How do i pick up my chameleon?

[Guest 48229]

my chameleon always goes to this one spot in his cage that he can't get out of easily. I try to help him out, but whenever i attempt to pick him up, he starts breathing heavily and changing color, so i leave him alone. is there a reason for why he is scared? i was thinking it was because i haven't had him for long. if anyone has an answer, i would appreciate it

 

[jamest0o0]

Well you shouldn't have a place in his cage that he gets stuck in. Try to avoid handling unless it's on their terms. If you must move him for some reason, gently slide your hand underneath his belly and lift upwards easy.

 

[broderp]

I'll just add, be sure to mind there feet. Don't tear them from something they are clinging to. Never pull them from anything if they are securely grasping it. If you do as jamest0o0 states, they eventually let go and then you can move them. Patients is key.

 

[Tattersb]

If you haven't had him very long, he's probably still settling in to his surroundings and he is going to a place he feels protected. You can either rearrange his enclosure so there is not a place for him to get stuck, or arrange vines or branches where he can himself out. Either way, he needs a lot of foliage to hide. As far as picking him up, chameleons typically don't like to be held and it can be very stressful for them. That nay never change with your cham. Good luck!

 

[ChameleonTide]

my chameleon always goes to this one spot in his cage that he can't get out of easily.

Take a few pics of his cage for us.

 

[Graves923]

Is there a reason you need to pick him/her up? I try to only handle when I need to like a weekly cage cleaning or rearranging vines and foliage.

If you havent had the cham long, you need to let him settle in to his new environment. Sit near the cage and read a book or do something else thats quiet and doesnt require alot of movement that might spook him. They eventually get used to the daily routine of your home and might not be as flighty.

 

[Guest 48229]

here is a pic of his cage. He's been getting stuck at the top of the leaves in the left corner. i've also been noticing that he always likes climbing on the screen (as he is in the picture). Also, I've been meaning to add in more sticks, and i've also wanted to go to the pet store to get more leaves. Do you think i should add more?

 

[Graves923]

Definitely add more climbing vines and foliage. Chameleons will climb on anything they can get a grip on so screen climbing is normal

 

[jamest0o0]

Yup add a lot more plants. use live, fake are unnatural and not helpful for much, especially with veileds because they eat leaves. It should be hard to find your cham through all of the leaves at first.

 

[ChameleonTide]

These are great...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BDV1NC8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Also look at a lot of people's set up on this site on the enclosure board and you will get pleanty of ideas.