Why does my chameleon hate me?

[MDALE90]

I have had my veiled yemen chameleon at week now, but whenever I put my hand new her she instantly goes really dark and blacks stripes and spots appear all over her and she tries to like Headbutt my hand away with the side of her head...is this normal? Do you have any ideas how to improve how she is with me or does she just need time?

Thank you.

 

[jmwhitel]

My last chameleon was a female veiled, and she did the same thing. Very cage aggressive, but much more tame when out of "her world". This is normal. Over time, she began to warm up to me.

The quickest way to a chameleons heart is through their stomach. Try to make sure when she sees your hand its because you are feeding her, and not trying to grab her, or get her out of the cage. Over time they will associate your hand with food. Then eventually you can get them to eat out of your hand. My female would never walk onto my hand, but she at least got to where she wouldn't hiss and gape. Most important rule with chams.....BE PATIENT

Very tough rule to follow at times

 

[nick barta]

She thinks you are going to eat her…you are huge, and at this point an unknown potential predator.

Some chams will be comfortable walking on you, some will tolerate you in their habitat to clean, and some will always be aggressive.

They don't love/hate/like us anymore than if we were a new branch being put in their environment.

Give it time, and when you NEED* to take her out of her secure home, place one hand palm down in front of her front feet, and gently touch her back with the other hand, letting her climb onto you.

*NEED=Medical issue, changing the cage furnishings.

Nick