my jackson doesnt seem to enjoy being held
- Thread starter chendy
- Start date
allencg101
Member
try not to hold him everyday even though they are some of the most docile of the chameleons handling everyday stresses the little guys out if you want to hold him do it once or twice a week. cause everyday is a no no!!!
Cainschams
New Member
i make it a point to respectfully and briefly hold my cham once daily from 30 seconds to a minute. despite the short period of time he immediately goes dark camo patternish and tries to find anyway off my hand (moving much faster than normal)
If he clearly doesnt like it then why do you keep pestering him?
SSimsswiSS
Avid Member
Try hand feeding him during this once daily experience. He might equate this with food, and lighten up on the dark colors once calm.i make it a point to respectfully and briefly hold my cham once daily from 30 seconds to a minute. despite the short period of time he immediately goes dark camo patternish and tries to find anyway off my hand (moving much faster than normal)
mattcast1214
Member
I have a Jackson's too, they're awesome! I try to hold mine every 2-3 days and at first it seems terrified but once out of the cage he's pretty calm.... I started leaving the cage door open and he slowly started coming out on his own
Carlton
Chameleon Enthusiast
i make it a point to respectfully and briefly hold my cham once daily from 30 seconds to a minute. despite the short period of time he immediately goes dark camo patternish and tries to find anyway off my hand (moving much faster than normal)
In your chameleon's world, you are a huge odd-looking predator. When you reach for him he is expecting life as he knows it to end. His protective coloration and immobility has failed to protect him and he doesn't know what else to do. Even though a jackson's isn't going to necessarily lunge at you or bite as a big veiled or panther might, it doesn't mean he isn't alarmed and upset. You are intruding into his territory every time you pick him up. Give him a break. He doesn't really want to be held. Chams are not wired to want or seek out social interaction with their own kind let alone another kind. And, they are not all that willing to learn.
If you want to interact with him it would be kinder to teach him that you are a source of good things (favorite food treats) or even a way to reach that bushy plant sitting in a sunny warm window for a basking session. Teach him that you are not a threat first...that your actions are fairly predictable (cage chores...lighting, water, feeding, etc) and not dangerous. Enjoy him in his own space.
reaperreptiles
New Member
.....do i even have to make a comment here. Common sense really, if he doesnt like it, then dont do it.
Chameleons really are look-at-me pets. Kind of like a living oil painting from some other world. Although I absolutely understand the desire to interact with them!
I would suggest you try an interaction that both of you will enjoy. Jacksons will tame down wonderfully and will learn to recognize your face. If you make it a point to hand feed them a treat every day they will start to look forward to you coming over and will start their tongue going the second they see your fingers come up to the cage! But through all of this most of them will want to be on their branch and not on a hand. There are some few exceptions that don't seem to mind being on a human and will eat while sitting in your hand. But you have to take clues from your chameleon as to what they are comfortable with. Yours is not enjoying that interaction so back off a bit and try another type of interaction. It is important to find one your both are enjoying (or at least are not stressing over).
I would suggest you try an interaction that both of you will enjoy. Jacksons will tame down wonderfully and will learn to recognize your face. If you make it a point to hand feed them a treat every day they will start to look forward to you coming over and will start their tongue going the second they see your fingers come up to the cage! But through all of this most of them will want to be on their branch and not on a hand. There are some few exceptions that don't seem to mind being on a human and will eat while sitting in your hand. But you have to take clues from your chameleon as to what they are comfortable with. Yours is not enjoying that interaction so back off a bit and try another type of interaction. It is important to find one your both are enjoying (or at least are not stressing over).
chendy
New Member
i now realize i had "new owners excitement" and failed to see that i was being a bit ignorant. however i want to thank you for the comments and support, even the blunt comments
carlton i especially found yours quite funny thank you
ps. jp has now become much more comfortable with me hand feeding and cleaning.
carlton i especially found yours quite funny thank you
ps. jp has now become much more comfortable with me hand feeding and cleaning.
Citizen Snips
New Member
At least you can hold yours lol. My panther is o.k with me spot cleaning his cage and adding crickets, but if I so much as offer him a branch to climb on he hisses and bites it. I'm starting to leave his door open with a plant to climb onto, but no luck yet.
