why we cant be friend

[hyunho6]

I GOT MY CHAM(panther) like 3weeks ago and I want him to be nice he is 5month old and his shy and mad always and always hide or tryig to bit me
so can some one have Idea we can be friend?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
and his mad at shop too
I got him from winnipeg reptile

 

[Solid Snake]

Any animal should be apprehinsive to an extent. You will have to gain its trust, this will take time, same as with people. Even then he still may not like you...

Dont give the Chameleon any reason to feel unsafe around you, and Im sure he will eventualy relax...

 

[DavidBuchan]

Hmmm. Start with no sudden movements. Only gentle touching, be sure not to pull him around too much ( a little is needed sometimes) - try to push him onto your hand, and let him walk where he wants (onto your other hand, of course )
After a few minutes he should calm down, so enjoy that, and then put him back home........
Next time should be easier........

 

[DavidBuchan]

Try to hand feed some worms, too. Bribery does work sometimes......

 

[Carlton]

The first thing you need to realize is that chams are not naturally very friendly to a human. They start off seeing you as a potential threat. They are also territorial, and every time you open up the cage you are an intruder that either has to be driven away or hidden from. You aren't going to change a lot of this. Over time, with patience you can teach him that you are not a threat, but a source of good things like a favorite feeder treat. If you keep your daily cage chores to some sort of routine he'll learn to expect it and not worry so much. Keep as much to a regular schedule as you can. Chams like routine!

Some chams are more tolerant than others...and handling may or may not change this. If your cham just doesn't want anything to do with you you'll just have to accept him as a "look but no touch" display creature.

 

[DavidBuchan]

The first thing you need to realize is that chams are not naturally very friendly to a human. They start off seeing you as a potential threat. They are also territorial, and every time you open up the cage you are an intruder that either has to be driven away or hidden from. You aren't going to change a lot of this. Over time, with patience you can teach him that you are not a threat, but a source of good things like a favorite feeder treat. If you keep your daily cage chores to some sort of routine he'll learn to expect it and not worry so much. Keep as much to a regular schedule as you can. Chams like routine!

Some chams are more tolerant than others...and handling may or may not change this. If your cham just doesn't want anything to do with you you'll just have to accept him as a "look but no touch" display creature.

Aye, seconded, 100%
Routine, routine, routine.
Hope for tolerance, expect nothing! Feel lucky everytime they approach you........

 

[Chamifornia]

Hand feed him or throw food in everytime you open then cage so he associates you with food. It takes time as mentioned above. Fast movements trip them out also so move slow. My old WC veiled was the meanest mo fo out there but eventually I was able to hold him with him not biting. I honostly don't think they should be held for fun, only to be moved to their sun cages or somewhere for cleaning. Just my 2 cents

 

[DavidBuchan]

Hand feed him or throw food in everytime you open then cage so he associates you with food. It takes time as mentioned above. Fast movements trip them out also so move slow. My old WC veiled was the meanest mo fo out there but eventually I was able to hold him with him not biting. I honostly don't think they should be held for fun, only to be moved to their sun cages or somewhere for cleaning. Just my 2 cents

True that. But it still is fun, especially when they are babies and they just don't care.......

 

[Psychodrake]

Chameleons are solitary animals by nature, so yeah, you shouldn't go into it expecting him to like you. It's pure luck getting a docile or aggressive chameleon. I bought thick gloves just incase but my cham has ended up being quite docile.

It is possible to gain trust over time. Never make sudden movements around him, hand-feed to show him you're a good thing and not frightening, never force him onto your hand and give him his space.

 

[lisa h]

I'm pretty sure you already asked this, and the responses were similar. He had that temperament at the shop when you first saw him. The above recommendations will help him get more used to you, but chameleons are more a pet to look at than handle. They like their privacy and they like to be alone. They are not domesticated.

 

[Geckoxp]

Its the nature of the beast...Chams are not puppy dogs...they are solitary animals in which we have the pleasure of keeping in our habitat. They are to be respected and enjoyed. I can't say anyone here has had a cham be their best friend. I had a chilled out Nosy Be once that I regret giving up and Ambilobes that would come out and climb on my arm...but dont disturb them at night.

My veiled was the nightmare cham and didnt want anyone around him no matter what time of day or what was going on.

either way I enjoyed and respected my chams and provide to them what I hope is a healthy and (in cham terms) happy life.

 

[DavidBuchan]

You already asked this? How old are you? Is English your first language? Have you kept Chameleons or any lizards before?

 

[lisa h]

I GOT MY CHAM(panther) like 3weeks ago and I want him to be nice he is 5month old and his shy and mad always and always hide or tryig to bit me
and his mad at shop too
I got him from winnipeg reptile

Btw, there's no need to name the shop. I've seen the babies from this clutch from the time they were very little, and I saw the animal that you bought (as well as the mother). They were/are extremely healthy, well fed and hydrated, and I do hope that you are taking good care of him. The shop owner is very knowledgeable, and will help you if you ask. Did you get the right supplies for this chameleon?

 

[jmskittle13]

No worries!

I got my chameleon when he was much younger but I noticed the more i handled him the more and more he enjoyed it. I never smothered him I would just take him out everyday and let him get used to my scent by climbing on me. He is now just about 5 months and loves to come out of his cage and is no longer shy with any being that handles him. So he will eventually get used to you it just takes time and don't forget to give him lots of love!

p.s Lets go Jets!!