Finally!

[cantgetagoodsn]

So today I noticed that Reptar was exploring more than normal, and it seems in places crix usually hide. I decided to pick a "wounded" cricket and see what happens. Before today he got to the point where he could tolerate me close to him for a little bit, but if I lingered he would start crawling away. Though, today to my surprise, he actually approahced my hand and ate a cricket. Then he did it again 5 minutes later.

I am so glad he is getting more comfortable with me. Let's just hope it keeps improving.

What are your guy's experiences with your cham warming up to you?

 

[FredChameleon]

as long as you don't touch him he should get used to you and will approach... provided you have a treat for him, but if you do start touching him he will continue to crawl away

 

[cantgetagoodsn]

I actually take him out quite consistently. He's hesitant at first but once he's out he seems to enjoy himself. Not 100%, but getting there. I think this time I'll do what you're saying, always let him come to me. No more handling until he makes the first move.

Sounds like we are dating haha. When I first got him I was am idiot and held him a couple of times in the first couple of days because he was just so damn cool. I hope that didn't permanently damage his potential personality. Then again, he was captive bred from flchams.com. Which i wish he would get back to me with a closer age than 9-12 months...

Also, he has begun to shed, but just at his mouth. Ive seem him numerous times scratching his mouth/head on a branch like he was trying to rub it off. At times his scales do look like they might have a dying layer of skin on it. And actually as we speak he is exploring the bottom of the cage, which he NEVER does lol. Maybe I'll try to hand feed him again...

 

[carol5208]

It sure makes life easier when they are friendly! I have been blessed with a very mellow, friendly chameleon pretty much from the start. i took the breeders advice and started to interact with him after about two weeks. Now I can do anything I want with him. Even in his cage I can stick my hand in there and do this or that and he doesnt even flinch! Congrats on your first hand feeding experience!!!!

 

[cantgetagoodsn]

It sure makes life easier when they are friendly! I have been blessed with a very mellow, friendly chameleon pretty much from the start. i took the breeders advice and started to interact with him after about two weeks. Now I can do anything I want with him. Even in his cage I can stick my hand in there and do this or that and he doesnt even flinch! Congrats on your first hand feeding experience!!!!

So what you did was not touch him for him for the first two weeks and now he's cool with you?

 

[carol5208]

pretty much. I backed off on anything for the first two weeks or so. Then after that I took a small branch and coaxed him on it. He wasn't always that happy about it but the breeder said to be persistent. I mean don't freak them out or back them in a corner to stress them but just keep trying with the stick. So I did and that got to be an easy ritutal everyday. I did it everyday for about 5 minutes. then I started to use a glove on my hand cause I was afraid he would bite, but he never did. I would say the turning point of my chameleon really getting friendly was opening the cage door and letting him climb out onto the door. Once he was on the door, I just put my hand up to him and he climbs on.I take him to my patio for free range and I know he knows it! Do you have somewhere to free range him? I have heard from others on here too that their chams are much friendlier when free ranged.

 

[cantgetagoodsn]

pretty much. I backed off on anything for the first two weeks or so. Then after that I took a small branch and coaxed him on it. He wasn't always that happy about it but the breeder said to be persistent. I mean don't freak them out or back them in a corner to stress them but just keep trying with the stick. So I did and that got to be an easy ritutal everyday. I did it everyday for about 5 minutes. then I started to use a glove on my hand cause I was afraid he would bite, but he never did. I would say the turning point of my chameleon really getting friendly was opening the cage door and letting him climb out onto the door. Once he was on the door, I just put my hand up to him and he climbs on.I take him to my patio for free range and I know he knows it! Do you have somewhere to free range him? I have heard from others on here too that their chams are much friendlier when free ranged.

Alright sounds good. I am going to make a cup feeder today so the insects stop escaping lol. Would this have a positive or negative effect on his personality?

 

[cantgetagoodsn]

Didn't get around to the feeder cup today due to work. But, tonight when I got home he was on his sleeping branch and thought I'd give the hand feeding a try when i can be very low and still reach him. It worked... he ate two more crickets!

 

[Gensen]

Didn't get around to the feeder cup today due to work. But, tonight when I got home he was on his sleeping branch and thought I'd give the hand feeding a try when i can be very low and still reach him. It worked... he ate two more crickets!

Yes, if they take to hand feeding they love the treats!

 

[cantgetagoodsn]

Like waxworms? What else cooed be considered as a treat?

 

[AB EskimoC]

waxworms and butterworms! yummy for chameleons! chomp chomperson brother!