Chameleon hits head on mirror

[taz_s_824]

Hi everyone,

I couldn't find a post regarding this on the forums. Sorry if there already is one.

My chameleon will often walk along the curtain rod and against that wall there are lights on a setting where you can see your reflection. He's been in this area many times but recently he's been "head-butted" his reflection. No gaping but he does inflate his gular.

I attached a video and pictures to better describe what I'm talking about. Hopefully you guys can see it.

I'm just concerned about what this means as I've never seen this behavior before. I've kept him away from there as I noticed there's a black dot on his upper lip of where he keeps hitting his head.

Thanks everyone in advance for the feedback.

 

[taz_s_824]

The video wouldn't upload. Here's a link.

https://ufile.io/81tp8

 

[Fireborn]

Well he seems to me like he's defending his territory from his reflection. And considering how his reflection doesn't back down when he puffs up he ups his game to head butts.

 

[Diana258]

Yep Fireborn is right, chameleons don't understand what is reflection so they think that it's another chameleon inventing his territory

 

[JlaPinska]

To him it's another lizard. Is there a way you can move it around so he doesnt pass by that spot?

 

[CJ's Exotics]

He is potentially stressing himself a lot. You should free range him elsewhere.

 

[kinyonga]

Personally I wouldn't be letting him climb on the light fixtures in the first place.

 

[taz_s_824]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I wasn't sure how harmful this behavior can be and didn't realize he may develop it over time even though he's been around that area multiple times. I have fixed up a free range elsewhere for him and kept him away from there that doesn't stress him our.