When your chameleon doesn't love you anymore...

As some of you may know about a week ago I had a bad experience with my KINYONGIA MULTITUBERCULATA male when he jumped and fell four feet in his in cage. Since this has happened he doesn't even like me being in my bedroom with him and when I get close to his cage he sucks in his stomach and leans on the branch much like he did the night he jumped... That experience makes me nervous to even open the door of his cage for fear he will hurt himself. In addition his colors around sleep time get darker. The only thing I can figure for his sudden mood change from lovable to scared is that with summer here I'm not in my room as much so he is adjusting to my absence? Any tips or comments or info of any kinda is greatly appreciated. Also any with Pygmy eggs about to hatch Im interested I have a sweet setup in the making

Zillaman:

I share your thoughts as I thought I had done EVERYTHING RIGHT for my new sub-adult Ambanja Panther. Day 1, he was happy, eating out of my hand, lapping water, beautiful color display and settling into his new cage.

Sunday night, I decided to add just a wee bit more "deco" to the cage (artificial vines/leaves) and he promptly investigated the new surroundings...then he fell..and fell again...and once more.

Monday morning. he wouldn't eat, wouldn't drink and moved away from me when I approached the cage.

Today, he is still not eating, but did gulp water when I misted. I reluctantly added a natural vine to the artificial set-up mid-day for more grasping ability and he was actually climbing on it while I was screwing it in place.

He's still a little stand-offish, but I sure hope he gets over this attitude soon. I really don't want him to go hungry, and hope he eats by this afternoon! I am trying so hard to get him used to me and was getting SO close.

Now, it appears I will have to start over again.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU!

Gary
Tampa, FL

Iv had Zilla since august of 2011 he needs to stop being bipolar..

I've only had RANGO since last Thursday afternoon and seen him go from "GREAT" to "OBSTINANT" very quickly.

I just hope he is being obstinant and not headed downhill on me so quickly!

Fortunately, I work from my home and I can keep an eye on him and will continue to work with him until I gain his confidence with me back again!

Gary
Tampa, FL

Best of Luck! Oliver has fallen before, been very bitter for the next few days, but once he relizes you have food and aren't going to eat him, he will turn around. He still loves you, he's just.....being stubborn.

GarynTampa said:

I've only had RANGO since last Thursday afternoon and seen him go from "GREAT" to "OBSTINANT" very quickly.

I just hope he is being obstinant and not headed downhill on me so quickly!

Fortunately, I work from my home and I can keep an eye on him and will continue to work with him until I gain his confidence with me back again!

Gary
Tampa, FL

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You may be seeing his reaction to his trip to a new home. Upon first arrival he was probably subdued, disoriented, and not secure in his space, so he didn't react much. Once he starts getting familiar with his space he may have the energy and the will to resent your intrusion or look for an escape route. Don't force him to accept you, bribe him with food.

Thezillaman21 said:

The only thing I can figure for his sudden mood change from lovable to scared is that with summer here I'm not in my room as much so he is adjusting to my absence?

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Actually, he was never "loving". He was preoccupied and insecure, and wasn't showing as much reaction because he was sort of freezing. I doubt he cares how much you are in the room. Until he learns that you are a source of food not death, he's probably not going to be thrilled with your presence. That of course is very individual. The 2 wc K. multis I had were not all that "friendly", more reactive little drama queens. They got very active when I was around their cage either hiding, moving away from me, or rushing over to grab food offered out of a dish. One I had would jump right into the dish or knock it out of my hand to get to the feeders.

Give him time, be patient, and enjoy what you end up with.

Ive been feeding my girl Angel by a plastic clear cup for a few weeks now. Well the last couple of days she tries climbing on me each time I get the crickets ready. Ringo is still unsocialable so I pretty much just leave him to his thing.

What carlton said. Gary, he may have been upset about his new branches. Some chameleons react very negatively when new things are added. Imagine if someone came in your home and took out/replaced/put in new furniture/appliances. You might not like what they have done either!

My chameleons have never loved me. It does not stop me from loving them.

Elizadolots said:

My chameleons have never loved me. It does not stop me from loving them.

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Haha. I too have never felt love from a reptile!

I say the less you worry about it the sooner he will chill out.

I need to see some pix of him but don't stress him out more.