Chameleon purring

Got to keep in mind that chams are pretty much at the bottom of the food chain, and they know it. No Cham enjoys being petted like a dog. Surly someone will say “no my cham loves it when I pet him, he closes his eyes and everything!” These people are wrong.

Chams are not social animals, nature made them this way. Wild chams only come into contact with other animals in three different ways.

-fighting(super stress)
-mating(can be stressful)
-being eaten by a predator

Your Cham is viewing you as a predator but the way your petting him is sending extra panic signals to his brain.

Birds are one of the bigger predators wild chams face. What direction do birds almost always attack from? Above.

By putting your hand above him your triggering instant panic because he thinks he’s about to be eaten.
 
Last edited:
Please fill out the help form so we can correct/ensure that your chameleon is happy and healthy.

Chameleon Info:
  • Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
  • Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
  • Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
  • Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
  • Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
  • Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
  • History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Cage Info:
  • Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
  • Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
  • Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
  • Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
  • Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
  • Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
  • Location - Where are you geographically located?

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.

--------------

Please Note:
  1. The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
  2. Photos can be very helpful.
 
Wow! Less than half hour ago I was listening to cham Breeder podcast about stress and handling and couldn’t believe they would actually totally shut down and close their eyes. Then here this is. @Barson check out the podcasts...they’re super informative. https://www.chameleonbreeder.com/
Almost makes you think that this kind of timing in life can’t be just a coincidence...
 
Back
Top Bottom