How do I tame my veiled?

[chasslink]

Hello! I am a new member, as well as a new chameleon owner. I have done a lot of research and have had my chameleon for about a month now. He is 4/5 months old. He doesn't seem to like me much yet, and from what I've read, that can be normal. He has eaten from my tweezers a few times, but not recently. He is rather timid, and because of this I have only tried holding him twice. I would just like some tips on what I can do to earn his trust more... I leave his door open sometimes and stick my hands in, and it hasn't been having much of a good affect yet. I am optimistic though, and would like to hear what others think! Thank you!

 

[renzo0684]

Chameleon Info:

• Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
• Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
• Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
• Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
• Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
• Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
• History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Cage Info:

• Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
• Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
• Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
• Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
• Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
• Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
• Location - Where are you geographically located?

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.

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Please Note:

1. The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
2. Photos can be very helpful.

 

[Fireborn]

It takes a lot of time to gain the trust of a chameleon and even the some simply don't like being held. Try feeding straight from your hand and he will associate your hand with food/good things.

 

[Scottsquatch]

My panther was aloof when I got him but now rushes to the front of the cage when I approach. If I open the door he cruises up my arm and sits on my head or my shoulder. He almosts insists on eating from my hand now. I can put insects in his feeder cup and they will often sit in there a couple of days, but if I pick them up and offer them to him by hand, he will scarf them up. Every last one of them. It's pretty cool to see how far along he has come. I would say don't rush it and just let him get used to you on his terms. Good luck!

 

[Remkon]

More often than not they will never really like you, I even highly doubt 'liking' things is not part of their repertoire, so what you're looking for is acceptance.
Take everything slow, try not to forcibly handle them if not needed, you want to get him to a point that he's comfortable eating from your hand and from there I'd say try to get him to move himself close to your hand and eventually on to your hand...

Whatever you do, don't force him to do anything, it will more likely backfire and you will only stress him.

 

[DekuScrub]

Throw rocks and yell a lot. I recommend a shock collar. The ones that use 9 volt batteries are a little large for chameleons. Go with the smaller version with the watch sized batteries. It doesnt put out as much juice so you might have to zap him repeatedly into submission. You can get them on trainmylizard.com

 

[DekuScrub]

Lol, you just need to be patient. Like very. Move slow and deliberately. Always approach from below. And if youre trying to handle him slowly bring your hand in under his chin and raise gently. Usually theyll grab right on. If hes skittish or agressive try distracting with youre other hand. Avoid stressing him though youll just train him to dislike you even more. Good move with the food though. Many (but not all) chams will eventually just see you as the giant food monster and come a runnin. Dont force the chameleon to do anything. And trust me you will get frustrated. Just be patient