Is stress a myth?

[ataraxia]

Stress is not a myth and can be caused from many variables. YES, a chameleon thats does not warrant handling, stress. This will be shown from his gestures and colors. Just like snizzake said this could lead to abnormal behavior which could lead to problems. Constant stress will weaken the immune system which will allow different health complications come into play.

Each animal is different. If your animal allows handling great but if it does not,. Keep it at a minimum.

 

[pssh]

Like mentioned previously, "friendly" might be mistaken for the animals that just don't want to be caged and would prefer to be anywhere but the cage. Just because they want out, doesn't mean they want to be with a person. There are exceptions of course.

The general guidance of "don't hold them much" is just that, something to guide you. Each animal is different, but let's face it, not holding it isn't going to kill it. Better safe than sorry. Plus, the subtle signs of stress can be incredibly difficult for even experienced keepers to notice, let alone new keepers. I would much rather let them be if they want to, than force them to come out when they don't have to. Stress can very well cause issues that lead to their demise.



I had a male who literally would crawl across the room from his free range to where I was sitting and doing work just to hang out. He even liked some of my friends and would hop on for a quick look around when they walked by. I would consider him sociable with humans because he actively sought humans out even when we weren't near by. I never actively handled him and he picked it up on his own. I also have a male veiled who went crazy the entire few days that I tried to free range him. He cannot stand human interaction that is not feeding time. He likes his routine that involves almost no handling and that's the way he is. I am happy to let him be because he is most comfortable that way.

 

[SonTigerPantherCham]

All animals have a stress factor. I am just asking for a scientific theory behind the claims that handling acclimated chameleons cause undo stress and shorten their lives.
I am also talking about people that have enough enlightenment to understand the difference in individual chameleons, their environment, temperament, overall health, etc.
Common sense is the key here.
Would I handle a Cham that tells me by body language it isn't interested? Of course not.
one that is ill and handling it other than medical reasons?, of course not.
Common sense, common sense, common sense people

 

[pssh]

I don't think anyone is saying that handling an animal that is outwardly "okay" with it is a problem or even causes any problems.