It was only a "standoff" but even that much is great progress as far as this guy is concerned.
This is the most untrusting, anti-social, and just downright mean chameleon that I have ever heard about. I have given up on socializing this little guy. I would someday, however, like to be able to feed him or clean his viv without the threat of him attacking and biting me. I would even be okay with him diving into the foilage if he would just quit sneaking close enough to bite if at all possible for him to do so.
Usually, as soon as he even thinks you might come close to his viv, he is preparing to dive under-cover. God forbid, if I have the audacity to even start opening the door! I can't use the drawers of the dresser his viv sits on because he stresses so bad if you get that close.
But, tonight was different, FINALLY. I walked into the room and he froze as usual. I took a step and he stayed there! Another step and he didn't still wasn't starting the evasive action. I was shocked! His eye turrets didn't even darken until I was within 5 feet and he was just standing there staring at me. Finally, I got about 2 feet away and he only lifted the one front mitten. I stopped and stared in amazement and he stood right there and continued staring back! He didn't darken, huff, hiss, gape, dive for cover or anything! I stood there for about a full minute and he was watching and wary but didn't move away at all and even put his foot back down on the branch.
I didn't want to push it so I just turned around and left the room and he went about his wandering like nothing had even happened! I am just so pleasantly shocked I had to share. And, I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to touch him by May. He is supposed to go in for his vet check. We have already cancelled the previous wellness checks and are on a will-see when it won't stress him out so much.
Here's to hoping he just stays healthy and doesn't have to go see the vet. I'm not too sure the doc will like this little meanie. Definitely the exact opposite of Twister (his predecessor) who doc described as the most likeable and social cham he'd ever had the pleasure of treating.
But Prometheus is growing up to be a beautiful boy and very healthy acting, thank goodness. And, I love him no matter how much a creep he is back.
This is the most untrusting, anti-social, and just downright mean chameleon that I have ever heard about. I have given up on socializing this little guy. I would someday, however, like to be able to feed him or clean his viv without the threat of him attacking and biting me. I would even be okay with him diving into the foilage if he would just quit sneaking close enough to bite if at all possible for him to do so.
Usually, as soon as he even thinks you might come close to his viv, he is preparing to dive under-cover. God forbid, if I have the audacity to even start opening the door! I can't use the drawers of the dresser his viv sits on because he stresses so bad if you get that close.
But, tonight was different, FINALLY. I walked into the room and he froze as usual. I took a step and he stayed there! Another step and he didn't still wasn't starting the evasive action. I was shocked! His eye turrets didn't even darken until I was within 5 feet and he was just standing there staring at me. Finally, I got about 2 feet away and he only lifted the one front mitten. I stopped and stared in amazement and he stood right there and continued staring back! He didn't darken, huff, hiss, gape, dive for cover or anything! I stood there for about a full minute and he was watching and wary but didn't move away at all and even put his foot back down on the branch.
I didn't want to push it so I just turned around and left the room and he went about his wandering like nothing had even happened! I am just so pleasantly shocked I had to share. And, I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to touch him by May. He is supposed to go in for his vet check. We have already cancelled the previous wellness checks and are on a will-see when it won't stress him out so much.
Here's to hoping he just stays healthy and doesn't have to go see the vet. I'm not too sure the doc will like this little meanie. Definitely the exact opposite of Twister (his predecessor) who doc described as the most likeable and social cham he'd ever had the pleasure of treating.
But Prometheus is growing up to be a beautiful boy and very healthy acting, thank goodness. And, I love him no matter how much a creep he is back.
