My chameleon is always brown and hides when I get in the room.

[Andrewburtt]

I want a very friendly chameleon that I could take outside into the sun. I got him 4 days ago and he’s 4 months old. Also any time I put my hand in the cage he turns all bright colors blue and yellow. What does that mean? And how can I get him to crawl onto my hand to take him out?

 

[DarinD]

Let him acclimate a bit before you attempt handling. The animal is in a new environment and is attempting to acclimate. Also, keep in mind how big you are to a chameleon. You are a predator in their eyes, and their bush (enclosure) is their safe space. If you let him get used to his new surroundings for a bit, I'm sure he'll come around and become somewhat more comfortable around you. Each chameleon is different and their personality might not lend to being handled often. My Veiled is almost a year old and still hates being handled.

 

[kinyonga]

Welcome to the forum!

This link might help...
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/my-panther-chameleon-hates-being-held.161723/

 

[Andrewburtt]

Thank you! Also do they get dark when they are shedding! Because he is and is very dark could he get brighter when he is finished.

 

[Graves923]

At 4 months old, he will change coloration a few times before maturity.

Before a shed, you may notice his skin look more pale/white than usual. Sometimes, you wont even notice until he starts shedding.

If you've only had him for 4 day, he is still not used to his new environment. Imagine if some big creature suddenly took you from your cozy home and dropped you in the middle of a forest. You'd probably be scared at first too.

Patience is key to getting a chameleon to tolerate you. Give him space for a week or two, ignoring him (no eye contact) while cleaning the cage or feeding. Slowly, start spending more time in the same room as his enclosure so he gets used to seeing you around. Eventually, he may not hide anymore. When you notice this, you can try to offer a feeder from your hand. If he doesnt take it, try again the next day.

In my experience, it is difficult to gain a chameleons trust, but easy to lose that trust too.