Can veiled chameleon ever get used to you?

[Ryugazaki]

I just got a veiled chameleon yesterday. He was very friendly at the pet store, but he leans away from me whenever I get near his cage. He is about a year and a half old and was handled every day at the pet store. The owner even took him out and allowed me to stroke his back lightly.

I have some experience with lizards, but this is my first chameleon. I have a Tokay gecko that I can handle (once I get him out of HIS territory, I can pick him up and hold him bare-handed without getting bit).

 

[brendan0923]

My chameleon hand feeds extremely well, to the point where he associates me with food ENTIRELY. He will shoot his tongue AT MY FACE and HANDS!!! Yet he his still somewhat difficult to handle. Whenever I reach into his territory without food, he gets kind of apprehensive, but I think he'll come around eventually. However, chameleons never really seem to 'enjoy' handling but rather have different levels of toleration. It just depends on the chameleon's personality, where it came from, etc.

 

[brendan0923]

I just got a veiled chameleon yesterday. He was very friendly at the pet store, but he leans away from me whenever I get near his cage. He is about a year and a half old and was handled every day at the pet store. The owner even took him out and allowed me to stroke his back lightly.

I have some experience with lizards, but this is my first chameleon. I have a Tokay gecko that I can handle (once I get him out of HIS territory, I can pick him up and hold him bare-handed without getting bit).

That's awesome! I had a tokay gecko as well, though he was extremely aggressive and I only handled him when cleaning his cage. But I think that if you're patient enough, especially if your chameleon has a calm disposition like that, you will probably be able to handle your chameleon. Sometimes it just takes a lot of patience.

 

[Montium]

Maybe Jann B will post. She has the calmest Cals I have ever seen.

 

[Ryugazaki]

Ok thanks! He's already getting better! He's not entirely sure about me still though.. I also haven't named him yet.. my family's coming up with rediculous names, so I just don't know.

For the tokay, (I may have said this in my previous message) I have to take him out of his tank with my hand wrapped in a towel. I then take him to our small bathroom because there isn't much stuff he can hide behind. I let him run around a bit and get used to me, and as he does, I move my hand towards him slowly. If he shows signs of aggression, I'll stop, but I still try to hold my ground. After a while of this, I sometimes touch his tail and he usually just moves it away from me, but I find it kind of funny. I try not to freak him out and usually don't keep him out of his tank too long (15-25min usually), and you have to go slow--if you rush and grab him you'll scare him and he'll probably bite. I've gotten bit several times, but I don't give up

 

[Montium]

Better you than me lol. I love Tokays but they can deliver a pretty good bite. I have seen a few hand tame ones at some shows and they command a pretty good price.

 

[Ryugazaki]

Mine's still pretty little They do? I'm planning on selling him but my dad may be interested.

 

[Ryugazaki]

How much would they sell for? Along with a set-up terrarium, lights, and humidifier?

 

[Jesse brooks]

why

why would my chameleon be afraid and hiss at me when i open op the cage, is it normal

 

[Ryugazaki]

He's probably just scared of you. I'd let him get used to your presence until he stops. I just got a chameleon myself, so I could be wrong, but I have experience with other reptiles--one even less human-friendly. Mine used to lean away from me if I got near the cage, but now- a week later- he pretty much ignores me other than glancing over at me every few seconds. You just have to let him get used to you.

 

[PocketOwl]

Jimmy!

Newbie! Hey!

I bought a young male Yemen (8 months) at Christmas and he's just the sweetest thing! he loves spending time out of his cage, he comes to the glass and runs onto your hand and up your arm, he'll sit on your shoulder for hours and loves being handled and gently stroked...After reading previous comments, is this unusual?

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