How do you safely open a chameleon's mouth?

[Twitchet]

Hi, I have a young Parsons with a possible mouth problem, at the moment I am treating it by painting on Betadine with a soft brush- literally just painting it along the lips from a distance. I'm keeping a close eye on it- as close as I can as he his shy and nervous but actually getting better and doesn't move when I apply Betadine.
I don't want to handle him yet as I think it will put him back a stage in his 'taming' but if I dont see an improvement with his mouth I will need to pick him up and have a real look and also if i need to go to a vet .
I have never opened a chams mouth and rather than trying and not knowing what to do I thought I'd ask for the tips and tricks first. Should I not even attempt it at all?
Their mouths seem so delicate and rubbery. I've been told a q tip is good and put it in like a horse's bit but should I hope he stays on my hand- unlikely- or actually hold him- that will not be enjoyed by him or me- or wrap him in a towel first- What do you use to start the process of opening the mouth.I have found a soft artists brush good before( for baby birds- small lizards) it's very soft - slips in the corner of the mouth and then gently opens the mouth. I'm terrified of hurting him.Thanks

 

[savage13]

I would cover him in a towel while his head sticking out cover his nose with your fingers and he'll open his mouth work for me...

 

[Damicofam6]

I don't know the best way to go about opening their mouth. When I took Skittles to the vet the vet held him kinda with her 4 fingers lightly over his back and he was actually sitting on my hand and wouldn't leave me. She used a popsicle stick to help open his mouth and keep it open. I don't know if that's the best way but it can be done with a popsicle stick.

 

[Decadancin]

Here's a link to a blog that has some great techniques...

http://muchadoaboutchameleons.blogspot.com/2014_05_01_archive.html

 

[Damicofam6]

Here's a link to a blog that has some great techniques...

http://muchadoaboutchameleons.blogspot.com/2014_05_01_archive.html

I just copied that link and was about to post it! you beat me to it.

 

[Decadancin]

I just copied that link and was about to post it! you beat me to it.

It's a great resource .

 

[savage13]

It's a great resource .

that is great infor thank you the link....

 

[Decadancin]

that is great infor thank you the link....

No problem! Lots of cool stuff in there.

 

[Twitchet]

Hi everyone, The muchado link is fantastic- I love Olimpia's blog but I've never seen that before- Fantastic- looks like everything I need to know. Many thanks again for pointing me in the right direction.

 

[Millz&Jukka]

Please can somebody help me on my more recent thread because I really need advice and help