Level of Stress

So I read all over the place about stress, stress, stress. I can see when he is, he will lean back or move away from something. For example when I open and close his cage door, I think because it's pretty big. But my question is, when something like that happens is that causing him a immense amount of stress? or is it more like "oh i need to be aware of what ever is moving right there!"?

I am curious to see if I have an exaggerated feel as to how much stress is to them. When friend comes in, if he's paying attention, which is he, I don't have them stand so they're not taller. I feel like I am being paranoid... am I?

edit - i have a jackon's chameleon...

The leaning away and sudden color change is an indication of mood and stress change. These are minor IMO. Now if you had a female next to a male and they could see one another and the female was dark all of the time and hiding... this would be the long term sort of stress people talk about. Things like cages being around lots of traffic causing the animal to hide often from passing people, this is long term stress as well. If your chameleon 'stresses' when being handled, it wouldn't be wise to handle that chameleon too often since it causes the animal stress.

Yeah he seems pretty content in his cage and only very minor movements are made. Handling him he seems to do it more, but I'm starting to hand feed and use a stick to gradually move into it. I want to develop a good relationship.

He's moving, eating, drinking, exploring, about to begin his shed, pooping normally so I'm not worried about his health. I was just curious when people say stress, to what degree really. He seems to notice EVERYTHING I do...

I have my chameleon next to my computer and he does not seem phazed by it at all. As a matter of fact he comes to the side closes to me and checks me out and sits on a branch. Mine is to the point, where I can open the door and he reaches for me to come out. I have handled him from the very beginning and I believe he does not see me as a threat but a free ride to his free range out on my patio!. Not saying he likes me so much but knows I am taking him somewhere out of that cage! I think if you lock them away in a room somewhere and then you go in there now and then to feed or whatever, yeah, they are gonna freak out in most cases. I went the other route and I have mine in a high traffic area(although there is really not alot of traffic lol) and he has done well and is super friendly.

I am in my room a lot, and I try to handle him about every other day. I've read both to ease into it. And I've read some say handle and they will warm up. IDK what to do...

cantgetagoodsn said:

I am in my room a lot, and I try to handle him about every other day. I've read both to ease into it. And I've read some say handle and they will warm up. IDK what to do...

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Some chameleons like the attention and crave it. It is now up to you to decide if yours likes to come out a lot or not.
My first panther seems to need human contact and is more curious of us, then we are of him.

Harry

warpdrive said:

Some chameleons like the attention and crave it. It is now up to you to decide if yours likes to come out a lot or not.
My first panther seems to need human contact and is more curious of us, then we are of him.

Harry

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Well I know I want him to come out, would he just warm up over time and stop being stressed?

You cant change his personality. I dont care how much you try to make him be social. If he wants to hitch a ride then by all means let him walk up your arm. Then give him a treat he doesnt get often. Ive found if i let them make the decision of coming out they arent nearly as scared or stressed. Then by giving a treat they can assoc you and freedom with a free meal. Good luck, and take it very slowly. The slower you move and the more calm you are the calmer he will react.

I agree with texas. U cant change em. I have a male jacksons and although he is way more tolerant of me being in or around his cage than my female was he will still be very observent of me. I just leave him be. Stressing them out releases a chemical in their body which weakens their immune system which in turn makes them more likely to get sick.

I'm starting to get worried about your level of stress! LOL! JK... I am the same always looking and worrying... little buggers make-a-me crazy! But I love them just the same!

I think I'm stressing out more than he probably is...