Never holding my chameleon???
- Thread starter pr3mo15
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chamelisa
New Member
I think handling chameleons is fine in small doses. I love to sit in the sun with a little chameleon perched on my finger. 
It's kind of nice and they get used to being around you. Chameleons are not a totally hands-off animal. Just do it in small doses, be aware of the surroundings and make sure there is nothing stressful for the chameleon.
That's right. I should have said this. Baby chameleons should not be handled unless it is absolutely necessary.
It's kind of nice and they get used to being around you. Chameleons are not a totally hands-off animal. Just do it in small doses, be aware of the surroundings and make sure there is nothing stressful for the chameleon.That's right. I should have said this. Baby chameleons should not be handled unless it is absolutely necessary.
sandrachameleon
Chameleon Enthusiast
Getting them used to being stressed out by handling wouldnt be my first choice. You do want to learn how to slowly approach your chameleon or find ways to remove it from the cage when necessary for cleaning or vet visits. Some people use a removable branch. Some people use food treats. Some people carefully put a cloth over their chameleon when its asleep at night and gently move it. Some people let the chameleon come out of the cage on its own, and find its much less aggressive once it is no longer in its normal territory. Try using the search function to find out what others have talk about on this subject in the past.
Zen Reptiles
Avid Member
pr3mo15, you got it bang on.
I really think it's beneficial to tame your chameleon while it is still young.
If you think of every time you spray, open up the cage for food, need to clean feces out, have to water the plant or re-plant, these are a lot of opportunities throughout the 5-10 years you will have your chameleon for it to get stressed out.
That adds up.
Whereas if you spend a few weeks or months handling your chameleon as soon as you get him/her, this stress is reduced to only those few weeks/months of taming.
I know it's very common advice that chameleons are display animals only and you should keep handling to an absolute minimum, but in my opinion that's complete bollocks; they are one of the MOST handleable lizards you could possibly own and it's better for THEM if you do.
A good way to do this is with food, and they will associate you with food and the comfort level and 'trust' will be easier to build between you.
Chameleons are great pets to have a relationship with, they have awesome personalities and can become puppy dog tame.
-Brock
I really think it's beneficial to tame your chameleon while it is still young.
If you think of every time you spray, open up the cage for food, need to clean feces out, have to water the plant or re-plant, these are a lot of opportunities throughout the 5-10 years you will have your chameleon for it to get stressed out.
That adds up.
Whereas if you spend a few weeks or months handling your chameleon as soon as you get him/her, this stress is reduced to only those few weeks/months of taming.
I know it's very common advice that chameleons are display animals only and you should keep handling to an absolute minimum, but in my opinion that's complete bollocks; they are one of the MOST handleable lizards you could possibly own and it's better for THEM if you do.
A good way to do this is with food, and they will associate you with food and the comfort level and 'trust' will be easier to build between you.
Chameleons are great pets to have a relationship with, they have awesome personalities and can become puppy dog tame.
-Brock
sandrachameleon
Chameleon Enthusiast
I'd suggest some of your success or failure with handling will depend on the chameleon, in addition to how you go about it. I have one that comes out of the cage and willingly uses me as his transport system to a favourite plant in a different room. The others clearly dont want contact and I see no reason to subject them to it. The reason so very many people recommend against handling is that, IMHO, most chameleons dont "like" being handled and that many owners dont know the difference between a stressed or unstressed chameleon (the signs are not always obvious). I am not saying Brock or Pr3 are those people, btw!
B
blackbetty
Guest
NOt sure if you can, per say, tame a chameleon.. I made the mistake of holding Leo often..and it stressed him and he snapped and bit me (thats a different thread and was quite painful). Since then (about a month ago), I stopped handling him unless its necessary. I will handle him more when it warms upt o put him outside but I use gloves at all times. I swear he turns bright orange instantly and looks for something that resembles skin to lunge towards..he doesnt really, but this is what I imagine.. However, in the last few days, since I have been paying less attention to him, he has actually came to the cage opening and wanted out. I open it and he climbs on top of a tapestry we have and hangs out watching everything.. I rigged a vine from that to his cage so he can access. I cannot let him free roam as I have dogs and his crickets are escaping..but its nice for him to show me that he wants out... I think if you move slow (there is a thread on here of how to pick up your cham too, btw, search it), then it would be okay but only as Elisa said, in small doses.. Do not sit and pet and cuddle..I wouldnt put my face anywhere near my chams..Just pick up, move to wherever it needs to be, and put down. Simple and gets your contact time in.
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DeFishy
New Member
Mhm, moving slowly is key, the more comfortable you and your cham are together the better. I also make it a point to always approach from beneath them with an open palm, and my fingers at different heights so they can choose which ones to grab. I know that I handle my Arda (Female panther) several times a week usually to simply put her in her tree, or to check her over. But then again, everytime I open the door she runs up my arm and to my shoulder. My baby cham, Bruce, I handle a lot less, maybe only once or twice a week. Again, usually to put him on the tree, or to check him over, and to get him used to being handled-to prevent him from becomeing an angry cham. I never handle him for very long periods, and I always keep an eye on his temperment-he does little things that tell me if he doesn't want to be handled. For example, he doesn't hiss, but he sorta "Huffs" if he's annoyed. So i put him down then. I've come to understand that if there is an emergancy and you have to get your cham out fast, then it is better that they are at least used to you handling them, and not hissing and biting every time. Now, some chams can't be dealt with or handled by nature. There's one female veiled at my store that hates human contact. But, again, with careful techniques my co worker and I have managed to get her comfortable enough to be held for short periods of time. But she is still far more vicious then my own two chams. (This is only if a customer is interested, not for pleasure). Take your time with your chams, be patient, and look for little things that you might think are not stress related, but could be.
Zen Reptiles
Avid Member
There are some things you need to do properly..
1) sit on the floor while 'taming' your chameleon, as they WILL fall to the ground as they run away from you.
2) go slow. If you're getting frustrated, stop. Try again in a day or two.
3) have food around at all times, keep a little delicup with some of their fav food and when they are 'relaxed' around you, offer some food with your fingers so they can associate you with food
4) don't bother trying to tame an adult. Handling as a baby is the key to this whole strategy.
I handled my female veiled every day when I first got her, for about 3 months. She was a month old when I got her. I never had ANY problems with her for 8 years. Not one single problem. And I know for a fact not many people have had female veileds live 8 years, and I really don't think she would have lived that long if I hadn't of tamed her.
My male, on the other hand, I recieved as a sub-adult. I never could tame him, he would just get stressed out every time he saw me (or anyone) for the whole 6 years I had him. I also had a lot of problems with him, including refusing food, eye problems, dehydration because he wouldn't drink around me, and just general stress-related problems.
I strongly suggest handling your chameleon while it is a baby, this will save you a lot of anguish in the long run and it truly is better for the chameleon.
But as I said, adults are a completely different story. They'll stress out and it'd be a battle to get them used to you. That's the sole reason I try to only buy young animals.
1) sit on the floor while 'taming' your chameleon, as they WILL fall to the ground as they run away from you.
2) go slow. If you're getting frustrated, stop. Try again in a day or two.
3) have food around at all times, keep a little delicup with some of their fav food and when they are 'relaxed' around you, offer some food with your fingers so they can associate you with food
4) don't bother trying to tame an adult. Handling as a baby is the key to this whole strategy.
I handled my female veiled every day when I first got her, for about 3 months. She was a month old when I got her. I never had ANY problems with her for 8 years. Not one single problem. And I know for a fact not many people have had female veileds live 8 years, and I really don't think she would have lived that long if I hadn't of tamed her.
My male, on the other hand, I recieved as a sub-adult. I never could tame him, he would just get stressed out every time he saw me (or anyone) for the whole 6 years I had him. I also had a lot of problems with him, including refusing food, eye problems, dehydration because he wouldn't drink around me, and just general stress-related problems.
I strongly suggest handling your chameleon while it is a baby, this will save you a lot of anguish in the long run and it truly is better for the chameleon.
But as I said, adults are a completely different story. They'll stress out and it'd be a battle to get them used to you. That's the sole reason I try to only buy young animals.
Zen Reptiles
Avid Member
Another thing you'll notice with people who hold their chameleons, is that when you open their cage, they'll actually come right over to your hand and crawl up your arm to your shoulder or head. This was the same with my veiled female.
You could argue that it is their 'instinct' to get to the highest level they can, and not to anthromorphosize, but I think they like it once they get used to you.
You could argue that it is their 'instinct' to get to the highest level they can, and not to anthromorphosize, but I think they like it once they get used to you.
Lille
New Member
I have found that my 4 month old veiled doesn't mind hands as much as he used to because of hand feeding. He's beginning to relate hands near him with a treat! Now he doesn't puff up, or open his mouth. I still don't pick him up all the time to move him somewhere else. But it makes me feel a little better knowing that when I need to he won't try to eat my finger like what happened to poor BlackBetty. Everytime I go to give my cham some silkies or hornworms I hand feed them at close range, and it seems to help.
Cainschams
New Member
I have 2 chams that are able to be "handled" as in not being complete 
about it. One is a female panther and if she is gravid or shedding she gets a little pissy the other is a male panther who has NEVER even puffed up at me. The rest of my chams are either way to fiesty or too shy of a species to be handled on a regular basis. However, I handle all of my chams the same amount. Only for going out to sun (most of my cages I can lift up and take outside, no handling cham involved), deep cleaning (this is when I usually do an over all check and or photo shoot), or vets and that is it. I dont feel the need to handle them for an unnecessary reason. I also dont feel that "taming" them is a necessary reason. I personally enjoy the pissy ones
I think it shows the true nature of the beast. If your chameleon crawls up your arm when you open the door, it doesnt mean it likes you
about it. One is a female panther and if she is gravid or shedding she gets a little pissy the other is a male panther who has NEVER even puffed up at me. The rest of my chams are either way to fiesty or too shy of a species to be handled on a regular basis. However, I handle all of my chams the same amount. Only for going out to sun (most of my cages I can lift up and take outside, no handling cham involved), deep cleaning (this is when I usually do an over all check and or photo shoot), or vets and that is it. I dont feel the need to handle them for an unnecessary reason. I also dont feel that "taming" them is a necessary reason. I personally enjoy the pissy ones I think it shows the true nature of the beast. If your chameleon crawls up your arm when you open the door, it doesnt mean it likes youi notice how everyone says how theirs hiss or bite as a sign they dont want to be held,
but i caught mine out in the wild and it have never hissed or even tried to bite, and when i first caught it i held it A LOT because i had no where better to put it and it never tried to run away or hiss or any of that..
but once i heard about it stressing them i havent touched her much, and now when i try to go in the cage to get her she kinda turns away from me... she doesnt run away or hiss, but im worried she will not want to come out at all eventually...
Also i was thinking... what do you guys think or this idea,
that if yo can feed your lizards in a seperate cage / bowl, like make alittle box with a branch on top and put crickets or whatever in side of it, kind of like cup feeding, but outside the cage so you have to take out your cham everytime so then it will know its getting food and like to be held. you think that would work??
ive seen a few videos of them doing something like that and even them holding holding their cham while it eats.
but i caught mine out in the wild and it have never hissed or even tried to bite, and when i first caught it i held it A LOT because i had no where better to put it and it never tried to run away or hiss or any of that..
but once i heard about it stressing them i havent touched her much, and now when i try to go in the cage to get her she kinda turns away from me... she doesnt run away or hiss, but im worried she will not want to come out at all eventually...
Also i was thinking... what do you guys think or this idea,
that if yo can feed your lizards in a seperate cage / bowl, like make alittle box with a branch on top and put crickets or whatever in side of it, kind of like cup feeding, but outside the cage so you have to take out your cham everytime so then it will know its getting food and like to be held. you think that would work??
ive seen a few videos of them doing something like that and even them holding holding their cham while it eats.
Zen Reptiles
Avid Member
Djscifee, That's a good idea, I used to have my female on my hand and hold her right over the roach bin. After being overwhelmed with selection, she'd pick the biggest ones off haha.
dave101, it's normal for a 2 month cham to run away like that. You should grab him and hold him while you are sitting on the floor. You only need to do this 10-20 minutes a day, and as I already mentioned, offer some food once he gets comfortable around you.
dave101, it's normal for a 2 month cham to run away like that. You should grab him and hold him while you are sitting on the floor. You only need to do this 10-20 minutes a day, and as I already mentioned, offer some food once he gets comfortable around you.
panthercham
New Member
[/QUOTE]" "dave101, it's normal for a 2 month cham to run away like that. You should grab him and hold him while you are sitting on the floor. You only need to do this 10-20 minutes a day, and as I already mentioned, offer some food once he gets comfortable around you.[/QUOTE]"
You should never grab a cham...sorry if you have just written this out wrong but you can really injure a cham by just grabbing it....it stresses them out and if they dont let go of the screen or branch they can loose nails or if you dont have a good grip they can wriggle out and risk injury thru a fall.....trust me I have done this before when I didnt have a clue what I was doing and it wasnt a nice feeling.
Screameleons posted some great videos on handling and picking up chams that is the correct way.
I have 4 chams....3 came to me as adult rescues and really dont like human touch at all. They do get handled for cage cleaning and health inspections and over time they now have associated going out into the sun and free ranging and have calmed down a lot.
My 4th cham I got very young and is very different in the fact that he never really took to liking his cage too much so I try and free range him as much as possible. As he was young when I got him he has taken to being handled a lot better than the other 3. Was that because I got him young and he got used to me or is it just his nature? Not sure......
What Cainschams said in his post is absolutely spot on about handling chams
You should never grab a cham...sorry if you have just written this out wrong but you can really injure a cham by just grabbing it....it stresses them out and if they dont let go of the screen or branch they can loose nails or if you dont have a good grip they can wriggle out and risk injury thru a fall.....trust me I have done this before when I didnt have a clue what I was doing and it wasnt a nice feeling.
Screameleons posted some great videos on handling and picking up chams that is the correct way.
I have 4 chams....3 came to me as adult rescues and really dont like human touch at all. They do get handled for cage cleaning and health inspections and over time they now have associated going out into the sun and free ranging and have calmed down a lot.
My 4th cham I got very young and is very different in the fact that he never really took to liking his cage too much so I try and free range him as much as possible. As he was young when I got him he has taken to being handled a lot better than the other 3. Was that because I got him young and he got used to me or is it just his nature? Not sure......
What Cainschams said in his post is absolutely spot on about handling chams
