Letting a Graceful chameleon out of his cage

[jersey chuck]

I have had my Graceful chameleon going on two months now and he is starting to come towards me when I get close to his cage.

Today I opened the cage and he slowly came to me and climbed up my sleeve and sat on my shoulder peacefully. He just sat there for about 20 minutes as I walked about the house until I put him gently back into his habitat.

I was thinking of taking him outside (on my shoulder) to get some sun and fresh air, but I was wondering if that might be a bad idea?

I afraid that he might jump off or run?

I don't know how fast a Graceful can move?

I know I don't move too fast these days!

 

[chameleonkev]

I wouldn't worrie about that, chameleons are really slow, he wouldn't escape any time soon

 

[Carlton]

Well, he could decide to jump off of you inside or out, so when you are handling him place him somewhere you can watch his behavior (on top of your head, on the back of your shirt aren't good places). Watch for his stress coloration as he'll tend to flare up before deciding to bolt.

If he does jump off, you should be able to catch him before he goes too far. Chams are not speedy especially when they are anxious about a new area. And, avoid walking with him on hard surfaces just in case he does leap. A falling cham will instinctively inflate with air to cushion their landing (they do fall out of trees in the wild), but no sense taking unnecessary chances with concrete, hard floors, etc.

 

[jersey chuck]

Thanks Carlton,

Great response!

Jersey

 

[Carlton]

Thanks Carlton,

Great response!

Jersey

Glad to help! I'll never forget the day my cherished male T. deremensis decided to hit the hard floor of a vet's exam room. This guy would sit peacefully (no stress spotting at all) for quite a while, suddenly change his little mind, throw a tantrum, inflate himself, gape, bite, and throw himself into the air. The vet and I gasped, made futile grabs for him but he still hit the floor with a sickening splat. Then got up and walked away as if it was nothing. He may have been fine but the vet and I were basket cases!

 

[FranPhilip]

I have had my Graceful chameleon going on two months now and he is starting to come towards me when I get close to his cage.

Today I opened the cage and he slowly came to me and climbed up my sleeve and sat on my shoulder peacefully. He just sat there for about 20 minutes as I walked about the house until I put him gently back into his habitat.

I was thinking of taking him outside (on my shoulder) to get some sun and fresh air, but I was wondering if that might be a bad idea?

I afraid that he might jump off or run?

I don't know how fast a Graceful can move?

I know I don't move too fast these days!

Chameleons + sun = good idea I take mine out almost every day, and if they do get off your hand somehow, they arent very quick!

 

[italian chameleon]

Isn't it stressful for the cham to be constantly moved in and out?
Isn't it better to just move the whole vivarium outside once you have the right temps and then just leave the cham there until the temperatures allow it?

 

[KarmaChameleon1337]

I wouldn't worrie about that, chameleons are really slow, he wouldn't escape any time soon

Hah! You haven't seen one run then they can be very fast, and if you're not expecting and ready then they can escape.