Handeling 4 month old male veiled chameleon

[olivia.griswold]

Hey guys! I just got a 4 month old male (supposedly male) veiled chameleon 4 days ago. His name is Cornelius Winston the Chameleon, or Corn for short. I love him so much and I know as a fact I am NOT supposed to hold him for a long time especially because I just got him and because chameleons in general don’t like being handled. But when is it okay for me to hold him? (I know I know I’m not supposed to hold him for a long time if ever... but just once in his lifetime won’t hurt.. right?)

 

[Decadancin]

Welcome to the forums ! So this is a very common first post for new members that are brand new to chameleons. Unfortunately there isn't an easy answer to this. For that reason you will likely get the advice that chameleons are not to be handled and stress very easily. This can be true, but I'll offer this answer. I would not handle a new animal much at first just so that they can adjust to their new surroundings. I would suggest leaving them alone and not moving around by the enclosure or free-range area much (but I'm sure like me you will be looking from not too far away in amazement ). Each animal is an individual. Some do not want to be handled and will always let you know this, and some seem to always want to be out and about. Be careful when trying to figure out what your animal is telling you. Some see the chameleon reaching out to you as cute and that they absolutely want to be held, but it very well could be that their enclosure does not provide what they need (such as height) and they are stressed and looking for an escape . Research and provide the best possible environment for your chameleon and you will likely know when it is the right time to hold your new addition.

 

[olivia.griswold]

Okay! I will try to do this. And thanks for telling me to give them space because I have been kind of close to the cage ever since I got him.

 

[Decadancin]

Okay! I will try to do this. And thanks for telling me to give them space because I have been kind of close to the cage ever since I got him.

Its so hard to keep back, but think of it from their perspective. We are likely looked at as a predator at least until they grow more accustomed to us .