How to avoid traumatizing your cham.

[Brad B]

I'm curious about everyone's opinion on how to handle a chameleon. I have a 2-3 month old veiled cham and he freaks out every feeding or enclosure maintenance. During the first major cleaning(I have only had him for 3 weeks) i pulled him out on a fake plant and set it on the table as i cleaned all the stuff in his cage he was so scared he hid his face and just went to sleep. Didn't even wake up when I was done an hour later and put him back in. I want him to be comfortable with me how can I ensure this happens as he grows? Looking for veteran tips n tricks.

 

[ReptileRampage]

Try hand feeding him his favorite treats. Possibly meal worms or phoenix worms, horn worms as well. When he associates you with food it will most likely make him less afraid of you.

 

[Olimpia]

Like Reptile Rampage said, hand feeding is one excellent trick to use positive reinforcement so that he associates your hands with something he really enjoys (food.) Also, in the begining I never pull out a chameleon from his cage, because this is usually terrifying to them. Instead I leave the cage door open, I'll sit at my desk to do work in the same room, and let them get used to leaving the comfort of their cage on their own. It makes being outside of the cage much less terrifying.

This might be helpful, it's a longer version of what I've done to tame my chams: http://muchadoaboutchameleons.blogspot.com/2012/04/to-handle-or-not-to-handle.html

 

[Psychobunny]

You may find my taming blog useful

https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/psychobunny/746-taming-chameleon.html

 

[Brad B]

Psycho I read yours right after I made this. It was excellent very helpful but my Cham always turns his back when I put my hand in

 

[Olimpia]

Is that when you hand feed? You don't want to put your hand way into the cage - remember, a chameleon in a cage is a cornered animal, so when a big scary hand comes into his cage he fears that he's corned and this thing is coming to get him. When I hand feed new chameleons I try with the first feeders of the day, when they are most likely to be hungry and motivated, and leave my hand near the door of the cage. The idea is for them to come to you. And don't stare at him while you do this, direct eye contact makes them nervous.