One way or the other...

[Jammonlee]

So, I know handling is not the best for chameleons. I try not to handle Waldo at all....BUT

...recently, Ive been picking him up out of his cage, especially after reading all the threads on natural sunlight and behavior. I'll come home and pick Waldo up and sit on the back porch with him as he basks in the 8am 78-85 degree sunlight. I've been doing it the passed 3 days I've been off, today, monday, and on saturday. I spend about 20-25 minutes outside with him and then put him back into his cage. I've noticed his appetite has gone up since the time outside.

So, my question is....pro's vs. cons. Is it better to leave him peacefully in his cage and not get the outside light, or is it better to handle him, get him some natural UV and put him back watching him eat better. He's healthy either way, he isn't frightened, turning black, or hissing when i get him. He does, however, get excited when I put him back and runs to the vines and goes and hides.

i feel as if im doing good by doing this handling and getting sunlight, but I want to make sure Im doing more good then harm

 

[DeviousMike]

Ever consider an outdoor cage for sunning? That way your interactions are less with him and he gets the benefits of natural sunlight. They may tolerate human interaction but sometimes its hard for humans to understand that what we preceive as some kind of bond is not the same thing for a reptile. They may not show signs, but it can still put stress on them regardless. Many will swear that their chams loved to be handled but reptiles are just not wired to "love".

 

[Jammonlee]

I have considered, and I've looked at DIY's website and plan to buy one of their larger cages, but having spent so much money recently into his current enclosure, it may be awhile before I can dish out extra for some outside equipment.

That, and I'm still contemplating space as my back "porch" is only a small deck (barely fits a lawn chair) with some steps into the yard. I want to keep him off the yard and within easy sight due to the Texas pests.

If I only plan to keep him out in his outdoor cage for an hour and bring him in before the heat reaches 85, is misting still a concern? I have three small children running around and I'm a single parent, so keeping an eye on him outdoors shouldnt always be a problem, but there will be times when I can not pay him attention outside.

 

[DavidBuchan]

It is possible for stress to be invisible to us, but really, if he seems comfortable and is eating better I wouldn't worry. It likely will just make him more used to being handled. It certainly sounds like its doing more good than harm......
Outside cage is a good idea though so you can leave him longer too (make sure it's totally secure and keep checking anyway of course, not that I need to tell a parent that.....) You can use just a big plastic laundry basket - mine cost £2 and has a half brick to weigh the top down......
If it's only for an hour then don't worry about misting outside ( I sometimes have mine outside for a few hours on hot sunny days, and mist then but we get less sun here)

 

[Jammonlee]

think i may fork out the money for a DIY cage, small if its cost effective and purchase a hibiscus and a few vines to put in it for outside only. Should be able to water the plant and maybe mist a few times while he's out there. As far as shade, is one plant good enough or should I cover a portion of the cage to block the sun?

Would really like to keep his appetite up. The nearly 6 months Ive had him, I've never WITNESSED his appetite so healthy until he started to get some natural sunlight. I always talk about how small he seems and no colors showing. maybe this will advance him a little bit

 

[SonTigerPantherCham]

Get him out, get him out, get him out!!
Its true, some don't want anything to do with us. But if yours is willing (and I know you would know the difference) let him enjoy the real sun! It is sooo much better for them. Physically and mentally. And you will see his colors get brighter as well.
Enjoy the outside time together, I do everyday with all mine

 

[DeviousMike]

There are portable, collapsible cages that are fairly cheap and work well for sessions outside if you are looking into something a little more cost effective. Throw in some sticks, vines, and some foliage and you got a cheap alternative to getting a full on screen cage.

Handling frequency is such a big debatable issue. I figure that it would be beneficial for you to have that outdoor cage anyways so you can leave him unattended for long periods of time when the weather permits. I have brought my chams outside for short periods of time just handling them and sitting for a few minutes. But when I put them in an enclosure where I know they will be safe and just leaving them out to enjoy a good few hours of natural sun is even better.