Handling ??

[kelli]

Just got a 5 month old panther a few days ago and I was wondering how often can we handle him?? He seems like he enjoys being handled and always hops right on when we get him out, but want to make sure were not over doing it! Please let me know if there is a reccomendation on how often.. Thanks!

 

[Metric]

Most members will tell you to handle him only when it is needed. When checking him over for any ailments, or cleaning his cage, or taking him out for some sun. Other then that, handling should be kept to a minimum.

Now, each chameleon is different. IN GENERAL, chameleons do not take kindly to handling, it stresses most of them out, some more severely then others.

It is rare to find a chameleon that ENJOYS handling, let alone even tolerating it.

Before you believe that you have one of those rare chams, you also need to realize that a chameleon may be prone to dart out of his enclosure and onto you hand due to there being something wrong with the actual enclosure, ex. too hot, or too cold, or even too small.

With all that being said, my personal advice would be to handle your cham only when you need to, unless you absolutely know beyond a doubt that he enjoys it, otherwise you may be doing more harm, then good.

 

[renzo0684]

Ok this thread will open to a crazy discussion it usually always does. You will get a 50/50 answer from people on this forum.

Myself my veiled hates being held and I only do it when I deep clean his cage or when he gets a shower.

My 5 month old ambilobe is still to young to hold I dont want to even try until he gets older I have olny held him once and that is when I first got him.

With your cham I would do not hold it that often until he gets older, because when he is older you can really tell if he likes it or not.

 

[kelli]

Thanks for the advice! What are some signs that he may be stressed out due to handling or other circumstances? He hasnt flared up while being handled and seems like he is mainly exploring or sometimes just relaxing. His enclousure is quite large and is maintained at proper tempertures so just wondering what are some signs he doesnt like it??

 

[Elizadolots]

With your cham I would do not hold it that often until he gets older, because when he is older you can really tell if he likes it or not.

I think that's great advice.

I think there are things you can do to help them develop trust in you, like hand feeding them.

 

[renzo0684]

Thanks for the advice! What are some signs that he may be stressed out due to handling or other circumstances? He hasnt flared up while being handled and seems like he is mainly exploring or sometimes just relaxing. His enclousure is quite large and is maintained at proper tempertures so just wondering what are some signs he doesnt like it??

Your cham is still to young to flare up. He will show black lines and when he is calm he will look like a greyish color.. =]

 

[kelli]

Your cham is still to young to flare up. He will show black lines and when he is calm he will look like a greyish color.. =]

Thanks!! Good to know

 

[renzo0684]

Thanks!! Good to know

I meant he will show black lines when stressed and be that greyish color when he is calm... Sorry about my other post I was just going to fast

 

[kelli]

I meant he will show black lines when stressed and be that greyish color when he is calm... Sorry about my other post I was just going to fast

Somehow that's what I read anyways!

 

[Leilaskeeper]

I meant he will show black lines when stressed and be that greyish color when he is calm... Sorry about my other post I was just going to fast

Mmm, you can't say that they will have 'black lines' ... because my female shows black lines on her stomach when the rest of her body is bright green/blue with orange spots. Generally, their colouration will be dark which could mean they are trying to absorb more heat or they are stressed.

It's best not to hold your chameleon for a few weeks when you first get your chameleon. It needs to adapt to its new surroundings. I barely take out my cham - maybe once every two weeks. It's not necessary for them to be handled. If you want them to get out of the enclosure, have a free range set up. If you want to play with an animal of some sort, get a dog or a bearded dragon.

Some people don't like hearing it, but oh well. At the end of the day, you're going to do what you want but is what you are doing for your benefit or for your chameleons?

 

[renzo0684]

Mmm, you can't say that they will have 'black lines' ... because my female shows black lines on her stomach when the rest of her body is bright green/blue with orange spots. Generally, their colouration will be dark which could mean they are trying to absorb more heat or they are stressed.

We are talking males here and a 5 month old male at that

 

[Chameleon Loco]

Handling

I never handle my male veiled. 1 I can never even come close to touching him without hissing "I have no clue how mike from FL chams was able to even get him in a deli cup" and 2 chameleons are not ment to be handled just look at their nature. If you want a reptile you can handle try a leopard gecko or a bearded dragon