Angry Shakes?

[Rango_TheManEater]

Hey everyone!

I’ve been noticing lately that Rango (my Veiled) has an odd habit. Whenever I put my hand too close to him (to clean, feed, etc.), Rango begins to shake in place uncontrollably and puff his chest as if he’s breathing rapidly (or panting).

I’m aware that Chameleons do a little shimmy when they walk, but Rango’s shivers are far more aggressive and/or noticeable than that.

I think that it’s cute, but I’m also worried that it might be a stress related thing. Is it just Rango having a fit?

(I don’t have a video of it, unfortunately!)

 

[kinyonga]

Do you have a video of what he’s doing?

 

[LizardLurkin]

Is it sort of like a rocking back and forth? I have seen this sort of shaking back and forth dance in videos of gravid female chameleons telling a dude she's not available. Since it's tied to your "intrusion" my first thought would be that he's trying to look tough and ward off a potential "predator"
Is it a little like this animation I made?

I think they can do this on two legs too, with their hands up in karate-mode.

 

[Rango_TheManEater]

Is it sort of like a rocking back and forth? I have seen this sort of shaking back and forth dance in videos of gravid female chameleons telling a dude she's not available. Since it's tied to your "intrusion" my first thought would be that he's trying to look tough and ward off a potential "predator"
Is it a little like this animation I made?

I think they can do this on two legs too, with their hands up in karate-mode.

This is a super adorable animation!

Unfortunately, this is not what Rango’s angry shakes look like. It’s more of a rumbling, almost? I’m really sorry I don’t have a video

Your explanation lines up, though. He typically puffs up when he does this, so it could very well be a “back off” gesture!

 

[Rango_TheManEater]

Do you have a video of what he’s doing?

I’m really sorry, but I don’t

I’ve searched the internet, and nobody seems to have had this same occurrence. All I’m seeing are results for MBD symptoms (which is fair), and the classic chameleon leaf shimmy.

It’s similar to a little rumble, if that makes sense? Understandable if you’re unable to give advice without a video. It’s hard to understand

 

[GrannyK]

I believe that is a form of frustration. My guys do it when I bring them back into their enclosure for outside time. They know, they huff and puff (like a blow out noise) and shake side to side really big. We laugh and call it a tantrum. You’re probably getting too close for comfort. lol

 

[LizardLurkin]

Huh, I do know veileds vibrate, but I'm not sure if there's a motion at all when they do it?

 

[GrannyK]

I believe that is a form of frustration. My guys do it when I bring them back into their enclosure for outside time. They know, they huff and puff (like a blow out noise) and shake side to side really big.

Sorry double posted somehow-