He keeps coming out

[kayladye59]

OK, so I need some chameleon connoisseurs to help me read my chameleons body language. I’ve had him for about a year now he’s a panther chameleon and he’s been like all my other three chameleons I have where they’re like fish and you just pretty much look at them and don’t handle them as often, but I’ve noticed in the last week. He has come down to his cage and he wants to get out on his own and walk around and it’s almost like he’s trying to get into my other chameleon enclosures. Does anyone know what he’s trying to do?
If I try to pick him up or handle him, he will get stressed out so it’s confusing to me why he keeps just trying to come out and walk around like a dog lol

 

[Motherlode Chameleon]

Sounds as though you have got a personable chameleon. Chameleons that are friendly with their owners happens from time to time.

Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich

 

[MissSkittles]

Maybe try building him a free range area to offer him some stimulation and enrichment. Just be sure to supervise and keep other pets away. It can be as simple as some plants and branches in front of a window.

 

[kayladye59]

Sounds as though you have got a personable chameleon. Chameleons that are friendly with their owners happens from time to time.

Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich

Well, that's what I was thinking at first. Until when I tried to handle him, he does his mouth gaping stressed out. And he turns to his crazy colors so that made me to believe he was being mischievous in some way lol

 

[kayladye59]

Maybe try building him a free range area to offer him some stimulation and enrichment. Just be sure to supervise and keep other pets away. It can be as simple as some plants and branches in front of a window.

His enclosure is 48x24x72 so it just surprises me. He's wanting more room, lol. But I was talking to my husband about getting a money tree, put in that room that he can maybe climb on

 

[MissSkittles]

His enclosure is 48x24x72 so it just surprises me. He's wanting more room, lol. But I was talking to my husband about getting a money tree, put in that room that he can maybe climb on

Yes, I have one in a 4’ long/high and 2’ deep and he runs to come out all the time just to sit on my hand and stare at me.

 

[Beman]

You said you have another chameleon.... Based on him not being a typical friendly chameleon it sounds more like he is now looking for a mate. If your other cham is within eye site and is a female this is going to make it worse. Even if the other one is a male they can get territorial if they can see another chameleon.

 

[Motherlode Chameleon]

Well, that's what I was thinking at first. Until when I tried to handle him, he does his mouth gaping stressed out. And he turns to his crazy colors so that made me to believe he was being mischievous in some way lol

That is normal chameleon behavior. Chameleons normally do not like to be handled. Plus your chameleon could be just curious.

Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich

 

[GrannyK]

With the warmer weather and you having other chams in the house I think he may be looking to find the first free lady in town… you and everyone else are a threat so he may not take kindly to handling, but I suspect he’s trying to find a mate. I have 2 very social panthers but I still find my older one roaming for a mate sometimes. When he does everyone is an enemy. He tolerates us but you know he’s in rut (like a deer chasing the girls) because he flares up even when he normally would not and roams more than usual.