Jackson shaking

[coldbloodedAL]

I did a search about this and found nothing close to this so... I was watching my jackson after work today and noticed some weird behavior. He was drinking some water from off of his pothos, then turned around started to do the "Im a leaf in the wind" gig on his way to his basking spot. He then proceeded to puff up and gape, then started shaking the stick he was on like crazy. It only lasted for a second then he went on with his basking. I have seen him do this once before in his FR but i didnt think much of it then because he wasnt doing it repeatedly. Is this a common behavior or some other mating dance type deal or what?

 

[coldbloodedAL]

anyone heard of this?

 

[Chameleons Northwest]

I have seen an alpha female Meller's chameleon do the stick shaking thing as a show of bravado and strength to impress a lowly male.

I have seen chams twist and puff and gape when they are trying to "pop" a shed. Or, when they get angry about something or someone.

If the chameleon seems weak and is shaking out of weakness while struggling to climb then you have a problem, likely calcium related (early MBD), but your case doesn't sound like that.

Is there a mirror near him where he may be seeing himself? Or is there something in the room that looks like a chameleon or the outline of a chameleon? Or was he communicating with you? Or, do you have another pet? I've seen chams do this when dogs walk into the room.

 

[Trace]

I call it the morning stretch and it's perfectly normal.

 

[coldbloodedAL]

Well there is no mirrors, but his viv is half glass, half screen. But he has also done the shaking outside of his cage. My dogs do not have access to the room the door is always closed. He has not shed in a while either and he is looking a bit wrinkly. My shirt does have a lot of green designs on it so maybe that could have been it. Maybe ill show him the shirt tomorrow as a test.
Or maybe like you said Trace he just needed a good ol' stretch!