How to Start Hand-Feeding?

[CamrynTheCham22]

I have a veiled chameleon who is about 1 year old, and I know that hand-feeding them is beneficial if you want your chameleon to trust you more. Is it too late to start hand feeding with this one? I have tried it a bit by using a roach in tongs but she stares at it and then just flees to her plant. I was wondering what was the best way to get them warmed up to this, and how to make it a routine that goes along with the feeding schedule. I am sad if it is too late to start this with her, so if anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear it

 

[Crashbandit05]

I used bsfl. Once they warmed up in my palm and started to wiggle, it was like the movie Step Brothers. 'Did we just become friends?!'

 

[CamrynTheCham22]

Lol I will have to try that just as soon as I get over my aversion to thins that wiggle. . . I guess I can always use wool or plastic gloves. Thanks for the tip

 

[Decadancin]

I use either Hornworms or Silkies. Even the grumpiest veiled will find it difficult to resist .....

 

[Crashbandit05]

I use either Hornworms or Silkies. Even the grumpiest veiled will find it difficult to resist .....

Those hornworm incisors (sp?) terrify me! I am always afraid I'll get bit.

 

[Tattersb]

I've never had a problem "training" my three (Jax, quad and panther) to eat from my hand because they are all pig-lizards and have no concern whatsoever where their food comes from. That being said, if they aren't hungry they won't eat from my hand (or from anything else). Try offering feeders when they are hungriest (first feeding in the morning, after watering). Try offering "wiggly" feeders in your open palm to get their attention, and move s-l-o-w-l-y. Sometimes it helps to avoid eye contact. Good luck!

 

[Decadancin]

they are all pig-lizards

He he he ...

 

[Tattersb]

He he he ...

The panther stares at me out of the corner of his cage if I dare feed the other two first. He's started following my husband around the cage when he goes in their room because my husband is a sucker and feeds (hand-feeds!) him when he begs. Honestly, I have a small, blue, scaled labrador.

 

[CamrynTheCham22]

I've never had a problem "training" my three (Jax, quad and panther) to eat from my hand because they are all pig-lizards and have no concern whatsoever where their food comes from. That being said, if they aren't hungry they won't eat from my hand (or from anything else). Try offering feeders when they are hungriest (first feeding in the morning, after watering). Try offering "wiggly" feeders in your open palm to get their attention, and move s-l-o-w-l-y. Sometimes it helps to avoid eye contact. Good luck!

I have found that when I am doing something in her cage (cleaning, feeding, watering the plant, etc.), not making eye contact makes her feel much more hidden and secure. I will have to try some of my dubia roaches because they don't bite and she is used to them. I feed her every other day, so I will feed her the morning of the feeding day. She is getting more confident around me because I leave her cage open while I am in the room with her. I hope she will try it sometime, because I think the times I have tried to feed her with the tongs (so the feeder wouldn't run off my hand) it just scared her, so she fled. Thanks for all of the help!

 

[CamrynTheCham22]

The panther stares at me out of the corner of his cage if I dare feed the other two first. He's started following my husband around the cage when he goes in their room because my husband is a sucker and feeds (hand-feeds!) him when he begs. Honestly, I have a small, blue, scaled labrador.

Also that is hilarious . I only wish my female was that social. I don't want to change anything too major, but I am slowly starting to work her into more habits. She is literally hungry every moment of every day, so nothing to worry about there Whenever there is food anywhere in her cage, she doesn't waste time. Hopefully she gains some courage to eat from my hand.

 

[Tattersb]

I have found that when I am doing something in her cage (cleaning, feeding, watering the plant, etc.), not making eye contact makes her feel much more hidden and secure. I will have to try some of my dubia roaches because they don't bite and she is used to them. I feed her every other day, so I will feed her the morning of the feeding day. She is getting more confident around me because I leave her cage open while I am in the room with her. I hope she will try it sometime, because I think the times I have tried to feed her with the tongs (so the feeder wouldn't run off my hand) it just scared her, so she fled. Thanks for all of the help!

You're very welcome! Good luck!

 

[Fireborn]

If I have a chameleon that is absolutely to shy to eat from my hand at first I start with a cup then progress to hand after awhile.

 

[flowerrpal]

I find that my chameleons do not like to hand feed if what they grab is out of my hand, at first. When you start, try putting small dubia roaches on your arm, they are slow moving but it is enough for the chameleons. Once they get used to feeding off your arm you can try it in the palm of your hand and eventually right from your fingers so you can do it with things like crickets that you have to hold. Remember, it can be a slow process but it is defiantly worth it.