Advice for handling?

[xraygirl]

Hey yall, I've had Chief since November 3rd, and he's coming around nicely. My question is handling... As far as the next step goes. Chief has no problems shooting horn worms or crickets out of my hand, he doesn't run away from my hand when I'm in his cage, if I move a little too quick he'll lean over a little bit. He's not hissed, or bitten me (yet, knock on wood). He's puffed up and opened his mouth at me twice, and has only shown his fired up colors once and it when I picked him up once. I'm definetly not trying to agitate him or pressure him. If he's near the front of his cage I'll rub his tail, foot or his side, just so he can feel me touching him and he doesn't react to it... I have taken him out a few times, by letting my fingers go under him... And letting him slowly work his feet on my hand. But once he's on me, he gets nervous, wants to run up my arm to my back and stay there. I keep his door open when I'm home to encourage him to come out, and he does sometimes... The only time I get him when he comes out when the door is open when he's making a b-line to his basking lamp fixture, cause I don't want him to get burned.

Should I keep going with what I'm doing? I surely hope he will be the type that wants to come out and enjoy some handling. If not, I won't be too heartbroken cause I know chams can be that way too

 

[foshizzle11]

Well we just got our first panther chameleon and he is about 4 months old. Still fairly young, and small.

He is healthy and happy and I take him out of his cage everyday to be handled so he can get used to it. I think the more you do it the more comfortable it will be.

So far he has only puffed up his neck a couple times but no biting or running away. I'll try to post some video tomorrow of him out of his cage.

 

[Rottsko]

My best advice and I'm sure you've heard this before...be patient. Hand feeding is a good way to get him to get used to you but time is also needed for him to get used to you. The meanest Cham I've had is Eli and he went through a grumpy phase. I've had him since he was hatched but it took a long time for him to come around and he's very friendly now. I gave it time and I had patience and it paid off.

 

[xraygirl]

Time will be the big thing... Which I knew... I definetly don't want to rush him. He's a year old, so who knows how he was handled before I came along. I hope he will be a more hand on guy, which in think he will get there at some point. He loves to shoot horn worms and crickets out of my hand... For now, I'll keep hand feeding him, and rubbing his cute little feet and tail ;-) I think he will come around... Patience is what I gotta keep reminding myself

 

[Reddishboy]

i agree that the key is patience. i'm slowly shaping Wiley (4mo. 'banja) to walk onto my left hand and eat out of my right hand. I started by showing a tasty feeder while sneaking my finger out like a branch (in front of Wiley and) then as soon as he put a foot on I'd offer the feeder close. He now fully climbs on my hand before I offer the feeder close. Then i'm planning to just extend daily, slowly the amount of time on my hand.

This is the only handling I do.. though i also sneak up and gently stroke the under side of his neck (is that weird?) when he's just hanging out on a perch as i mist the trees and orchids in his range

Good luck (and ample patience

 

[absolutbill]

Another thing to try is to carve out some spare time, pull up a chair by the cage, open the door, and just sit there reading. I'd avoid playing on your phone or tablet, because your fingers will be moving too quickly. But, if you just patiently sit there, and flip a page every once in awhile, it will be enough to arouse his curiousity. You are already 3/4 of the way there with him being comfortable enough with you.

Another idea is to get a fake tree, and tie a bendy vine to it. Then, open the cage and tie the other end to Chief's cage, creating a bridge for him to walk across and explore the new tree. Sit back, and let him explore without getting freaked out at the texture of your skin or shirt. Good luck!

 

[xraygirl]

Another idea is to get a fake tree, and tie a bendy vine to it. Then, open the cage and tie the other end to Chief's cage, creating a bridge for him to walk across and explore the new tree. Sit back, and let him explore without getting freaked out at the texture of your skin or shirt. Good luck!

I thought about trying that! Definetly going to now!

 

[FlChamMom]

I have two chams that are in no way afraid to jump on me but like most are not going to sit still on me- I am more the transportation to either free range or outdoor fun. I put their free range on my desk though, so that I can still feel like we are hanging out!

 

[Mijah139]

Try associating your hand with as many good things as possible. Hand feeding is great because he associates your hand with food! Try giving him a free range, even 1 small plant outside of his enclosure would be very exciting for the little guy to explore. Then he can associate your hand with freedom too. Some people have success misting their chams with warm water, if your guy enjoys a warm bath, theres another good experience to associate to you.
Now, I don't know how good the chameleon's sense of smell I, but for other reptiles, scenting their enclosure with your scent will make them a lot more comfortable around you. I haven't tried this with a cham, but maybe someone else can chime in and let us know if it sounds like a good idea.

 

[melble68]

I think if you are able to rub his side and rub his foot, you are on the right track. Regardless, it may take some time. Patience grass hopper. My little guy is not interested at all in watching tv with me. Some will never, some almost will cuddle. Its a lottery.