needs a suggestion

[dadams3504]

I am looking for a good chameleon that is relatively easy to handle and
a good attitude. Maybe that is too much to ask, I thought about vieleds but they have a reputation for being nasty.

 

[CleaTheChameleon]

Veiled chameleons are good beginners but should not be handled other than taking them out to clean cages and letting them go free range outside. Ask us any questions you have about the cages and any other things and we will help you. You came to the right place. Welcome to the Chameleon Forums

 

[jannb]

I have two veileds. One male and one female and they are both teady bears.

 

[Vampire.queen]

My veiled was aslo a calm sweetheart. I think it's very individual- I was with my chameleon a lot so he got used to me and became very "teddybearish"

 

[jojackson]

Veileds are terrific pet chameleons. What you need to consider really is that all chameleon species are delicate lizards and generally more suited to those who appreciate watching rather than interaction.
Your cham wont generally be as happy to sit on your shoulder as say, a bearded dragon for example.
There are exceptions to every rule as demonstrated by the above post's. My own veiled is quite calm and dosent get to upset at the occasional handling, but some will defend themselves vigorously, even biting.
Provided you purchase your chameleon, with the understanding that its a bit of a lottery, and if you are happy still if yours turns out to be a little less than accomodating, then you wont go wrong, and you wil gain so much enjoyment from these fascinating lizards.
Care requirements vary, but from all accounts, if its your first chameleon, veilds are considered pretty much bullet proof given some care with husbandry/needs.
Im sure you will manage well if your enthusiasm for chameleons is matched by your dedication to provideing the care they require.
Whatever you choose, you will be the richer for the experience.
Looking forward to getting to know you and your chosen lizard.
Welcome

 

[HairyScaryMark]

I've had a Yemen/Veiled for a few months and he is quite friendly as far as chameleons go. They generally wont enjoy or benefit from being handled but some wont mind it. You can see from a lot of people's avatars and pictures on here that it is often done but some people are strongly opposed to handling.

I handle mine irregularly. I've not had proper hisses from him like some people have but he regularly does a quiet 'sneaze' style hiss. Admittedly, he sometimes just makes that noise when he's moving about regularly in his cage. Today he opened his mouth at me and made a funny noise. Not a hiss and I really have no idea what it was about. I once had him hiss properly when I tried to get him to eat a strawberry and was foolish enough not to give up when he started walking away from it. Learnt my lesson that time but he calmed down within seconds of me taking away the strawberry.

There is a thread on handling here https://www.chameleonforums.com/how-handle-chameleon-18438/index6.html

Some people reckon Panther chameleons are as dosile or as easy to look after. They tend to be a good bit more expensive however but the colouring is very impressive. I'm hoping to aquire a pair of them in the future.

 

[nick barta]

It really is a lottery when you buy a baby cham. Better odds if you buy a cham that is older, and already shows non-aggressive behavior. Check with Jim at Chameleon Company, he sells lots of older Panther chams.

Nick

 

[zombiepixel]

http://vimeo.com/5672143

I love my guy but his aggression makes it really hard to do things like taking him outside to bask or getting him out to clean. I dread having to take him out because it's like knock-down, drag-out battle.

I like nick's idea about starting with an older cham that already has an established personality.

 

[tkilgour]

Most my panther chameleons are very calm. I have several that come right to the enclosure door and even climb on my arm when I reach in. However, some of my panthers are very agressive and defend their territory w/ a gapping mouth and a quick snapp and hiss. I have veileds that vary the same way. So basically, just figure some are nasty some are nice, they are all very neat to watch.

 

[CHAMaDdIcT]

i recommend a veiled but if you want a pet that you can hold and cuddle...then chameleons arent for you