This is a buyer beware of sorts but not to warn you against buying from someone, but rather to warn you about putting too much value or trust on the advertising. I have been seeing several “for sale” ads of chameleons being sold as being dewormed or given rounds of deworming. This might seem like an awesome deal and you might automatically think you are buying a chameleon that is parasite free. However, this isn’t always true. The warning is mainly to still have your chameleon checked and its feces analyzed as soon as possible to make sure you don’t have any lingering parasites. Furthermore, have the chameleon’s feces checked once a month for at least 3 months after you purchase it to be as sure as possible of their parasite-free status. Why go through all this trouble? Well, all sellers mean good by deworming their chameleons prior to sale, but not all sellers know how to do it properly or use the right medications. Some meds used are purchased at feed stores and diluted to be used in chameleons. Other meds might not be as fresh or as active as they should. And in many cases, the animals might have been given a few rounds of the medication but not using the right deworming protocol. This can cause a partial reduction in the parasite load and thus a possible negative result in a fecal done right after purchase, but if the parasites were not propely treated they will come back and start reproducing after a period of time. This is why testing once a month for at least 3 months will give you peace of mind that your chameleon is parasite free. Unless a seller is guaranteeing a parasite-free animal you can’t hold them responsible for any parasites present in your chameleon. Sellers might attempt to deworm the chameleons but that doesn’t guarantee a parasite-free chameleon. Be aware that it is your responsability to have them checked and treated if needed, not the seller’s. Once again, my intent is to make sure you make educated purchases and not be disappointed or mad at a seller because you misunderstood their claim.
