Shy or just scared?

[shadowcon39]

So recently I've been opening up my panthers door to put crickets in for him to hunt and he'll dart to the back of the cage to get away from my hand, he doesn't seem to like me at all which sucks and now I can't offer him worms cause they just fall right off the branch and he won't take it from my hand. Is there any way I can get him used to me other than hand feeding because I feel like it's just making him more afraid of my hand.

 

[renzo0684]

how old is he and how long have you had him?

 

[shadowcon39]

he's a little less than 5 months old and I've had him for about two weeks

 

[renzo0684]

That is perfectly normal for them to dart away and hide from your hand. I would be worried if he acted different. Once he gets bigger he may not mind your hand or he may puff up and hiss... To get him used to you try hand feeding... its easiest to start with little silkies or wax worms.

 

[shadowcon39]

Okay thanks!

Hopefully I won't have a hisser

 

[renzo0684]

Just offer him food in your hand so he sees your hands not as a threat but as something good

 

[shadowcon39]

The problem is, I have been doing that and he just stares at my hand, eventually I just get tired of holding my arm up and just walk away

 

[ChamOh]

my chameleon hates the sight of me. he loathes my existence. but he will still take treats from my hand. Try offering something irresistible like a super. I think every cham must have something they can't turn down. Oh and if it's a worm, make it wiggle, the movement excites their appetite.

 

[skyedog]

What kind of worms are falling off the branch? If they're supers just let the worm attach to the side of the screen cage. They seem to hold on quite well, and my chams seem more apt to eat them that way than cup feeding.

 

[shadowcon39]

well right now I only have meal worms, and I don't really like using them because of the impaction issue but I heard using them as a treat once or twice a week wouldn't hurt

 

[Nixehface]

My 4 month old is exactly the same.
He refuses to come near my hand even if I'm holding his favourite food lol but as soon as I put it on a branch or in the cup he is after it!

I think it's just a case of little chammy, BIG hand.
He'll change as he gets a little older and will eventually take something from you (hopefully)
Some chams just don't like being hand fed too

 

[satch4684]

maybe put them in a small cup and hold that to him? I guess there's really no difference, but mine would accept them right away with this method (a WC, too) and even walk on my hand to reach them after the 2nd or 3rd feeding. I just did it this way because I don't wanna hold the bugs. depending on what im doing and/or my movements, he still may show some caution when my hands around, but he won't freak out anymore and most of the time is more curious of it than anything.