Hissing

[Bsimms]

My new Cham is only about 2 months old and I have had him for two weeks and can't hold him because everytime I slowly put my hand to him he makes a small hissing noise at me. I have been told to go slow and try to get him from under his stomach but that doesn't really seem to work because he just opens his mouth and starts to hiss. I don't want a mean Cham and I need to pick him up every once awhile to clean his cage or just because I want to hold him. I would really like some help because I can return him to the exotic pet shop where I got him. Now I know that sounds mean but I don't want a Cham that hates me and won't let me pick him up at all. I hand feed him to gain trust and nothing seems to work. Someone please help me

 

[didyousneeze]

If he's still young thats just his defense in my oppinion.. mine did the same but I'd pick him up and let him chill on me for a lil anyway. Once he knows your not messing with him he will settle down.

 

[lego99408]

how do you post a question

 

[Bsimms]

Well the store has like 3 more and I think I can swap him out but I really don't want to. I love my new Cham but I want to pick him up every once in awhile. I see all these people with there Chams on their shoulder and all this stuff and mine just runs away and hisses.

 

[lego99408]

mine chameleon hisses to me only when my fingers get close to them or if he does not like something

 

[Bsimms]

I just need to know how to pick him up. I just tried picking him up by sliding my hand under him but he won't climb onto my hand and if I try picking him up from the back he gets really angry

 

[lego99408]

ok just put on hand in front to grab on to and use the other and push it very very very softly

 

[ReptileLove18]

because he is still settling in and he hasnt quite figured out that your arent going to eat him, he is hissing as a defense mechanism. the best way to gain his trust is what you are doing, hand feeding. continue doing this and he will relate you to food and that is good give him time to get used to you and his new enviroment. as he begins trusting you what you can do is slowly bring your hand up underneath him and to the side of him, hold it there and see if he will come onto your hand. if he doesnt, then try again later or in a few days. the key is to get him to trust you with food and to trust that you arent going to force him by allowing him to climb onto you on his own. when he does climb onto you, start by holding him for just a few minutes, 3-5 minutes, then place your hand near the vines/branches in his enclosure so that he can climb back in. do this a couple times a week, and then slowly start increasing the time. i sent you a link in my PM for a great blog on taming, definitely check that out! this technique allows for him to get used to you so that both of you can feel comfortable and enjoy your time together it takes lots of patience and time

 

[Bsimms]

I will definatley try that but what if he tried biting me while I am holding him? I don't want to drop him or freak him out. I'm going to be honest, ever since that hissing ordeal I have no clue what could happen. He could climb onto my hand and then bite the hell out of me. I'm a little nervous now ever since he hissed at me

 

[ReptileLove18]

they will sometimes bite but that is only if they feel seriously threatened. the bite is not severe. i doubt he will bite you if you go slow with him hissing and gaping is a display to ward of predators, they will only bite if they feel really really threatened. try not to be nervous, he will calm down!

 

[Bsimms]

I sure hope so! And I am full of questions. I just posted another thread if you could check it out lol

 

[didyousneeze]

Most the time especially when they're smaller they will hiss but not bite. Even if he did it wouldn't hardly hurt. Just try the under belly and push with the other hand. Once he's on you let him go wherever he wants. Don't make quick movements including turning your head. Let him chill with you for a half hour or so and try again tomorrow. It takes patience.. mine is 8 months old and he still hisses every now and then but once he's on me and knows I'm not a threat he's good.

 

[armando]

Its just matter of time..
give him time to get to know you are the good food master.... he will start to get to know you.. and you will start to know him and see what he likes and doesnt...
dont push it.... just let it be... you will get to hold him when its time...
The first time I got to hold my cham was about 2 months after I got him... he was 4 months, and he was the one that walked up my hand... it was just awesome...

 

[Jniels84]

I'm new to chameleons, I just got mine a few days ago, But I would try holding a branch in your hand and coaxing him from behind gently to grab ahold of your branch, then just leave him be on the branch while your holding him. Take him away from his cage for a while and then coax him back onto a branch in his cage. That's what I'm gonna try with mine first. Then try with the hands.

 

[sulley]

i feel you should not get a cham if you def want to hold it.you cannot be sure how they will be and just accept what they are.some like it some dont.at that age you can clean his viv with him still in there without hassling him.i do and my little guys fine with it.mine doesnt mind being held but i dont push him ever as you will just push him away.2 weeks is not long at all.not only is he adjusting to his new home,hes trying to get used to you and your home activity.ive never picked him up he aways comes to me.
i recommend leaving them for 1-2 months before tempting to handle if they havent come to you already.in this time they should be fully settled and be more aware that your not a threat.you need to accept him for who he is.he needs to feel that his enclosure is safe from everyone too.im just giving you my personal advise.everyone will tell you what they feel is best as there advise has worked for them but every cham is different.so you do what you think is best.he really needs more time no need to rush him.goodluck

 

[ChamAllen]

What type of chameleon is it?

In my experience some individuals will hiss at you and some will not.

For example, I have three Meller's, Melvin, Melonie and Martin. Martin has been with me the longest and has a hiss that the neighbors can here. The other two have never so much as opened their mouths in anger.

 

[dom1959]

i agree with reptilelove, slow patient and loving.
but they are all diff, so like my veiled was a sweetie n
now knows he gets to come out if i open the door
(got him in october). when i got him i never attempted holding for
over 2 weeks. just sat in front of his cage every day. now i walk around
with him, but i got a jackson in january, and he just barely started handfeeding!
same techniques just one shy cham and one that is more outgoing.

take the time he needs to trust you...

ps did you get him at custom creatures?