Chameleon Behavior

[Ihave1chameleon]

I was wondering how long it takes a baby chameleon to tolerate or even enjoy being handled because whenever I try to take mine out he runs around the cage and hisses at me when i get near him, I don't want to stress him out too much but I know that if I want him to be okay with being handled I have to handle him frequently as a baby. Btw he is a veiled chameleon.

 

[JaxyGirl]

I was wondering how long it takes a baby chameleon to tolerate or even enjoy being handled because whenever I try to take mine out he runs around the cage and hisses at me when i get near him, I don't want to stress him out too much but I know that if I want him to be okay with being handled I have to handle him frequently as a baby. Btw he is a veiled chameleon.

It just takes time and patience. Don't over handle him. Remember your Cham is very little and he thinks you're a scary giant that's trying to eat him.

 

[Carlton]

I was wondering how long it takes a baby chameleon to tolerate or even enjoy being handled because whenever I try to take mine out he runs around the cage and hisses at me when i get near him, I don't want to stress him out too much but I know that if I want him to be okay with being handled I have to handle him frequently as a baby. Btw he is a veiled chameleon.

He can still be handled later even if you don't handle him all the time as a baby. A lot depends on the individual cham's personality. You might try offering him a perch to grip instead of your hand right now. But as already said, don't overdo it. As he gets more secure in his new home, learns that you are not a predator, and grows he'll be a bit less afraid of you.

 

[Ihave1chameleon]

that makes sense thank you

 

[jcarlsen]

that makes sense thank you

Two words: Food association.

Don't try to force the handling issue, don't go into the cage to try to pick up the cham. It's very small now and you seem all the bigger to it.

My advice is to just work on getting it to hand feed. Once it starts to associate you with food, you'll be off to a good start.