tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667332768834059568.post7153636177271980213..comments2024-03-28T02:38:49.938-04:00Comments on Much Ado About Chameleons: Thoughts on the Value of Veiled/Yemen ChameleonsOlimpia Martinottihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363399562932574219noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667332768834059568.post-45106916180428142422014-07-20T20:00:06.164-04:002014-07-20T20:00:06.164-04:00That's fine! You know, I haven't had a pro...That's fine! You know, I haven't had a problem with aphids so I actually don't know. If they aren't a poisonous insect I don't think it would harm them. The bad things are the poisonous/venomous ones or stinging ones, like wasps or black widows. Olimpia Martinottihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08363399562932574219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667332768834059568.post-87910309981362340152014-07-20T19:02:15.371-04:002014-07-20T19:02:15.371-04:00I have one more question for you....well for the d...I have one more question for you....well for the day. Tomorrow...I just might have more. :) I know they love hibiscus but being a plant person I know how aphids LOVE hibiscus as well. So is there any issue with him eating aphids if the plant has them. I typically keep an eye out but incase I don't see it is it ok? Thanks for letting me pick your brain!Jackinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667332768834059568.post-83872020187546670202014-07-20T11:01:35.610-04:002014-07-20T11:01:35.610-04:00Thank you so much for the kind words about the blo...Thank you so much for the kind words about the blog! I still see that kind of opinion all over the internet and unfortunately even people on chameleon forums (who in theory should be chameleon fans and lovers) still say the same thing to new keepers. And hearing something like "start off with a veiled, because if you make mistakes and kill it at least you only lost $40" still drives me nuts. I don't keep veileds personally but they deserve more respect than that, especially when they can make such great pets. And they are no more or less alive than a $300 panther or Meller's, so they deserve and need medical care just like anything else. Not taking them to the vet when they need it is just unethical. <br /><br />My rescued Meller's, Guinevere, was given to me totally free, but I've spent (and keep spending) hundreds of dollars to make sure that she recovers from her 3 years of neglect and stays healthy. It's just what you do when you take on the responsibility of pet ownership, whether it's a dog or a gecko!<br /><br />And you'll love your veiled, they like fruits and greens much more than other chameleons, so you can offer him things like strawberry or grapes as treats. And they LOVE hibiscus, and will happily eat the leaves and flowers. Olimpia Martinottihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08363399562932574219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667332768834059568.post-50899132552527028342014-07-20T10:01:42.584-04:002014-07-20T10:01:42.584-04:00I ABSOLUTELY agree with you! I don't even hav...I ABSOLUTELY agree with you! I don't even have my Veiled yet (5 days away) and all I have been doing is reading and reading. I am flabbergasted that some people do think this is just a $20 tester! I personally had no idea until about a month ago I even wanted a chameleon. My coworker got one and I ABSOLUTELY fell in love! So I have been no stop reading....everywhere! Now I have read that I should test my veiled fecal matter after 2 weeks of having him to make sure no parasites. So I went to work and talked with my coworker to see out of the Rep Vets in the area who he goes to and his opinion with them. He told me I am not spending lots of money on something I paid like $60 for. I literally almost fell over! <br /><br />Now something about me. I am an extreme animal lover.....actually prefer them over humans a lot of them time! I became a vegetarian after seeing how much food was wasted in the restaurant I worked at...I know extreme but I knew there was still beer, salad and pizza and I would be fine. I try and rescue everything we have 3 cats, recently lost my bestfriend Roxy a lab mix, and soon to be a veiled. If my boyfriend would let me I and we could afford it I would be on a huge piece of property saving and helping all I could. The only thing that will take me a little time to adjust with the Veiled is feeding it a living thing. I know most people are fine and dandy but I am not there yet. I feel bad but I know this what my little guy is going to need so I will be fine. <br /><br />Okay back to my point....so after my coworker said this to me I was SO annoyed. I told him if his veiled gets sick let me know and I would take him to the vet. So that afternoon I come home get on the computer and did some research and posted some questions. I was disgusted! I had 3 other people tell me the same thing. I could not believe it......one reason why I love your blog. So informative and positive!! Thank you for that!!!!Jackinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667332768834059568.post-75741443546055746182013-08-20T10:44:09.934-04:002013-08-20T10:44:09.934-04:00I wholeheartly agree Olimpia. Thank you for postin...I wholeheartly agree Olimpia. Thank you for posting this. I am still a relative newbie when it comes to chameleons (I've only been keeping them for a year). I have a 1 year old and 6 year old male veiled and recently lost a female to egg binding. These are beautiful creatures with their own distinct personalities. Are they cheaper than the other species? Yes, but they are no less enjoyable. To quote a slogan a company was using years ago to promote their animal testing-free products (The Body Shop) "It's not whether they think, it's whether they feel". And they do. They feel fear, pain, discomfort, hunger, etc. These are living, breathing, sentient creatures that deserve the same level of care and respect and any other living creature - chameleon or otherwise. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com