Handling

[Evello]

I've only handled my chameleon once (when I got him). He doesn't seem to like it when I open the cage at all, he turns black and if you get your hand too close he starts hissing. My mom managed to pick him up but he kept on hissing and sitting there completely black, and we put him up so he wouldn't get too stressed.

I would really like to be able to handle him more and take him out of his cage some time. Is there any way to get him used to me picking him up?

 

[kfactor]

To me I only handle my Cham when I clean his cage or to put him on his tree I think u shouldn't really handle them there more to look at but some chams like it some don't

 

[KarmaChameleon1337]

Hand feeding gets them used to you, make sure to move slowly too. It really depends on the chameleon itself, they have different personalities. Some will never be "tamed", and some will be very sweet and docile. You just need to keep trying, don't stress too much, gain trust and move slow. Goodluck.

 

[Evello]

How do I hand feed him?

 

[Kmw]

How do I hand feed him?

Just hold the crickets or worms in your fingers and have your hand where the chameleon
can see it, and hopefully he or she snags it from you. Took my guy a little while
before he actually took stuff from my hand, not very long - but it did take some time.

 

[izzy05]

Get some tongs or forceps. Same thing really, and grab the crickets with that and easily put it in front of him. If hes hungry, he will look at it and stick his tongue out and eat it

 

[Evello]

I'll definitely have to try that, thank you!

 

[Olimpia]

I have a blog where I outline in some detail how I like to go about "taming" a chameleon. I think that being able to take your chameleon out for a vet trip, to give medicines, to go outside for natural sunlight, etc. without it being a trauma is going to be better for everyone involved. Even my meanest ones have tolerated handling without biting, which made my vets much happier men!

I cover handfeeding as well: http://muchadoaboutchameleons.blogspot.com/2012/04/to-handle-or-not-to-handle.html

Good luck!

 

[izzy05]

Anytime if you were responding to me lol. Thats how I feed my Jackson's I got a few days ago!!

 

[Evello]

Thank you for the blog, it's very helpful!