handling

[hoofy888]

i understand these animals are not the best at being handled. once a week ive taken him out of his cage and each time has been an adventure . he turns very dark and tries to bite me. when i do get a hold of him he runs up my arm or jumps out of my hands. he is a 4 month old red bar ambilobe. since ive had him hes more then doubled in size and colors are coming in beautiful. also eating like crazy. any tips on getting him to get used to being handled.

 

[Kate]

I would persevere. Have you tried getting him out on a stick? Do you hand feed him? He may become friendlier if he associates your hand with food.

 

[jannb]

Kate has some good advice above. Chameleons can become cage aggressive when caged all the time. Once out of the cage they are normally happier and friendlier. When you get him out of the cage do something fun with him like a walk around the house or outside. Also allow him to hang in a big plant or tree while you closely supervise. I interact with my daily and free range so they are all happy little teddy bears.

 

[nightanole]

Hand feed a treat that is not part of his normal diet, odds are thats a worm of some kind, or even a very wiggly cricket. He needs to know that giant hand isnt going to eat him or take over his territory.

Place him in a large potted plant at TV level while you are doing things in the house such as cooking or not noisy cleaning. its the whole stocker thing, he sees you but he thinks you dont see him.

OUTSIDE THYME! This one is normally the good one. You want to go out side and sun your self, well the big giant hand is your ticket. I would even give snacks while sunning. I would put mine in a giant potted plant next to me in the morning while i read the paper.

Last one, which is a per customer cast, is hand dropper watering. Mine could care less about a dropper, others run to it when its water time.