Ok may not have owned 100 of chams, even this species, but one area I DO have extensive experience on.. BEHAVIOR..
looking at the video, It looks like he is trying to get away from something,, how are the temps in his cage? also perhaps try blocking the view from the window for a day? perhaps something like a bird, cat etc has peeked in and is making him want to move away from it?
I agree he wants out, now the question is, wants to have contact or heck wants away from something?
he is avoiding the hands, I am not sure he is seeking contact with you on a behavioral standpoint.. "Sorry"
You did a nice job handling him, and offering him you hands.. He does look kind of stress colored to me, however I don't personally own this species, but the black coloration, but the BIG ONE.. the speed of movement and eye movements makes me think still looking for a safe area, more comfortable area..
Now, ok so? If he only does it when you approach? you could be the trigger, only as a option to get away from a not happy place.. they are quite intelligent animals, that is a older adult.. learning where the opening is and human presence equals escape is not to far a stretch.. Yes learned behavior, going back does NOT have a point of exit.. has not worked, but people, front do.. and a learned behavior chain.. In this case, the presence of the people is a trigger for a option..
Reptiles that feel safe secure, will react, watch, stuff outside of the cage for sure.. will stay still unless you invade that area.. Chams will bluff or frankly watch, stay still.. or just not take a offered hand.. IF they feel comfortable with the protection of the cage.. and not a threat..
This is a slow moving animal unless, hunting, chasing a mate, or fleeing.. Keep this in mind.. add coloration and the lack of movement to the mix.. complex animals behaviorally
May need to try a few things.. "If" the animal was seeking contact, one would expect one lighter colors, also going TO the person.. He is not doing so, and unlike most cages, yours has that little panel that he has to go down to and out.. I really think he may be really bothered by something in the cage or behind it.. and a learned association that "humans" equal a way to get away from that stress..
Now, If you had a go high not down out exit.. bet he take your hand in a instant.. but then would not be a clear wants contact, just a seeking escape higher ground.. this get people all the time.. the oh at the store he/she climbed on me.. now wants nothing to do with me whats wrong?" So your cage actually on a behavioral standpoint offers a clear option and example.. neat!
Now that I have said this, I don't think that you have DONE anything wrong, but and the video is VERY good,, But assessing it on a behavioral standpoint (a animal behavior geek speaking) Something is bothering him to offer this, I am thinking in the cage or placement.. and even though your presence is a trigger, not to oh I want to seek contact.. it is a indication that your presence is a less stressful option to what is bothering him.. so NOT all bad.. but not a animal oh people please pick me up situation.. don't take it personal.. its their nature.. the fact the animal is NOT fleeing humans shows at least a safer option.. trust me I have seen some who DO flee no matter what from humans in many different species...
Behaviorally however I don't think his primary motivation is for contact.. just escape..
as he is new.. I really lean to something bothering him in the cage, or outside.. and a learned option that you equal a way to relive this..
Also if new until he gets comfortable in general with his cage, and new environment.. if a Longer term captive, or CB animal lots of time to learn people = escape..
So look at stuff in the cage, outside (that window) block visual access and give LOTS of cover.. Hands off, no opening and letting out... let him settle in for a few weeks.. develop comfort with the cage and the safety it provides..
Hope this helps...
