I really want a chameleon but...

[Carlton]

great posts carlton and I couldn't agree with ya more. Cham owners seem to have a different pet that can receive attention when the cham doesnt want any. Thanks to you guys Im getting a bearded dragon within a couple days
I wouldve loved my cham either way but deep down I do want a social animal.

You can always keep both! You can have the best of both worlds that way.

 

[Dustin2524]

I got a bearded dragon =] Can anyone guide me to a forum for them as good as this one? I found a couple but they are nowhere near as active as this forum is. Or if any bearded dragon owners were on here and could message me (through aim would be perfectly ideal and awesome) that would be helpful too.

 

[Vegas Chad]

http://www.beardeddragon.org/

 

[NICK GILCHRIST]

Hi Dustin
I suppose the easiest way to explain this. as it is a common theme running in many new owner or possible new owner threads in regards handling chameleons..first you must grasp the concept of "why?"specific skills were given to a chameleon by nature..thereby creating its very persona and natural instinct

A chameleons very existence and natural design..are one of stealth..shown specifically in certain attributes which by and large are most likely what attracted you..and many others no doubt to wanting one as a "pet"namely. it is slow moving. has almost a "grasping hand" which clings to you..and its got amazing colours and the ability to look as if its watching your every move using its 360 degree independant turret eye vision..all of these may give the false impression that this is a reptile that enjoys close contact. and in fact "likes you ".

but..if you consider the reality..of "why" it has these abilities. it may help you to understand exactly what it is that you are asking of your chameleon by wanting to handle and "play" with it..

Chameleons are unable to run..or move quickly to escape predators, so they have evolved over thousands of years to deal with this contradiction..namely..they are able to blend within their own respective environment with the unique ability to move in a shaking manner to mimic leaves blowing in the wind..they match their environment in regards colour..they have incredible vision. not just for aiming at food . but to continually check for threats from all directions..they are unable to chase down food..so they have the ability to grasp food without getting close enough to chase it away, and shoot out their tongue before the prey even knows it nearby..they are the ninja of the lizard world..

with this in mind..would you walk outside and shout to the group of ninjas on your rooftop as the creep across it "OY MATE!! WANNA CUP OF COFFEE?

Well effectively thats pretty much what you are doing by going into your chams unit..where as far as its concerned its the STEALTH MEISTER in the house and lunging your enormous hand in its direction. with the intention of giving it "play time"..So after this initial trauma..its then passed from hand to hand etc whilst you enjoy what you perceive to be cuddletime..your chameleon realising it has no escape is just waiting for something awful to happen..

Its entire instinctual response initially will always be one of fear and the perception of you as a threat..by picking it up..you are effectively informing the chameleon that whatever it does to hide..you know where it is ..you are now a predator..

You may not even get this far...most likely it will puff up..flatten its body sideways to you to appear larger..(hopes it will put you off eating it)..it may hiss. gape and generally go a really bright colour to hopefully scare you off..what it hasnt worked out is that you are a human..not an animal..(which has no concept of playtime either) and effectively its about to become the equivalent of a slinky or a rubiks cube.


However..all is not lost...and in my experience. chameleons will over time recognise that their "owner" poses no threat..they still dislike overhandling but they will put up with it..in fact i have a male Yemen that on occasion depending on his mood. will actively rush down the branch and reach out to me to be removed from his unit..not because he wants to "play" but rather that he realises i pose no threat and is keen to see if he can get to the female in the unit below him..he will on occasion happily take food from my fingers...but neither of these happen if another person is with me..so that shows some form of recognition..despite this. i would not dream of just taking him out for the fun of it...i respect him..and now because of this he trusts me and has grasped im not a threat.

In short...respect your chameleon. understand its natural instincts and if it is gracious enough in time to allow you closer contact..do not abuse this priveledge.nor force it on it.. rather appreciate how lucky you are to have the ultimate example of natural development borne through circumstance sitting in your hand of its own choice not yours.



ps i know this is a late post and probably a case of shutting the stable door after the horse has long gone..but it may give food for thought for others.