DeathnoteTrash
New Member
What may be the problem? I just got her and its kinda worrying me
Chameleon wiggles on branch when i get close to it
- Thread starter DeathnoteTrash
- Start date
paulkaranik
Member
Sometimes they pretend to be leafs when they are scared. they wiggle back and forth. Its completely normal (and cool) nothing to worry about.
jajeanpierre
Chameleon Enthusiast
Can you describe what she is actually doing?
Is she rocking from right to left? That rocking is a defensive behavior and it means "Go away!" They often go very black when they rock and are often reared up a bit on their hind legs.
In general, chameleons especially new ones or babies, think of humans as giant chameleon-eating monsters. It often takes a long time for them to be comfortable in your presence. Some never are. A new, stressed animal needs to not be frightened. They need to be calm and settle in. When an animal is under stress, either from fear (from predation by a human or from being too exposed in their cage) or from their environment being wrong (such as temperatures too high or too low), their immune system is suppressed so they are more likely to become ill. Stress itself doesn't kill chameleons, but a stressed immune system won't be able to fight off infection/parasites that it could if it were not stressed. The end result is that stress kills, although just not directly.
Direwolf
Established Member
Like the the forum poster above mentioned, "wiggling" on a branch is a sign that the fight or flight mechanism is activating in your Cham. In other words, she perceives a threat and is trying to neutralize it. By "wiggling" on her branch she is attempting to replicate a leaf caught in a breeze, confusing a potential predator. It is a "normal" evolutionary response, but not one you want to see all the time given its core meaning. Jajeanpierre is an experienced keeper and is correct -- dark colors and lots of "wiggling" on branches when you are near the enclosure means she is stressed. Especially for a new Cham this is setting them up for potential illness. I myself have a 3 month old Ambilobe and we have been acquainted for only a week. I am still giving him plenty of space with minimal interference from me while he adjusts to his new home. Best of luck with your new Cham! Jordan
