Chameleon Handling

[pixiemisa]

I have a friend who has had her veiled chameleon for at least 6 years now. It is a very friendly and sociable animal, loves to roam around the house, and basically has a temperament quite different from all that i have read about in care sheets online.

I am looking to get a veiled soon, and was just wondering: can early handling of chameleons lead to more comfortable handling later on, or is it only the a few, odd-duck chameleons that will actually enjoy being handled?

 

[Brad Ramsey]

Chances are it's an odd duck! but not alone, according to some others on this forum.
Certainly familiarity will have an effect on what any chameleon grows to feel comfortable with. This does not mean though that "early handling" will tame the beast.
They are all different with unique personalities.
Remember though, they are naturally not social and very independent and territorial.
I do not advocate excessive handling of these animals. I do believe that, most of the time, they would like to be left alone.

-Brad

 

[stevereecy]

I have a friend who has had her veiled chameleon for at least 6 years now. It is a very friendly and sociable animal, loves to roam around the house, and basically has a temperament quite different from all that i have read about in care sheets online.

I am looking to get a veiled soon, and was just wondering: can early handling of chameleons lead to more comfortable handling later on, or is it only the a few, odd-duck chameleons that will actually enjoy being handled?

Some of us think it makes them more tolerant (not enjoying), but since chams are so individualistic, its hard to prove. You'd almost need to use statistical analysis to figure that out.

 

[PardalisGirl]

They are individuals.........

They do seem to be very individual in their personalities. If you are intent on having something you can enjoy handling, I would not suggest a chameleon. I have enough of them that I've ended up with a few that will eagerly walk out on my hand or arm as soon as I open the cage door. They enjoy being out and interacting with me and the household. There are many more, however, that do not want any human touch other than hand feeding. Most will take food from my fingers but actual handling is a different thing. I personally believe in respecting their choice regarding to interaction. They have learned to trust me. They know that when I stick my hand in their cage to clean it, that I am not going to grab them. They just hang out and are not stressed by it. To me, this level of trust, is rewarding and personally satisfying. I've got a herd of cats to pet and cuddle with

 

[Jeweledchameleons]

They are individuals
but I believe that genetics can play a major roll in defining their personalities.
as does their environment.

YES early and proper handling of a young veiled
will lead to a relaxed animal open to being handled.

I believe that it's best for both the own and the pet to be able to
interact on this level vs having them scared and hiding in their cage.

Right now I've got a large cage full of baby veilds
I've been holding back on selling
none of them freak out when I pick them up and handle them.
their father is friendly and was easy to work with (elvis).

This will change when they're able to establish a territory to defend
but it's easy to modify their instincts to view you as "positive" in their world.
you just need to handle them and associate you with "good things"
ie. sunshine, eating, water/drinking and being outdoors.