New chameleon advice?

[KyleeCartel]

I have been researching and saving money for a baby male veiled for about 4 months now. Saturday, on my birthday, I finally got him! He was the last male available, and he was really small and skittish.

Once home, I added the extra deco to an already set up screen terrarium (16x16x30, yes I will upgrade to the 24x24x48 in a few months). He ate two crickets the first day, then 6 the day after. I have a tropical lighting kit with a random basking bulb and a 5.0 uvb bulb.

Currently, I have two basking spots, one a few inches from the top of the screen, staying at about 90-95 and one lower on some fake foliage which stays around 85 so he can place himself where he is most comfortable at that point. I mist 3 times daily, humidity stays at 50-70%. He is very healthy and active, and has an amazing appetite.

My only problem is the fact that he is sososo skittish. I made the mistake of letting my sister try to handle him, but I think she freaked him out a bit and he hasn't willingly come out of his cage since. He'll eat from tweezers and doesn't mind me adjusting things in the enclosure, but if I put my hand out for him to crawl on to, he careens away and walks in the opposite direction.

I want him to be more confident in me when he grows so I can take him outside for sun in my backyard (it's massive) and incase I need to quickly take him to the vet. Any tips to help me make him more comfortable? I think he's about 2-3 months old and I've had him for 3 days, haven't tried to handle him since putting him in initially and won't try to handle him for another week or two. I'm so excited to have him, he's an adorable chubby Cham who is lively and strong. Thanks for the help,
Kylee

 

[KyleeCartel]

I'll post some pictures tomorrow once he's had the day to chill in his cage while I'm at school. I think my phone freaks him out so I'll bribe him with crickets beforehand.

 

[reptileguy112]

Generally chameleons dont tolerate handling/socialization very well especially the first week or so. Just leave him alone for a few days (yes you will have to wait it out for the long run), and then try to hand feed for a few days or till he starts to accept the food and after he is comfortable eating from your hands for a couple of days then you can start to try and handle it a bit. If his tongue hits your finger, dont freak out. It happens probably every few days with mine it will miss the worm because it moved and its okay, do not jerk away if it happens unless you want to really damage it.

 

[KyleeCartel]

Thanks. I have no problem waiting a few weeks, I think he's equally interesting to watch and feed, I just want tips on how to get him familiar with me. Hand feeding was one option I read about, so I am doing that, there was something else about a tree in front of the open cage so he could come out on his own, anyways, anything is helpful!