grumpy Chamelon

[tishbaby]

I need help with our new chamelon because he's so grumpy and the kids and i are scared to touch him so we never pics him up. I was wondering if someone could help us with him that lives in the Long Beach area. Also, I'm willing to sell him and get another chamelon.

 

[jcarlsen]

I need help with our new chamelon because he's so grumpy and the kids and i are scared to touch him so we never pics him up. I was wondering if someone could help us with him that lives in the Long Beach area. Also, I'm willing to sell him and get another chamelon.

Chameleons are not necessarily creatures that will tolerate handling. Some will. You've given us no information about how long you've had yours, how you keep it (like caging, diet, lighting) etc...

He's likely not so much grumpy as just scared. Try to look at it from the cham's perspective. They don't know for sure you're not going to eat them.

The fact that you're willing to sell it for another (which will only stress it more) is concerning enough.

Maybe you're not ready for this hobby :/

 

[Matteo]

Chameleons are not necessarily creatures that will tolerate handling. Some will. You've given us no information about how long you've had yours, how you keep it (like caging, diet, lighting) etc...

He's likely not so much grumpy as just scared. Try to look at it from the cham's perspective. They don't know for sure you're not going to eat them.

The fact that you're willing to sell it for another (which will only stress it more) is concerning enough.

Maybe you're not ready for this hobby :/

I have to agree with this ^^^ completely. Exotic animals are not strictly for entertainment. Especially for kids. The require time, money, and KNOWLEDGE. Please do not trade in a chameleon for another simply to possibly get a happier one. That is wrong. Get your kids a hamster.

 

[Wowbango]

Chameleons are not necessarily creatures that will tolerate handling. Some will. You've given us no information about how long you've had yours, how you keep it (like caging, diet, lighting) etc...

He's likely not so much grumpy as just scared. Try to look at it from the cham's perspective. They don't know for sure you're not going to eat them.

The fact that you're willing to sell it for another (which will only stress it more) is concerning enough.

Maybe you're not ready for this hobby :/

100% agree.

 

[JaxyGirl]

Hi welcome to the forums
Can you tell us a little bit more about your chameleon? Type, sex, age, type of set up its in etc.
That way we'll be better able to help you.

Unfortunately, many chams can be grumpy although there are exceptions. Most babies are just plain scared until they get used to you and that takes time and patience. Some chams turn out to be very friendly but there are others that don't like handling and never will. It depends on the Cham. But chances are that if you exchange your grumpy Cham for a new one..the new Cham will be just as grumpy. Sorry to say, they are a species that don't tolerate handling very we'll and can become very stressed if you do. However, if you accept the temperament of your Cham it can be such great enjoyment raising one and caring for it.

Chameleon Info:
Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Cage Info:
Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
Location - Where are you geographically located?

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.


Pictures are helpful

 

[MamatoElvis]

You say you or your kids. How many kids and how old? I have a 6 year old. I had to work alone with my Cham for a few months before I could let him walk on my daughter. He is not particularly skiddish but if my husband, myself and my daughter all came up to his enclosure at once he would freeze in fear. I go by myself place my hand in front of him. If he climbs on I will then place him on my daughter. If you have excitable kids this is not the right pet. He will never be comfortable. My daughter never holds him. He just walks on her for a few minutes. She doesn't flail or swing her arms or squeal. She stays still. She likes my Cham a lot but she did request someone to hold. I'm going to get her a bearded dragon. A great lizard for children. They tolerate handling very well almost to the point of snuggling. I have a pretty mellow Cham but he still only tolerates handling. He does not love it, he only associates my hands with going outside or getting good food.

 

[JaxyGirl]

You say you or your kids. How many kids and how old? I have a 6 year old. I had to work alone with my Cham for a few months before I could let him walk on my daughter. He is not particularly skiddish but if my husband, myself and my daughter all came up to his enclosure at once he would freeze in fear. I go by myself place my hand in front of him. If he climbs on I will then place him on my daughter. If you have excitable kids this is not the right pet. He will never be comfortable. My daughter never holds him. He just walks on her for a few minutes. She doesn't flail or swing her arms or squeal. She stays still. She likes my Cham a lot but she did request someone to hold. I'm going to get her a bearded dragon. A great lizard for children. They tolerate handling very well almost to the point of snuggling. I have a pretty mellow Cham but he still only tolerates handling. He does not love it, he only associates my hands with going outside or getting good food.

I agree about the bearded dragons being a great family pet. I have two and they are such love bugs and very social.

 

[manda615]

You say you or your kids. How many kids and how old? I have a 6 year old. I had to work alone with my Cham for a few months before I could let him walk on my daughter. He is not particularly skiddish but if my husband, myself and my daughter all came up to his enclosure at once he would freeze in fear. I go by myself place my hand in front of him. If he climbs on I will then place him on my daughter. If you have excitable kids this is not the right pet. He will never be comfortable. My daughter never holds him. He just walks on her for a few minutes. She doesn't flail or swing her arms or squeal. She stays still. She likes my Cham a lot but she did request someone to hold. I'm going to get her a bearded dragon. A great lizard for children. They tolerate handling very well almost to the point of snuggling. I have a pretty mellow Cham but he still only tolerates handling. He does not love it, he only associates my hands with going outside or getting good food.

I agree with this as well^^^

I have had my cham since she was 3-ish months old, we are going on 6 months together and she only just now tolerates handling to the point that she is not trying to climb off immediately. She associates handling with going outside or being hand fed. (I think she prefers the hand holding worms more than the hand taking her outside). I was pretty new to the chameleon game, having only dipped my toes in other reptile species. Chameleons require a lot of patience and understanding. They will never be the dogs of reptiles- those will always be the bearded dragons as mentioned above. Even the geckos we have tolerate handling for the benefit of the worm or sunshine that follows- other than select few who seem to love just being outside a cage. If you're that willing to sell the cham or trade for another, it might be best to give it to someone with experience and look for another pet that will be a bit more happy interacting with children.

 

[Matteo]

Get a hamster

 

[SocialNumb]

So many nice people here.


That is all.

 

[Carlton]

Get a hamster

It doesn't help the OP's cham (who we all care about) to alienate the OP. They asked understandable questions that MANY newbies asked on their first forum visit. Who knows how badly their seller misled them in order to make a sale? No need to insult anyone.

To the OP if you're still around. There are some things we can help you do to reduce your cham's stress level that can improve his outlook on you and your family. It's not a lost cause yet. But if you have already decided to give him away or sell him there are responsible humane ways to do that. Just don't expect another cham to be any different.

 

[Alexdoe]

you wouldnt trade in your children because the cried the first few weeks. Dont trade in a chameleon because its scared the first few weeks. They take time and patience.

 

[jajeanpierre]

It doesn't help the OP's cham (who we all care about) to alienate the OP. They asked understandable questions that MANY newbies asked on their first forum visit. Who knows how badly their seller misled them in order to make a sale? No need to insult anyone.

To the OP if you're still around. There are some things we can help you do to reduce your cham's stress level that can improve his outlook on you and your family. It's not a lost cause yet. But if you have already decided to give him away or sell him there are responsible humane ways to do that. Just don't expect another cham to be any different.

Absolutely agree 100%.

There's a lot we can do to help this owner and chameleon to be happy with each other.

It is not unusual to have unreasonable expectations of what having a chameleon is all about. There is a lot that can be done to make some of those expectations become a reality while still maintaining a happy chameleon.

 

[Matteo]

It doesn't help the OP's cham (who we all care about) to alienate the OP. They asked understandable questions that MANY newbies asked on their first forum visit. Who knows how badly their seller misled them in order to make a sale? No need to insult anyone.

To the OP if you're still around. There are some things we can help you do to reduce your cham's stress level that can improve his outlook on you and your family. It's not a lost cause yet. But if you have already decided to give him away or sell him there are responsible humane ways to do that. Just don't expect another cham to be any different.

I don't mean to be a **** but it pains me to see people get animals they know nothing about. I am a big believer that you must do research and research to properly care for an animal, especially with needs like a cham. The second you post not knowing they are not the most hand held animal along with the fact you are okay with instantly taking to the pet store for another as if it's the wrong microwave or something is so wrong morally and ethically. I probably shouldn't have been so blunt but the reason I was is I doubt after all the input it will make too much of a difference the fact the OP hasn't responded yet. If they are willing to take it back for another and obviously know nothing about them who says they're cage is right? Temp, humidity, food, water, any of it??? The lack of knowledge always puts these animals in stress and most times leads to their death. So yes I am going to say "get a hamster".

 

[carbyville]

It sounds like you've got a chameleon. They aren't the best pet to have if you want a social animal that'll bond with you and your family. To the person that suggested a bearded dragon, I absolutely agree. That would be a much better choice if you and your kids are looking for a reptile that'll be happy to accept a lot of handing.

Give it a little bit of time, though. A big move and new faces is a lot for a cham. He's probably stressed, scared, and really doesn't appreciate your hands coming for him at the moment. It's a slow process, but you have to let him know that you're not a threat. Feedings help with that and when he's ready, hand feeding is even better. Be patient with him.

If you still want to surrender him, please do so responsibly. I don't know if there are any herp rescues near you, but look around for someone that knows what they're doing. If you were closer I'd tell you to bring it to the herps rescue I volunteer at every week and I'd look after him there, but you're a bit far to accomplish that and he's probably not in a state to be shipped across the country.

Anyway, good luck to you and your family. Take it slow, maybe one person near his cage at a time to start, one person feeding, and then introduce more people after some time.