training to be handled, have to figure this out the right way

[cacmang42]

Okay so first question, Is it too late? Is it true that in a cham's case you can't teach an old dog new tricks? I don't want to miss my opportunity here. My panther chameleon is 5months old and I have NEVER handled him. He's still afraid of my hand and I have never done anything threatening I always try and portray my hand to him as to only having passive behaviors.

A couple weeks ago I attempted to handle him, he was sitting on a branch right by the door and i slowly (I mean VERY SLOWLY) got my hand really close to his face. Then, I ran a finger under his chin, and slowly pushed it under his body, his front two legs grabbed on to me but then he just got off and went to go hide in the back of the cage.

I'm scared that I'm losing my opportunity. I want my Riley to be friendly because I love him a lot and I put so much work in to have his life as comfortable as possible.

I've tried hand feeding so many times with mealworms of my hand, once I take it off my hand and put it on the cage he doesn't even hesitate and goes right for it.

Please someone help me I really want to do this right and it means so much to me

 

[mbondy]

A couple weeks ago I attempted to handle him, he was sitting on a branch right by the door and i slowly (I mean VERY SLOWLY) got my hand really close to his face. Then, I ran a finger under his chin, and slowly pushed it under his body, his front two legs grabbed on to me but then he just got off and went to go hide in the back of the cage.

This is good news! He could have tried to bite you or gape at you. I don't believe you can't teach an old dog new tricks, you can definitely try to get your chameleon friendlier no matter their age. It really just depends on their own temperament. I'd try to hand feed him. When I first got my panther he was afraid of me too but ate from my hand and now he even eats from a cup while he's in my hand. Just keep working on hand feeding, it'll take lots of time but dedication and patience I'm sure you can see he won't be as afraid of you. Good luck!

 

[cacmang42]

thank you for your response. But I do have a question, how should I try hand feeding him?

What I try to do is everyday (more like a couple times a week) before I throw all the crickets into his cage for feeding, I put a mealworm in my hand and try and see if he'll go for it. and he knows he likes them because I cup feed them to him as treats.

If I did this everyday would it be a good method? Or is there a better way?

 

[mbondy]

I would limit the amount of mealworms you give him as they aren't really all that good for him anyways, so a few mealworms every month or so. So not everyday. Unfortunately, at 5 months old, depending on his size there isn't too much you can buy him besides crickets that are small enough. Unless you order silkworms or something like that.

I do the same thing, just put the worm on my hand. I find worms are irresistable to my guys. Just takes a lot of patience.

 

[Carlton]

No it's not too late. Even an adult wc cham can learn to trust a human, but they really are individual. A cbb cham has the advantage of growing up around human activity, but some just decide they won't tolerate handling. A cham's main approach to staying safe is to be suspicious and secretive. A feeder you hold out to him may not be recognizable as a safe food until he tries it and doesn't end up dying . It is not "natural" for them to tolerate being touched and held by a huge odd looking hairy thing (that shows different colors and patterns every day) that might be a predator. Chams need time to decide you are not a threat (they are not fast or willing learners after all). A tip...putting your hand at eye level or over his head or back is a threatening gesture. Approach him a little lower and never pick him up around the body, at least until he knows you won't hurt him.

 

[cacmang42]

Yes I know that, but after I'm done, (because he'll never eat it off my hand) I just put it back on the cup and back in the fridge. I'll never give him more than 2 or 3 every week and on average he'll get less than 1 a week. Next time I get worms I am getting silkworms though.

thank you very much for all your help I think I got the idea now

 

[cacmang42]

I would limit the amount of mealworms you give him as they aren't really all that good for him anyways, so a few mealworms every month or so. So not everyday. Unfortunately, at 5 months old, depending on his size there isn't too much you can buy him besides crickets that are small enough. Unless you order silkworms or something like that.

I do the same thing, just put the worm on my hand. I find worms are irresistable to my guys. Just takes a lot of patience.

Yes I know that, but after I'm done, (because he'll never eat it off my hand) I just put it back on the cup and back in the fridge. I'll never give him more than 2 or 3 every week and on average he'll get less than 1 a week. Next time I get worms I am getting silkworms though.

thank you very much for all your help I think I got the idea now

 

[cacmang42]

Thank you for the tips Carlton

 

[Psychodrake]

A couple weeks ago I attempted to handle him, he was sitting on a branch right by the door and i slowly (I mean VERY SLOWLY) got my hand really close to his face. Then, I ran a finger under his chin, and slowly pushed it under his body, his front two legs grabbed on to me but then he just got off and went to go hide in the back of the cage.

When your hand is under him (And 2 feet are on your hand), lift upward gently. This is what I do with my 5 month old panther. If you leave it too long, he will possibly make a break for it, but if you lift gently, he'll climb up and walk up your arm. If you can manage that, try feeding him or taking him out for some sun and hopefully he will eventually see your hands as a positive.

I tend to handle my guy for less than 30 seconds at a time, 2-3 times a week, and put him back exactly where I got him. Sometimes I'll take him outside for sun but decent weather is rare here.

 

[cacmang42]

thank you for that tip pyscho drake. If i get another opportunity I don't want to mess it up so tips like that really help.

its funny too cause I got so nervous when I tried to pick him up and I was thinking I might have gotten more stressed out than him