N00b Question about Socializing

[PIXELPUNK10010]

Hello all, I am the new owner of a 5-6month old Nose Be Chameleon and have been reading the wealth of info on this site regarding feeding and care.

One issue that I am concerned about is socializing him. So far, he hasn't been willing to hand feed, but he has no concern about me being in the cage adjusting branches, cleaning or misting him.

On the other hand, If I try to remove him from the enclosure he opens his mouth and lunges at me.

As a keeper of Parrots, I am used to the idea that you let them bite and act as if nothing happened so that they know they cant manipulate you. I'm not so confident that its the same way with this little guy.

I have removed him from the cage with a stick and then put him on my hand to great success, especially if I breathe a nice warm breath on him while he perches on me. When he gets active again and wants to run around I put him back in the enclosure.

Any advice on how to slowly adapt him to a peaceful handling would be welcome.

 

[renzo0684]

Hello all, I am the new owner of a 5-6month old Nose Be Chameleon and have been reading the wealth of info on this site regarding feeding and care.

One issue that I am concerned about is socializing him. So far, he hasn't been willing to hand feed, but he has no concern about me being in the cage adjusting branches, cleaning or misting him.

On the other hand, If I try to remove him from the enclosure he opens his mouth and lunges at me.

As a keeper of Parrots, I am used to the idea that you let them bite and act as if nothing happened so that they know they cant manipulate you. I'm not so confident that its the same way with this little guy.

I have removed him from the cage with a stick and then put him on my hand to great success, especially if I breathe a nice warm breath on him while he perches on me. When he gets active again and wants to run around I put him back in the enclosure.

Any advice on how to slowly adapt him to a peaceful handling would be welcome.

You can not teach your chameleon to be handled some take to it and like others loathe it. Chameleons are mostly look and dont touch animals. If your cham lunges at you and puffs up I would just leave him be, because it stresses him out if you keep trying to get him.

 

[Elizadolots]

Ya know...look around. I've read lots of posts where people suggest hand feeding the chameleon so the chameleon views your hand as "friendly"....It may never be possible with a particular chameleon, but there are things you can try.

Also, I think most of the posts I've seen have suggested that juveniles are a bit temperamental and not inclined to give any ground...so, less likely to make friends. You might have a lot better luck in a few months. (it's sort of counter intuitive...particularly for those of us with dogs...we're trained to start socializing some breeds from birth, that's absolutely not true with chameleons)