kameelyenz
New Member
Hi there! I have a 5 month old Panther, and he used to shadow all the time just like yours. I have found a couple things that seem to help.
1. If you have a fake house plant or a safe live one, put it in front of the cage with the cage door open. He may be hesitant to climb out and onto it, so try leaving for a few hours. Once he's on the plant, go about doing your business at home like usual. He will learn that you don't intend to stare or pick him up every time you walk by, and having the additional space will probably make him feel more comfortable. Mine slept out there the first time I tried this, and in the morning crept back into his cage. I don't leave it open all the time, but it's a nice change for him every once in a while.
2. Hand feed or use tongs to feed him every day. This one is the most important as it teaches your chameleon to associate you with positive things and to not fear your hands as much. I use tongs, and he's learned that tongs mean food. I use crickets, pick them up by the leg or head, and offer them. He's gotten to the point where he climbs up the branches in excitement. Now I have begun holding the cricket out of his reach and placing my hand in front of him. If he wants to reach the cricket he has to climb onto my hand. At first he could get away with just putting one foot on my hand since I considered that progress.
Now he has to climb completely on (even that clingy little tail lol). He does a pretty good job, and is now much more comfortable. Continually progressing. Hope this helps!!
P.S. I also used these tactics effectively with a veiled!
1. If you have a fake house plant or a safe live one, put it in front of the cage with the cage door open. He may be hesitant to climb out and onto it, so try leaving for a few hours. Once he's on the plant, go about doing your business at home like usual. He will learn that you don't intend to stare or pick him up every time you walk by, and having the additional space will probably make him feel more comfortable. Mine slept out there the first time I tried this, and in the morning crept back into his cage. I don't leave it open all the time, but it's a nice change for him every once in a while.
2. Hand feed or use tongs to feed him every day. This one is the most important as it teaches your chameleon to associate you with positive things and to not fear your hands as much. I use tongs, and he's learned that tongs mean food. I use crickets, pick them up by the leg or head, and offer them. He's gotten to the point where he climbs up the branches in excitement. Now I have begun holding the cricket out of his reach and placing my hand in front of him. If he wants to reach the cricket he has to climb onto my hand. At first he could get away with just putting one foot on my hand since I considered that progress.
Now he has to climb completely on (even that clingy little tail lol). He does a pretty good job, and is now much more comfortable. Continually progressing. Hope this helps!!P.S. I also used these tactics effectively with a veiled!
