Nosy Faly Panther

[Nosyfaly]

Hello all. I am new to the fourm and chameleon Parenting so go easy on me. I have worked at petshops and have had experience with chameleons and i have reptiles my self but this is my first chameleon. He is a 5 month old male and has been nothing but nasty. Hissing and even biting. Ive only been able to really hold him once. I had him since early february and im almost giving up. Any advice? Please.

 

[jpowell86]

Don't give up on him, but don't force anything either. Having him for only a month is not near enough time for him to be settled in to the point of acceptance. I know there are pictures of everyone holding their chameleons and it makes your think...why won't mine be nice? Every chameleon is different and every chameleon has their own personality. I have a Nosy Faly named Durza. I refer to him all the time as Mr. Grumpy Pants or choice obscenities. I have quite a few chameleons and most are very calm animals, but Durza just does not like being handled, looked at, sharing his air....anything. I don't force him to change, I just accept him for how he is and try not to stress him.

Your guy is young and still very much in that defensive mode. That combined with being in a new place with a new owner equals the reactions you are seeing. Take your time with him and be patient. Hand feeding can help in the process of him not viewing your hand as something dangerous. But like I said before, some mellow out and some don't. Time is your key with a chameleon. Him seeing you on a daily basis and understanding that you are the big blob thing that brings delicious food and water will help ease his defensiveness around you.

He's very good looking by the way!

Welcome to the forums!

 

[reptileguy112]

Lots of chameleons just dont like people or anything else that moves that it cant eat.....over time it might get more established and used to you when it learns your its food source and maybe eventually he will hand feed which is great for bonding.

 

[Nosyfaly]

Yeah ive tried holding the food put for offerings, but he just looks at me. Ive only cared for a jacksons and a blind veild. This guy is certainly different for sure. Thank you jpowell, I feel a lot better. I own spiders and snakes, but this is my first home owned cham. I will not give up after reading that and he eats very well, just seems a bit timid of me. Hopefully, my luck will turn and he will be my best of friend .

 

[Nosyfaly]

Just an update. Jinx ate his first cricket out of my hand today. This is exciting. I feel like progress is being made !

 

[Nosyfaly]

Here he is

 

[pgr7]

Nice looking cham
Glad he's warming up to you.

 

[Nosyfaly]

Nice looking cham
Glad he's warming up to you.

Thanks ! This picture was taken right before he bit the crap out of me. But isnt he looking snazzy?!?! Lol. He is still weary of me but he gave me a chance today and i think i made progress

 

[pgr7]

Thanks ! This picture was taken right before he bit the crap out of me. But isnt he looking snazzy?!?! Lol. He is still weary of me but he gave me a chance today and i think i made progress

That's alright slow and steady will get it done right

 

[Nosyfaly]

My guy has gotten really big ! Haven't been on much but wanted to post a picture and get some input. I've purchased a hornworm and wanted to know if anyone has fed them as a snack before

 

[Damicofam6]

I have 2 chameleons, one is a 1 year old blue bar ambilobe that I got as a baby and he loves me. I can take him out whenever I want he even was climbing on my the first day i got him right after I took him out of the container he was shipped in. On the other hand I have a 2.5 year old nosy be (they are both males) and he is pretty mean. I just got him about a week ago so he isn't warmed up to me yet but I think eventually i can get him to be nicer. Just keep handfeeding to show that you aren't a threat and give him space when he says he want it and I think he will turn out nice and friendly

 

[Spyro]

I have a 10 month old male ambilobe and he took a good 2 months to warm up to me and not threaten to bite me when I picked him up. Now he wants to come out and sit on me. He no longer tries to bite or puffs up at me. Just have to give them some time. It'll usually work itself out.