New chameleon won't let me touch him

[Joshhh0]

I recently picked up a new chameleon, after I returned the one I just had. I picked up a little baby boy named Oscar and he has quite a sassy attitude. I'm not sure if the pet store treated them well because he is sitting on his branch with his eyes closed (not sure why) and also I wanted to know how I can make him less pissed off all the time. I know it may be because of how he was taken away from his home but how long will it take before you calms down and will stop hissing every time I try to pick him up. Thanks !

 

[Theveiled]

I would give him a few weeks to adjust. What type of cham is it? Why did you return the last one? Just wondering! Hope he becomes less grumpy!

 

[Joshhh0]

I would give him a few weeks to adjust. What type of cham is it? Why did you return the last one? Just wondering! Hope he becomes less grumpy!

He's a veiled chameleon. I recently had a girl. After a long thought I realized I really wanted a male due to the colors, and not having to deal with her laying eggs (I know they wouldn't be fertilized). I just didn't want to take on that extra responsiblity, for me being a new chameleon owner.

 

[Carlton]

I recently picked up a new chameleon, after I returned the one I just had. I picked up a little baby boy named Oscar and he has quite a sassy attitude. I'm not sure if the pet store treated them well because he is sitting on his branch with his eyes closed (not sure why) and also I wanted to know how I can make him less pissed off all the time. I know it may be because of how he was taken away from his home but how long will it take before you calms down and will stop hissing every time I try to pick him up. Thanks !

Please describe your setup for him. How old is he? He's stressed out by all the changes, and you trying to touch or hold him is adding to his anxiety. He's probably very small and he views you as a very large funny looking predator right now. Also, to make sure you have all the correct supplies and nutrition, please read the veiled chameleon caresheet and info articles located under the Resources tab above. They should get you started off on the right foot. As he gets familiar with your routine and his new space he may mellow out some...but that's not guaranteed. Chams are very individual.

 

[Nursemaia]

I have a soft spot for veileds but they are notoriously unfriendly. My female turns black at the sight of me and I've had her since a baby, though she will turn green once I get her out of her enclosure. My male runs and hides when I come in the room and he will bite. He was a rescue and came from someone who didn't handle him so I don't expect him to ever be handleable. Maybe yours will be different but you have to give him some time to adjust and I definitely agree with the others about reading the care sheets and describing your setup, lights, feeding, and supplements to us so we can help if needed. And always feel free to post a thread when you have a question or concern.

 

[Joshhh0]

I have a soft spot for veileds but they are notoriously unfriendly. My female turns black at the sight of me and I've had her since a baby, though she will turn green once I get her out of her enclosure. My male runs and hides when I come in the room and he will bite. He was a rescue and came from someone who didn't handle him so I don't expect him to ever be handleable. Maybe yours will be different but you have to give him some time to adjust and I definitely agree with the others about reading the care sheets and describing your setup, lights, feeding, and supplements to us so we can help if needed. And always feel free to post a thread when you have a question or concern.

I have a medium zoomed cage, I bought the chameleon starter kit one. I dust his crickets with repti calcium. I mist his cage and have a dropper set up

 

[Nursemaia]

Calcium with D3 or without? What about a multivitamin? Do you have a uvb bulb

 

[Joshhh0]

Calcium with D3 or without? What about a multivitamin? Do you have a uvb bulb

I don't have a multi vitamin, the calcium is without D3 and yes I have a UVB bulb

 

[Kclarke02]

I'm new to this too, but I've had my veiled almost 2 weeks now. He's about 5 months. This week he finally started eating from my hand but it took a couple tries. I took him out today actually and he did much better than the first few tries. (I left him alone for several days after both). I've kinda learned so far, and from many experienced people on here, that it takes baby steps. You're a huge hand coming at him, it takes time for them to trust you, I think.

 

[Daypaul]

Just be patient he may come around he may not. Now keep in mind they are not really the holding type of pet. Also DO NOT pick him up if you are handling him you need to coax him on to you not pick him off the branch, if you are doing it that way I promise he will never like you. Chameleons are so awesome! Good luck light and love.

 

[Extensionofgreen]

Chameleons, are like fish. There are the exceptions that follow your finger around the tank or come swimming to beg for food, but they are to observe, not touch. Chameleons are not the best choice and most reptiles are not an ideal choice for a hands on pet. Veileds may be one of the worst prospects for having a friendly chameleon, one could choose.
That said, things take time......months. You might be able to get to hand feeding him, with the next 90 days, if all goes well, but you may not. Your chameleon might settle down and adjust, only to reach sexual maturity and become an aggressive , biting, lunging, terror. Be prepared for this, as it's not uncommon.