Chameleon Handling

[muellerb24]

I will be purchasing a Jackson's Chameleon in a few weeks and I've perfectly planned everything out, just set up the cage and wondering how handling a chameleon will affect my chameleon. Is there really negative affects or are people way too overprotective? I've had chameleons before when I was a child and I was able to handle them quite often, so I don't believe that handling them will really harm them. I'm just wondering and thought I would ask. I know not to grab them when they are dark colored and let them crawl on to your hand and not force them. Is there any exceptions? Is there anything special about handling a Jackson? I don't see any problem with handling them when they are lightly colored and not basking, etc. Any input would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[timw1]

I think the negative affect is stress. Chameleons for the most part do not appreciate being handled, nor do they crave attention like a dog. I know that some do not mind being handled as they are trained with some reward, such as a treat or transport to an outside basking spot.

 

[CJ's Exotics]

I will be purchasing a Jackson's Chameleon in a few weeks and I've perfectly planned everything out, just set up the cage and wondering how handling a chameleon will affect my chameleon. Is there really negative affects or are people way too overprotective? I've had chameleons before when I was a child and I was able to handle them quite often, so I don't believe that handling them will really harm them. I'm just wondering and thought I would ask. I know not to grab them when they are dark colored and let them crawl on to your hand and not force them. Is there any exceptions? Is there anything special about handling a Jackson? I don't see any problem with handling them when they are lightly colored and not basking, etc. Any input would be appreciated! Thanks!

Handling really stresses them, and can reduce their lifespan since they are so sensitive. What sub species are you getting, and is it wild caught or captive bred? If it is captive bred, can you tell me the breeder, i'm looking for Jackson's.

 

[Graves923]

I recommend only handling them when you need to. They are naturally a solitary animal so any contact with another living creature is stressful. Especially when that creature is as big as we are to them.

That being said, it is good to build trust between you and your cham to lessen the stress-fullness. When you get you cham, give it a few weeks to adjust to its new home and the sights and sounds of the environment. When you notice the cham not trying to hide or put distance between itself and you you can try to start hand feeding. Start by holding a cup with the feeders in it and hold it out for the cham to eat from. This takes time so be patient. When they no longer hesitate to eat from the cup in your hand try holding a feeder in your fingers or on your palm. If the cham doesnt take the bait after 10-15 minutes, use the cup and try again the next day. Eventually the cham will hopefully associate you with food and let you handle it if it knows a treat is coming.

Keep in mind that no two chameleons have the same personality or temperament. Chameleon 'A' may start hand feeding right away but 'B' may never be comfortable with it. Chameleon 'C' may be very defensive and territorial and not want you near his cage while 'D' might see you as another tree to climb and will happily come out and sit on your head. Chameleon 'E' might hate you but like your friend/sibling/parent/ect...

My male veiled, for example, with go out of his way to try and bite me when I open his cage for maintenance. But if my girlfriend opens his cage, he will gladly come to her if she puts her hand out and climbs to her shoulder. Even lets her hand feed him.... Jerk....

Key thing to remember is patience. Chameleons do everything in their own time. Its hard to build trust between you and them but it is easy to lose that trust too.

 

[muellerb24]

Handling really stresses them, and can reduce their lifespan since they are so sensitive. What sub species are you getting, and is it wild caught or captive bred? If it is captive bred, can you tell me the breeder, i'm looking for Jackson's.

Thanks,
I will let you know the information once I get him. We are still searching and it won't be final until we check it out.

 

[muellerb24]

I think the negative affect is stress. Chameleons for the most part do not appreciate being handled, nor do they crave attention like a dog. I know that some do not mind being handled as they are trained with some reward, such as a treat or transport to an outside basking spot.

Thanks!

 

[muellerb24]

I recommend only handling them when you need to. They are naturally a solitary animal so any contact with another living creature is stressful. Especially when that creature is as big as we are to them.

That being said, it is good to build trust between you and your cham to lessen the stress-fullness. When you get you cham, give it a few weeks to adjust to its new home and the sights and sounds of the environment. When you notice the cham not trying to hide or put distance between itself and you you can try to start hand feeding. Start by holding a cup with the feeders in it and hold it out for the cham to eat from. This takes time so be patient. When they no longer hesitate to eat from the cup in your hand try holding a feeder in your fingers or on your palm. If the cham doesnt take the bait after 10-15 minutes, use the cup and try again the next day. Eventually the cham will hopefully associate you with food and let you handle it if it knows a treat is coming.

Keep in mind that no two chameleons have the same personality or temperament. Chameleon 'A' may start hand feeding right away but 'B' may never be comfortable with it. Chameleon 'C' may be very defensive and territorial and not want you near his cage while 'D' might see you as another tree to climb and will happily come out and sit on your head. Chameleon 'E' might hate you but like your friend/sibling/parent/ect...

My male veiled, for example, with go out of his way to try and bite me when I open his cage for maintenance. But if my girlfriend opens his cage, he will gladly come to her if she puts her hand out and climbs to her shoulder. Even lets her hand feed him.... Jerk....

Key thing to remember is patience. Chameleons do everything in their own time. Its hard to build trust between you and them but it is easy to lose that trust too.

Thanks so much!

 

[CJ's Exotics]

Have fun with Jackson's! They are such interesting creatures!