Handling Question

[PattyCake]

Hello, people of this forum. I have a question about handling! Everybody knows that you can't handle a chameleon like you handle a bearded dragon. But a local petstore says that they handle there chams so that they get stressed less when handled. Is this right? Or are they wrong and you should keep handling to a minimum?

 

[DavidBuchan]

I don't like to declare anything right or wrong......like glass vivs are WRONG lol..it depends how it's done more than anything....here is a great blog I found recently that you might like - https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/psychobunny/746-taming-chameleon.html

 

[SaintJimmy]

A lot of people have different opinions on handling. I'm gonna go ahead and merge the two opposing ideas of handling together in here..

• Handling DOES cause stress to some degree
• Your chameleon does not 'love' handling. Learn to replace 'love' with the word 'tolerate' so you can understand their needs a little bit more.
• Some people's chams can be handled once per day, other people's don't tolerate being held as much.
• If your chameleon is not comfortable with your hand inside its cage, I wouldn't start handling.
• Handling more often DOES get them more used to you.
• If you have a grumpy cham, at first, don't handle them at all, and simply hand feed them. Then later if they are comfortable with you, you can try handling him and taking him outside and stuff.

Also I really love this blog.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/psychobunny/746-taming-chameleon.html

Handling isn't all bad. I really hate it when people on other reptile forums say "OMGGGFFF DON'T GET A CHAMELEON THEY'RE SO MEAN GKFDHJGLKA;SDAS;" because not all chameleons are grumpy. It really depends.

Just try what works, and if your chameleon doesn't get stressed too much, just keep consistent with that handling schedule.

I think once a week if he is okay with it would be good, and then once he gets used to you, then you can handle him twice a week, then later three days a week, ect.


EDIT: David, you beat me to the obligatory blog post! Arrgh.

 

[DavidBuchan]

Your post was better, I typed less......call it a draw?

 

[SaintJimmy]

Your post was better, I typed less......call it a draw?

Haha okay.

http://www.reptilechannel.com/lizards/lizard-care/handling-chameleons.aspx

This post has a very biased opinion on handling. They say to NOT handle ^

http://chamworld.blogspot.com/2008/01/handling-your-chameleon.html

This post gives some of both sides ^ I like this one

https://www.chameleonforums.com/handling-chameleons-3006/

This post just plain makes me angry. ^


Just remember to handle with limits. I reccommend reading the second link.

 

[nightanole]

We never have these questions on the beardy forums

I agree the chams "tolerate" handling. I treat mine like my outdoor cat. You feed it, give it a good home, if it walks to you, you can pet it. On the other hand i make sure i can pickup my cat and take it to the vet without it having a heart attack, and make sure its "tame" enough for some one to take care of while im gone.

Kinda ran into that one a few years ago when the frilled lizard escaped while i was 2 hours out.

"Hey the frilled lizard is in the hallway" (he free ranges in one room)
"Ok i cant come home, just shoe him into the room"
"ya i nudged him with the broom and he just frilled and hissed"
"well can you pick him up?"
nope nope nope nope



Ended up throwing a towel over him and air lifting him into the room.

 

[pssh]

It really depends on the animal. Some will come out all the time on their own, others will throw a fit and get really upset if you even get close. Most of them will fall somewhere in between. Many chameleons will learn over time that you are a source of food and they become less weary of you. Some will even start to come out of their cage without any "taming exercises." (I had one that one day just decided he would grab onto my arm and go for a ride. I also have one that acts like I'm coming to murder him when I come within a few feet without the food cup.)

I always suggest trying hand feeding first and using it as a way to draw them onto your hand. It's a good idea to make sure that a handling session always ends with something they like (outside sun time, a favorite food item, a shower, or whatever your chameleon likes.) Never force handling unless you absolutely have to. The more pleasant the experience is, the more likely they are to get used to it/start coming out on their own.

 

[SaintJimmy]

It really depends on the animal. Some will come out all the time on their own, others will throw a fit and get really upset if you even get close. Most of them will fall somewhere in between. Many chameleons will learn over time that you are a source of food and they become less weary of you. Some will even start to come out of their cage without any "taming exercises." (I had one that one day just decided he would grab onto my arm and go for a ride. I also have one that acts like I'm coming to murder him when I come within a few feet without the food cup.)

I always suggest trying hand feeding first and using it as a way to draw them onto your hand. It's a good idea to make sure that a handling session always ends with something they like (outside sun time, a favorite food item, a shower, or whatever your chameleon likes.) Never force handling unless you absolutely have to. The more pleasant the experience is, the more likely they are to get used to it/start coming out on their own.

This is the stuff!

Just make sure your chameleon is comfortable and tolerates you. They are not stupid! Once they figure out YOU are the food source and have not done anything to purposely hurt them, they will become more comfy.