy & I are sharing the log-in name because
she was booted & can't sign back on??
geckogod2: i will relay the answer to her when she gets back
on
PHWyvern: give it a moment.. the system probably still thinks
she's logged in
Ed_Kammer: If you'd like to go to our website and send us
an e-mail requesting care information, we can send you a setup checklist
and other information that we're sure you'll find helpful.
Ed_Kammer: ga
Tsuky_nr: whats your site?
PHFaust: holy your turn
Ed_Kammer: www.chameleonsonly.com
holygouda: one morning my panther cham had white crystals
around his nostrils. I brushed them away and they haven't returned.He
seems fine. Any idea what that was about and should I be concerned
even though it was a one time thing?
Ed_Kammer: ga
Ed_Kammer: Salt deposits . . . nothing to worry about :-)
Ed_Kammer: ga
PHFaust: aaron
aaron13_nr: i was thinking of getting a chameleon, as my first
exotic reptile. and i did reserch on them for like 3 weeks! but im
very young and i am on a very tight budget (5.00 a week).so what is
a relitively cheap cham that is still very beautiful.i hear that the
pigmy chams are cheap, but they dont move much and they have to eat
fruit flies (is this true?) and can i have some recomendations for
a good quality cham?
holygouda: thanks!
holygouda: although i wonder where the salt would be coming
from...
Ed_Kammer: We can see your dilema!
aaron13_nr: yeh
Ed_Kammer: A great beginner chameleon is a Veiled but you
are still looking at approx. $250.00 between the proper setup and
your chameleon. The best thing to do is save up, learn as much as
you can in between and provide a wonderful home for one of these fascinating
creatures as soon as the timing is right.
Ed_Kammer: ga
PHFaust: bmelv
bmelv24: What was the species that got you guys started working
with chameleons?
geckogod2: geckosgirl and chris(the seven year old) says thanks.
Ed_Kammer: A cute Veiled female we named "Tubby"!
LOL Given to us by Philippe & Gigi de Vosjoli
Ed_Kammer: She changed our lives forever!
aaron13_nr: yeh, and i was thinking of making a custom cage
how far away should the heat lamp be from the cham so he wont get
burnt
Ed_Kammer: It will depend on the species's requirements, cage
size, ambient room temperature & bulb wattage
Ed_Kammer: ga
aaron13_nr: ok and one last question.........if i buy a waterfall
will my cham even go near it, or will it fear the noise ?
Ed_Kammer: Chameleons don't have exterior ears, so the sound
is not going to bother him.
aaron13_nr: ok thank you very much i apreciate your time
PHFaust: FEENIEE
FEENIEE: I own a cross bred cham. Nosey be/ambanja mix, and
was wondering what kind of reaction from other breeders you guys get
about your cross-breeding program. Positive/negative and why?
Ed_Kammer: A waterfall is not appropriate for all species,
so be sure to learn about your chameleon's needs in advance
Ed_Kammer: ga
aaron13_nr: ok
Ed_Kammer: Specifically from other breeders?
FEENIEE: yes
Ed_Kammer: Other breeders don't really give us their opinions
on the subject but I'm sure they vary.
Ed_Kammer: Anything else on the subject?
PHFaust: Redo
Ed_Kammer: ga
Redoaksblues: The second clutch 31, all have died
PHSlick: ?
Redoaksblues: The eggs sweated at 7 monhts, they never hatched
Redoaksblues: Same incubator, mom was fed adequate supplements...
Redoaksblues: Very sad...some live a few minutes and then
died...
Redoaksblues: Any suggestions? Any reasons?
Redoaksblues: Three eggs are left....waiting to hatch.
Ed_Kammer: There are several reasons eggs do not hatch. Temperature,
humidity, substrate, the overall health of the female, nutritional
fortification are but to name a few
Redoaksblues: Anything I can do to insure the last three hatch
correctly? Or is it too late at this point?
Ed_Kammer: Some eggs will go full term, sweat and never emerge.
Ed_Kammer: At this point it's more than likely too late. What's
done is done and hopefully you'll have one or more make it. It's up
to them now.
Ed_Kammer: ga
Redoaksblues: Thankyou!
Ed_Kammer: your very welcome
PHFaust: Sorry to those we didnt get to... On behalf of Kingsnake.com,
Jeff B, and myself, I want to take a moment to thank Ed and liddy
for being part of our chat week. Kathy, thanks for taking the time
out to chat with us on chams.
coastalherper: thank you!
RhacAttack_nr: thanks for coming
Chamcham505: Yes, thanks so much!
Ed_Kammer: Thank you for asking us to take part! It was a
lot of fun!
Adam105_nr: Thank you all for coming! You both were a great
help!
Ed_Kammer: We enjoyed talking with all of you very much
chaco: Thank you!
Ed_Kammer: We'd be very happy to answer any other questions
you might have via private e-mail at chameleonsonly@aol.com
Adam105_nr: Hey Robyn!
Ed_Kammer: Best wishes to you all!
jeffb: Thanks to the Kammerers for coming tonight!
