Handling tips !

[Tricia1008]

Hi I have a 5 month old male panther and I wondered if anyone has any tips on how to 'train' him to come to me happily ? He will eat from my hand but as soon as I go to handle him he rushes to get away. Once out he is fine ! Thanks !

 

[GrimCamel]

Never force it on him. It will give him a bad experience. But yeah hand feeding is a good start
Before my cham climbed onto me I used to take the chance when I scratched on the door etc. because he wanted me to open them. I would guide him onto my hand and place him in his free range. He thought it was a bit scary in the beginning but now he comes freely. A key with him is to not stare at him if hes unsure. We humans are the predators and they are the pray. He even climbs onto my friend now but only if his head are turned away from him while he takes the first steps
Bonding takes time. My cham wouldn't come freely until I had him for 3 months

 

[Tricia1008]

Never force it on him. It will give him a bad experience. But yeah hand feeding is a good start
Before my cham climbed onto me I used to take the chance when I scratched on the door etc. because he wanted me to open them. I would guide him onto my hand and place him in his free range. He thought it was a bit scary in the beginning but now he comes freely. A key with him is to not stare at him if hes unsure. We humans are the predators and they are the pray. He even climbs onto my friend now but only if his head are turned away from him while he takes the first steps
Bonding takes time. My cham wouldn't come freely until I had him for 3 months

Thanks - that might be part of the problem - I am looking at him when trying to encourage him !

 

[Tricia1008]

Thanks I will try that. The problem may be that I am looking at him when trying to encourage him to come out !

 

[ChamDE86]

Never force it on him. It will give him a bad experience. But yeah hand feeding is a good start
Before my cham climbed onto me I used to take the chance when I scratched on the door etc. because he wanted me to open them. I would guide him onto my hand and place him in his free range. He thought it was a bit scary in the beginning but now he comes freely. A key with him is to not stare at him if hes unsure. We humans are the predators and they are the pray. He even climbs onto my friend now but only if his head are turned away from him while he takes the first steps
Bonding takes time. My cham wouldn't come freely until I had him for 3 months

I love the personality difference with each cham. I do the exact same thing, but always do a little bit more to see what'll happen. I now offer my hand really close to my face while staring him down and he has no issues with climbing on and usually tries to go up my face, lol. Of course, all of this has taken several months. Just be patient, Tricia, and he'll come around.