Taming problems

[Seffers93]

Hey guys,
I'm trying to tame my veiled chameleon. He's just a few months old and very grouchy. I haven't handled him since I put him in his new cage just a few weeks ago.
I've got him to where he'll take crickets from my fingers without hesitation. Now, I've been leaving his cage door open, allowing him to come out and roam if he wants to. He's starting to come out much more than he use to.
So my question..
I usually let him roam around until he goes back in his cage. But, how do I get him back in his cage if I need to? He won't climb on my hand yet and I don't want to pick him up and stress him out. Any ideas?
And another thing..
Does anyone have any tips on how to assure him that it's okay to climb onto my hand? I would really appreciate some advice!!
Thanks guys!

 

[squeekz1992]

If you have to put him away pick him up. There isn't really a way around it.

I handle my cham even when he's being a butt, and he loves me.

You just have to move slowly and give treats and rub under his chin or on his casque.

Today Kuzco tried to bite me, and that didn't fly so I took him out even though he was being "territorial" and he straightened up. It depends on you and your cham. I have had to of the friendliest chams because I don't let them be "top dog" Others on here will disagree, but it works for me so again its all really up to you

 

[Carlton]

Hey guys,
I'm trying to tame my veiled chameleon. He's just a few months old and very grouchy. I haven't handled him since I put him in his new cage just a few weeks ago.
I've got him to where he'll take crickets from my fingers without hesitation. Now, I've been leaving his cage door open, allowing him to come out and roam if he wants to. He's starting to come out much more than he use to.
So my question..
I usually let him roam around until he goes back in his cage. But, how do I get him back in his cage if I need to? He won't climb on my hand yet and I don't want to pick him up and stress him out. Any ideas?
And another thing..
Does anyone have any tips on how to assure him that it's okay to climb onto my hand? I would really appreciate some advice!!
Thanks guys!

At first, herd him onto a stick (one with a rough surface so he can cling to it easily) and use that to transport him to his cage. You can gradually coax him from stick to your hand if you want. He may or may not respond. If you really do have to pick him up by hand, guide him toward one hand by moving the other behind his rear legs and tail. Don't come down on him from above as much as you can. Don't pick him up by the body (that's the predator grab!).

Some chams never get used to hands, others do. Kind of hard to predict. I suspect that once you've done the transfer from free range to cage and back he'll learn that being moved between two familiar places is OK.

If he is just determined to be a PITA you can always turn off lights and let him get cool (less reactive) before picking him up.