Handling.

[Hausofdamo]

Hey guys.

I'm worried about my little male panther. I've had him 1 week 3 days and he seems to be fine but he seems to be scared of me?!

Every time I go to feed him he backs off into his hiding spot and comes out when I'm gone to eat.

Does anyone know what I can do for him, shall I just let him get on or keep trying to get him familiar with me?

 

[Graves923]

Have patience. Chameleons arent social animals so any kind of handling can be stressful for them. Its best to handle them on their own terms or not at all.

A little over one week is not a lot of time for a cham to adjust to its new environment. I've had my chameleon for almost a year now and he still gets nervous when somebody walks past his cage. Best thing to do is sit around the cage and do some quiet activities that doesnt require much movement like reading a book. Chams have good eye sight so sudden movement can catch their attention from across the room.

Another big thing that helps is making sure your cage has plenty of foliage for him to him in if he does feel nervous. A cham with no place to hide will never settle in.

In a few weeks your cham should settle into a routine with you feeding, misting, and cleaning. When you notice him not running as quickly when you approach you can try feeding him while holding the feeder cup in your hand and then eventually feeding bare handed.

 

[Hausofdamo]

Have patience. Chameleons arent social animals so any kind of handling can be stressful for them. Its best to handle them on their own terms or not at all.

A little over one week is not a lot of time for a cham to adjust to its new environment. I've had my chameleon for almost a year now and he still gets nervous when somebody walks past his cage. Best thing to do is sit around the cage and do some quiet activities that doesnt require much movement like reading a book. Chams have good eye sight so sudden movement can catch their attention from across the room.

Another big thing that helps is making sure your cage has plenty of foliage for him to him in if he does feel nervous. A cham with no place to hide will never settle in.

In a few weeks your cham should settle into a routine with you feeding, misting, and cleaning. When you notice him not running as quickly when you approach you can try feeding him while holding the feeder cup in your hand and then eventually feeding bare handed.

Thank you for taking the time to reply to me I really appreciate it.

I just want to make sure I get everything right. He has loads of foliage so plenty of places to explore and hide if he needs it. Often in the evenings he pops his head out and has a roam around so I'm sure he will get used to his surroundings In due time.

I think I'm just worried because you here these stories oh chams getting aggressive and such and I didn't want him to get like that.

Thank you

 

[jannb]

Congrats on your chameleon! You might this blog helpful.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/the-taming-of-the-chameleon.746/