Not sure what to do now!

[Eppler]

I have a male veiled about three and a halve months old and I just moved him into his big cage. I think it was too soon because before I could get him out and he would resist a little but now when he sees me he tries to hid. He has been in it for over week now and I thought things were getting better but this morning he ran to the top back corner and snapped at me. He has never been aggressive before. I am thinking he needs to go back to his small cage and start over. I have a MistKing setup but I started to mist him by hand to ensure he got misted in his big cage around the same time so that could be it too. Maybe thinks I am going to spray him again. Hoping someone who has raised them for years knows how to deal with this problem.

 

[carol5208]

I wouldn't go switching cages again. You will probably just confuse him and stress him all the more. Give him some more time to acclemate to his new surroundings. Be patient!! Have you tried hand feeding him to gain his trust again? It might help. By the way, how big is the new cage we are talking about? I have had mine in an adult size cage since 4 1/2 mos of age.

 

[moviemanmania]

How big is the cage?

Male vields will become VERY territorial around their enclosure, because it is, after all, theirs and not yours. So you can imagine how one would snap at you if someone came creeping in to pick you up out of your home. Give him some more time to adjust and hand feedings as previously stated will help ease interaction between the two of you.

If you're trying to be able to handle him you will need to interact with him on a more open, unconfined basis. Put a plant right outside of his cage and allow him to start climbing on that. When you approach him on this outside plant he won't feel so territorial. Do some research on free ranging and how this effects their personality and handleability. You will be amazed at the stories you read.

 

[Eppler]

I have tried a couple of times and he just wanted to get away from me. I may try feed him when I get home from work so I know he will be hungry. His cage is 22”X32”X49” he has new vines a ficus tree, hibiscus tree and pathos fills the bottom.

 

[Eppler]

How big is the cage?

Male vields will become VERY territorial around their enclosure, because it is, after all, theirs and not yours. So you can imagine how one would snap at you if someone came creeping in to pick you up out of your home. Give him some more time to adjust and hand feedings as previously stated will help ease interaction between the two of you.

If you're trying to be able to handle him you will need to interact with him on a more open, unconfined basis. Put a plant right outside of his cage and allow him to start climbing on that. When you approach him on this outside plant he won't feel so territorial. Do some research on free ranging and how this effects their personality and handleability. You will be amazed at the stories you read.

I just set up a free range in the living room with a light stand for his lights this past weekend. He is relaxed on it but still gets ready to run when I get up. I do think free range will help because he will start at the back hiding and eventually moves up front and watches us. I really think me spraying him started this because two times I misted him while he was on my hand and I think that’s what did it. Should I continue to get him out or give him some time left alone?

 

[carol5208]

I would definitely take him out. My chameleon is alot happier outside of his cage than in!

 

[moviemanmania]

Put the cage and free range side by side so he can go in and out as he pleases.

 

[carol5208]

Put the cage and free range side by side so he can go in and out as he pleases.

good idea!!!

 

[Monzon]

*new to forum but not new to chameleons/reptiles/biology*

Maybe look at it this way: Old cage was an "unchallenged" territory for him. He felt safe. His new digs will put him on edge until he is convinced it is, indeed, his. Natural behaviors (that he is feisty is a sign of vigor, not a negative) are kicking in maybe not because he dislikes his new cage, but because he likes it and is willing to defend it. But it still takes time for him to reach an equilibrium between comfort and vigilance. I am of the philosophy that an occasional (rare and brief) challenge from a hand held mirror makes chams MORE confident in their setting. From their perspective, they challenged and won. Males of most species feel pretty good about themselves after these "little" victories. (would love to hear other views on this - both for and against)

That said, cage sanctuary with a safe free range component as stated above, is what I would do.

If he's healthy, he'll come back around to that curious mammal that is supplying food and water and doesn't attack him. He just has to work through his territory algorithms first. All theory of course......

 

[sandrachameleon]

I agree with much that has already been said.
He is clearly showing he doesnt want to be pproached or touched (perfectly normal behaviour) right now. This is probably largely due to being a little unsettled yet in his new territory. Give it time. Would also like to suggest that there's no real need to be touching him anyways. Chameleons are not generally animals that want human interaction (though some tolerate it better than others).

 

[Eppler]

I would definitely take him out. My chameleon is alot happier outside of his cage than in!

I can't free range all the time the cat will eventually discover he is here and would try to eat him.

 

[chameleon884]

I agree with much that has already been said.
He is clearly showing he doesnt want to be pproached or touched (perfectly normal behaviour) right now. This is probably largely due to being a little unsettled yet in his new territory. Give it time. Would also like to suggest that there's no real need to be touching him anyways. Chameleons are not generally animals that want human interaction (though some tolerate it better than others).

sandra is right. chameleons will often become stressed, unhappy, and a little grouch when you move them into a new cage. give him about 7 days give or take. he will eventually settle into his new home.