My Chameleon male switches from sleeping on the screen to sleeping on the plants to sleeping 1/2 on the plants and 1/2 on the screen.
He hasn't lost a toenail yet :)
I thought most chameleons acted the same way for the most part? All chameleons have their nasty sides. :)
How old of a chameleon were you wanting to get?
My Male doesn't eat when I am standing right there with him. Normally I dump his food in a cup, put it in front of his face (Making sure his eyes focus on it) then slowly lower it to the place that it goes so he can eat. After I ste away he normally climbs down to get the food.
Have you tried...
I don't think there should be much convincion.
Hold the worm/cricket in your hand. Keep your hand still (if you still scare him) and wait. Make sure he sees the food and he should eat it.
He is old.. Maybe thats all it is dehydration. You should give him a shower and then see how he is tomorrow. If he looks the same, maybe a vet visit. But I would honestly shower him first.
Yeah buying thre food fresh tends to save money. Hence my tip on the water. Just one spray from your chameleons spray bottle (maybe 1/2 a spray.) works pretty well