Starting to handle my cham. Any tips?

[gerrod85]

I have started to handle my 4 month old chameleon. I take him out of his cage about twice a week. He is very skittish though. Every time i pick him up he turns black. Will he ever grow out of this? Should i just leave him alone?

 

[AndrewWelch]

I too am starting to handle my little 4-5 month old veiled, he runs and hides from me too ! But, mine doesnt turn black, from what ive heard and seen when they turn black it means he is super pissed xD. Are you pulling him out of his cage, or letting him walk on your hand?

 

[Walter85]

Never approach him from overhead, and let him see your every move. Try to let him climb on your hand on his own as opposed to forcing him. Hand feeding also has helped me out some. Be patient....!

 

[gerrod85]

I don't really force him out of his cage, just persistently persuade him. Once he is on my hand i just let him go where he wants for the most part. I try not to let him climb up to my neck. I just keep him where i can see him.

 

[lindawaz]

sometimes using a branch for them to climb on, then move the branch slowly out when they are on it helps in the beginning since a big scary hand is not coming into their home.

 

[AndrewWelch]

Never approach him from overhead, and let him see your every move. Try to let him climb on your hand on his own as opposed to forcing him. Hand feeding also has helped me out some. Be patient....!

Yes, I am being very patient and I have noticed that whenever I get near him he wont run. Patients is the key with these little critters .

 

[Walter85]

Sounds like your doing good. Try offering him a treat when you approach him maybe a meal worm or a wax worm, that way he will be looking thrilled to see you. Just remember worms are only treats.

 

[AndrewWelch]

Sounds like your doing good. Try offering him a treat when you approach him maybe a meal worm or a wax worm, that way he will be looking thrilled to see you. Just remember worms are only treats.

I'll try that tomorrow when I go to put him on his free range plant .

 

[Walter85]

Good luck, let me know how that goes for you. Be patient it might take a few tries.

 

[melric]

Hand feeding seems to work too. Mine will get use to my hands being around when they have to eat from them.

 

[ChameleonNerd]

use their favorite food. superworms work for me. i get my girls' attention when she's hungry, and let her chase after the superworm, held in my hand. i keep it out of her tongue's reach, so she has to walk closer, and i let her walk on my hand to get it.

 

[gerrod85]

Thanks for everybody's input. I really like the hand feeding idea. I will definately post results from this little experiment. Thanks again!

 

[gerrod85]

Patients is a must! He seems to get more stressed as i try to hand feed him!

 

[Pilotman800]

The best ways to try and get your cham more tolerant of you are

Hand feeding
Cup feeding
Free ranging
And most importantly, interaction.

Even doing everything listed above doesn't mean your cham will tolerate you. Sometimes they never do.