I've had my female baby veiled chameleon for about 5 months and for the first time she's starting to get sassy. Before now she never hissed at me and didn't puff up or get at all angry with handling. I've been handling her less the past month because I've been very busy. I read that hand feeding can help bridge a bond/trust between you and your cham. Does anyone have advice on how to really start this process? I was wondering how you get crickets to stay in your hand long enough that your cham will go for them. Should I just try mealworms since they're less mobile? Also does anyone have any tricks that would also help my cham tolerate handling again? Thanks!
Advice on Hand Feeding
- Thread starter spharrin
- Start date
Adman
New Member
You've had her for 5 months, but how old was she before you got her? It's entirely possible that she's producing eggs, and in my experience females get quite pissy when they're in that condition, which may explain her shift in attitude in recent weeks. I may be wrong, but it's just a thought that came to me when I read your post and how old she is/might be.
In regards to hand feeding, it's hard to keep a cricket/locust in your hand without holding it by the actual "hopping legs", so it's probably better to use something less mobile, mealworms would be an easier choice indeed.
ChamDE86
Avid Member
Veiled chameleons in general are pretty aggressive. Superworms/mealworms are perfect for hand feeding as they wiggle a lot when you hold them by the tail. My Ambilobe goes crazy for them. Patience is definitely the key here to success, but you also have to accept that some chameleons may never hand feed. Good luck.
Adman
New Member
Yeah, my first veiled was a frequent hand-feeder, but my new little guy isn't really into it, he's taken a few crickets from me but he definitely doesn't do it often, although I have only had him for three weeks.
Blink
New Member
You can hand feed crickets, but I wouldn't count on them just sitting on you hand. You could hold them by their legs or with tongs or something, but I find that it is much easier to hand feed worms. They especially go for superworms in particular... 
... at least mine does. I know that not all chameleons are the same, but my chameleon will crawl onto my hand to eat his breakfast. If she will go for it, it's great positive reinforcement. Younger chams are typically more tolerant of handling than when they get older. You may simply have to accept that you will not be able to handle her often. If she does not want to be handle you should not push it and stress her out.
... at least mine does. I know that not all chameleons are the same, but my chameleon will crawl onto my hand to eat his breakfast. If she will go for it, it's great positive reinforcement. Younger chams are typically more tolerant of handling than when they get older. You may simply have to accept that you will not be able to handle her often. If she does not want to be handle you should not push it and stress her out.She was only a month old when I got her and she isn't showing any blue around her ovaries so I dont think that that is it. Thanks for the advice!
One trick is to steady your hand against the side of the cage, branch, etc. They can be leery of your hand movement.
CHEERS!
Nick
CHEERS!
Nick
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