Eyes Open At ALL Times?

Tigger92

Tigger92

New Member
Hello again! I was just spending time rereading everything preparing myself for a decision to purchase a chameleon or not and came across this. Apparently their eyes should be open at all times. Are there exceptions to this? At the expo I held a cham and one of his eyes would close while petting him. Is that normal? His eye would open once I stopped or moved my arm that he was perched on. What about naps? Say you're on the couch and have a strong bond with your cham. And you start petting and they start to doze off? Does that happen? Thanks for all your help <3
 
Tigger92 said:
Hello again! I was just spending time rereading everything preparing myself for a decision to purchase a chameleon or not and came across this. Apparently their eyes should be open at all times. Are there exceptions to this? At the expo I held a cham and one of his eyes would close while petting him. Is that normal? His eye would open once I stopped or moved my arm that he was perched on. What about naps? Say you're on the couch and have a strong bond with your cham. And you start petting and they start to doze off? Does that happen? Thanks for all your help <3
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99 times out of a 100 from what I have experienced and learned from these forums your future chameleon will never fall asleep while you pet him. He probably won't even want you to pet him. They are naturally solitary animals and still wild and primal. They do blink and will blink as you pet them just like you would if a stranger reached to pet your head. Usually unless you have that one out of a hundred messing with them at all will stress them and ultimately lead to an earlier death than if left alone and watched from a distance. And they sleep with there eyes closed
 
Tigger92 said:
Hello again! I was just spending time rereading everything preparing myself for a decision to purchase a chameleon or not and came across this. Apparently their eyes should be open at all times. Are there exceptions to this? At the expo I held a cham and one of his eyes would close while petting him. Is that normal? His eye would open once I stopped or moved my arm that he was perched on. What about naps? Say you're on the couch and have a strong bond with your cham. And you start petting and they start to doze off? Does that happen? Thanks for all your help <3
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Chams don't develop a bond with anything. No maternal instincts. No pair bonding. Why would you think they would suddenly bond with a predator?

They are not poodles.

Some tolerate handling better than others. Any "bonding" you read about is all a one-way street--it's about the owner. Are there some special owners who manage to be so observant that they are able to develop some sort of a relationship with their chameleon that is fulfilling to both? Sure, but that is incredibly rare and requires a particularly sensitive owner.

There are a million reasons why a chameleon might close it's eyes while you were handling it, none of it good.

I have a new adult wild caught female that was imported the first week of June so she has been in captivity 3 months at most. I don't do anything with her other than feed her and service her cage. She learned that I am the bringer of food. When I appear in front of her cage, she comes out from in her bushes right to the front looking for food. She will look right up into my face, waiting for food. I noticed she looks like she might be gravid. She lets me reach in and touch her belly feeling for eggs without running away or being held. Is he tame? No. She has just learned that I bring her things she wants. Does she like me? No--she isn't capable of forming that kind of an emotion (if they form no relationships with their young or their mates, why would anyone think they are capable of forming a relationship with another species?) That doesn't mean she isn't endearing, entertaining and I enjoy her to bits, but it really is important to be realistic about what these animals are capable of.
 
jajeanpierre said:
Chams don't develop a bond with anything. No maternal instincts. No pair bonding. Why would you think they would suddenly bond with a predator?

They are not poodles.

Some tolerate handling better than others. Any "bonding" you read about is all a one-way street--it's about the owner. Are there some special owners who manage to be so observant that they are able to develop some sort of a relationship with their chameleon that is fulfilling to both? Sure, but that is incredibly rare and requires a particularly sensitive owner.

There are a million reasons why a chameleon might close it's eyes while you were handling it, none of it good.

I have a new adult wild caught female that was imported the first week of June so she has been in captivity 3 months at most. I don't do anything with her other than feed her and service her cage. She learned that I am the bringer of food. When I appear in front of her cage, she comes out from in her bushes right to the front looking for food. She will look right up into my face, waiting for food. I noticed she looks like she might be gravid. She lets me reach in and touch her belly feeling for eggs without running away or being held. Is he tame? No. She has just learned that I bring her things she wants. Does she like me? No--she isn't capable of forming that kind of an emotion (if they form no relationships with their young or their mates, why would anyone think they are capable of forming a relationship with another species?) That doesn't mean she isn't endearing, entertaining and I enjoy her to bits, but it really is important to be realistic about what these animals are capable of.
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Well put :D
 
The bonding thing that everyone is talking about is pretty much true. But with the right amount of proper holding and attention this bond your speaking of is more of a trust type situation. Initially just out of natural instinct they just assume that every thing that's bigger than them is going to eat or kill them. But in captivity you can make that natural fear pretty much go away. You might think you guys are bonding but really all that's going on is your building trust. Which is fantastic!!
They will not cuddle up to you and fall asleep. If you experience something like this it's not normal.
Once they wake up in the morning there eyes should stay open until lights out.
 
What @jajeanpierre said is SPOT ON. I have had my male veiled chameleon for a few months now. He also knows that I am the bringer of food and will tolerate me because of that. I like to fancy myself as someone who is very in tune with animals, and am able to bond with them quickly (I've been rescuing for years so that helps.) BUT these creatures are completely different. As someone said above the most you will likely get is trust, which is GREAT, but that is in no way a bond.. nor is it guaranteed. When my guy does come out of his enclosure into my hand, to get a once over (so I can make sure everything is okay with him) or so we can take a trip outside for some natural light, he appears to calm down but in reality I am sure he is quite nervous, and as I was once told on this forum, he is probably just waiting for me to eat him. Haha. It is true that most chameleons will become very stressed with continual handling and if you are seeking that type of relationship with an animal, I would advice (very nicely) to look elsewhere. Especially if you are seeking a mutual bond. There are even other types of reptiles that "enjoy" handling a great deal more than chameleons. (Just some food for thought.)

And if you are set on getting a chameleon I would advise (and this is just my opinion) to keep the handling to a minimum - mainly to check and make sure everything is okay, to move them to get some natural sunlight, etc. I do think building trust with the animal is very important, and they should be able to tolerate SOME MINIMAL HANDLING just to ensure that you are able to properly identify if something is wrong or to be able to retrieve them from their enclosure swiftly should they ever need medical attention. They are truly amazing little creatures who much prefer to be marveled at from afar.

I do think it is so great that you are here asking questions and researching chameleons prior to getting one as a pet. So many people impulse purchase animals and they get in over their head and the animal suffers. I commend you for taking the time to do your research in order to make an informed decision about whether or not you are ready to own one of these magnificent creatures. :)
 
In no way shape or form did I consider a cham to be like a poodle. Really? I'm not stupid. I do believe there are cases that wild animals can bond with someone. I know a guy who runs a rescue for wild animals and has very close bonds with his tigers, monkeys, bears, and foxes and the many more wild animals he has. Now you can't walk into the wild and expect them to come cuddling. It takes lots of work and patience and not every animal is willing to bond. Yes they may want to eat you alive. I ask for help and advice; not to be make fun of and ridiculed. I don't have a cham but I had a friend whos bearded dragon would close his eyes while laying on you if you pet his favorite spot on him. That's the only reason I asked. There have been people who private messaged me about their bonding with their cham and they said it's only happened to a couple of their chams. Bonding still happens even if it's not like a poodle jumping into your lap.
 
kimmytheriault said:
What @jajeanpierre said is SPOT ON. I have had my male veiled chameleon for a few months now. He also knows that I am the bringer of food and will tolerate me because of that. I like to fancy myself as someone who is very in tune with animals, and am able to bond with them quickly (I've been rescuing for years so that helps.) BUT these creatures are completely different. As someone said above the most you will likely get is trust, which is GREAT, but that is in no way a bond.. nor is it guaranteed. When my guy does come out of his enclosure into my hand, to get a once over (so I can make sure everything is okay with him) or so we can take a trip outside for some natural light, he appears to calm down but in reality I am sure he is quite nervous, and as I was once told on this forum, he is probably just waiting for me to eat him. Haha. It is true that most chameleons will become very stressed with continual handling and if you are seeking that type of relationship with an animal, I would advice (very nicely) to look elsewhere. Especially if you are seeking a mutual bond. There are even other types of reptiles that "enjoy" handling a great deal more than chameleons. (Just some food for thought.)

And if you are set on getting a chameleon I would advise (and this is just my opinion) to keep the handling to a minimum - mainly to check and make sure everything is okay, to move them to get some natural sunlight, etc. I do think building trust with the animal is very important, and they should be able to tolerate SOME MINIMAL HANDLING just to ensure that you are able to properly identify if something is wrong or to be able to retrieve them from their enclosure swiftly should they ever need medical attention. They are truly amazing little creatures who much prefer to be marveled at from afar.

I do think it is so great that you are here asking questions and researching chameleons prior to getting one as a pet. So many people impulse purchase animals and they get in over their head and the animal suffers. I commend you for taking the time to do your research in order to make an informed decision about whether or not you are ready to own one of these magnificent creatures. :)
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Thank you. I was replying before I saw this lol. I'm a hands on person so these potentially may not be for me. But even if i wanted one right this minute I don't have the funds. I will keep asking questions and doing research.
 
If your willing to spend 700 to 1000 dollars on his setup and settle for trust rather than love (i think mine secretly hates me personally, he's just a cranky hermit) than I think you should be OK with all your trying to learn before committing. But they do learn quickly who feeds them. All these pics were less then a minute apart. Almost got the pic of his tongue extended ugh ( should have used my burst feature on my phone dang it)
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Tigger92 said:
In no way shape or form did I consider a cham to be like a poodle. Really? I'm not stupid. I do believe there are cases that wild animals can bond with someone. I know a guy who runs a rescue for wild animals and has very close bonds with his tigers, monkeys, bears, and foxes and the many more wild animals he has. Now you can't walk into the wild and expect them to come cuddling. It takes lots of work and patience and not every animal is willing to bond. Yes they may want to eat you alive. I ask for help and advice; not to be make fun of and ridiculed. I don't have a cham but I had a friend whos bearded dragon would close his eyes while laying on you if you pet his favorite spot on him. That's the only reason I asked. There have been people who private messaged me about their bonding with their cham and they said it's only happened to a couple of their chams. Bonding still happens even if it's not like a poodle jumping into your lap.
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As far as the Cham at the expo closing his eye when you are petting it, that was a fear response. If someone was patting your head your first reaction would probably be to close your eyes and tilt your head away. Like others have said, some will learn to tolerate you other won't. My panther I have currently literally hates my guts but will take food out of my hand if I'm patient enough. I've had others that allowed me to get them out. But sitting on the couch hanging out isn't A good idea even if they tolerate you.

I also have a bearded dragon. She is awesome and does love to hang out with me. She hangs on my shoulder when giving out candy on Halloween, she runs around the room when I'm working on stuff, and she will just chill on my leg while watching TV and before long she's made her way to my neck under my hair. I've also noticed that if I can't get her out much, say for a couple of days, she almost acts depressed. She is much more active and alert when she's had time to hang out.

Asking these questions is great. I started with a bearded dragon for a few years before adding my a chameleon. Totally different lizards with totally different personalities. Good luck on making your decision. There is also a bearded dragon forum that I am a part of. It's not as active but there are great people there. beardeddragon.org
Check them out too.
 
Tigger92 said:
In no way shape or form did I consider a cham to be like a poodle. Really? I'm not stupid. I do believe there are cases that wild animals can bond with someone. I know a guy who runs a rescue for wild animals and has very close bonds with his tigers, monkeys, bears, and foxes and the many more wild animals he has. Now you can't walk into the wild and expect them to come cuddling. It takes lots of work and patience and not every animal is willing to bond. Yes they may want to eat you alive. I ask for help and advice; not to be make fun of and ridiculed. I don't have a cham but I had a friend whos bearded dragon would close his eyes while laying on you if you pet his favorite spot on him. That's the only reason I asked. There have been people who private messaged me about their bonding with their cham and they said it's only happened to a couple of their chams. Bonding still happens even if it's not like a poodle jumping into your lap.
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You missed my point. It is not a case of "wildness" but more of a the natural history of the species. A wild mammal that nurtures its young can form a bond with a human. Their species' survival is dependent on them forming a bond (with their young). Not so with a chameleon. They mate, they lay their eggs and that is the end of their relationship with their own kind. They don't "bond." They are not mammals.

A bearded dragon is not a chameleon. You cannot compare a bearded dragon to a chameleon any more than you can compare a parrot to a hummingbird. Or a human to a rat. They are different species with different everything.

Your original post as well as this one suggests you think a "bond" is a likely outcome when you have a chameleon.

One other thing that is not talked about much on these forums is the life expectancy/illness of chameleons that supposedly enjoy handling. It is not good.
 
I don't know. Some of this stuff I agree and disagree with. I agree that they are not like poodles, you can't just take your chameleon and assume he'll Netflix and chill with you. But I do think you can have a certain type of bond with them if you're patient enough. For example my chameleon, on some days, I turn on his light and go back to sleep, when I wake up again and he notices he goes to the front of the cage and stands up to try to push the gate open letting me know he wants out. Or if we are outside or anywhere in the house and someone or something he feels unsure about comes near him he'll walk back towards me until he feels okay again. I don't know maybe it is me just being a human and putting a bond to something, BUT I think you do form some sort of bond with your chameleon it just depends on your personal outlook on them/the personality of the chameleon.
 
CharlieCharmingo said:
I don't know maybe it is me just being a human and putting a bond to something,
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I think this too, he's not forming a bond with you... He just knows you're no harm and uses you for the advantages you bring like food, time outside and protection...
Because of this behaviour people will start thinking it's a bond but when you go on Holliday for a month he will not care, he will not miss you, he will not come to you wiggling his tail when you return.

Face it we're all just being used... Used by our chameleons and we like it.
 
Remkon said:
I think this too, he's not forming a bond with you... He just knows you're no harm and uses you for the advantages you bring like food, time outside and protection...
Because of this behaviour people will start thinking it's a bond but when you go on Holliday for a month he will not care, he will not miss you, he will not come to you wiggling his tail when you return.

Face it we're all just being used... Used by our chameleons and we like it.
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Used and abused by the ones we love sigh
 
Tigger92 said:
Hello again! I was just spending time rereading everything preparing myself for a decision to purchase a chameleon or not and came across this. Apparently their eyes should be open at all times. Are there exceptions to this? At the expo I held a cham and one of his eyes would close while petting him. Is that normal? His eye would open once I stopped or moved my arm that he was perched on. What about naps? Say you're on the couch and have a strong bond with your cham. And you start petting and they start to doze off? Does that happen? Thanks for all your help <3
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Lol where did u hear this ? Lol Of course they close their eyes especially when they're eating, sleeping ,getting misted ,fighting ,mating ,etc.
 
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