Licking branches
- Thread starter mimibozzo
- Start date
jorgeduardo
New Member
I think that is one of the ways they drink water. I'm not sure though. Mine does it every time I mist the cage so I'm assuming that it has to be with hydration purposes.
pinsetter1991
New Member
mines a branch licker too. might be some primordial instinct from lizard ancestors... you know, like the monitor lizards that walk around licking everything with their fork-tongue. just an idea 
RAFASTAR23
New Member
Licking the branches as they take a step is totally normal. Some chameleons do it more than others. There are many theories about why they do it; some think it is a way for them to mark their territory, others think is a way for them to 'taste' or 'sense' another chameleon in the territory, and yet others think is for them looking for a drink.
My female does this when she is about to step or hold on to a new branch (new plant), or when she climbs onto my kid's arms. She loves climbing on to my arms every time I open her cage... she does not lick me any more as she did before.
My female does this when she is about to step or hold on to a new branch (new plant), or when she climbs onto my kid's arms. She loves climbing on to my arms every time I open her cage... she does not lick me any more as she did before.
Carlton
Chameleon Enthusiast
Licking the branches as they take a step is totally normal. Some chameleons do it more than others. There are many theories about why they do it; some think it is a way for them to mark their territory, others think is a way for them to 'taste' or 'sense' another chameleon in the territory, and yet others think is for them looking for a drink.
My female does this when she is about to step or hold on to a new branch (new plant), or when she climbs onto my kid's arms. She loves climbing on to my arms every time I open her cage... she does not lick me any more as she did before.
IMHO they are testing for clues that other chams have passed that way. Some chams seem to deliberately leave their scent on perches by sliding their vents on them after pooping (at least a couple of my males did that). It could be that territorial males do this most and any other chams who use the perch would be aware he's around even if he doesn't happen to be visible. But a female would also find out if any males are around too. Touching their tongue to the branch is a different motion than licking it to drink. And, I noticed that once the territory is familiar they stop doing it. If I added a new perch or changed things around the "tasters" would start it again for a while.
Chance Leon G
Member
touching the branch not licking
Does anyone understand chameleonese?
I have read these posts in search of translations as to what my cham is trying to tell me.
He touches his tongue to the branch he is on. He is not licking it trying to get water. He knows where that is mostly dripping off of leaves or even running down the screen.
Usually he does this when he does not want the food I have in my hand or trying to get him to eat. Often after he has eaten or is just not hungry.
Any thoughts as to this behavior. I think he is telling me off. Like, "I'd rather lick a stick than eat what you have to offer".
Some times he plays hard to get and turns his back on me when he is in a mood. Usually very friendly and wants out and will walk right up my arm.
Thanks, Greg
Male over 2 years old Ambilobe over 12" long
Does anyone understand chameleonese?
I have read these posts in search of translations as to what my cham is trying to tell me.
He touches his tongue to the branch he is on. He is not licking it trying to get water. He knows where that is mostly dripping off of leaves or even running down the screen.
Usually he does this when he does not want the food I have in my hand or trying to get him to eat. Often after he has eaten or is just not hungry.
Any thoughts as to this behavior. I think he is telling me off. Like, "I'd rather lick a stick than eat what you have to offer".
Some times he plays hard to get and turns his back on me when he is in a mood. Usually very friendly and wants out and will walk right up my arm.
Thanks, Greg
Male over 2 years old Ambilobe over 12" long
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