Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We just bought our first chameleon - Ambanja Panther. I have read both positive and negative regarding handling them. The breeder and others seem to emcourage it, while others are totally against it. I do not want to do the wrong thing. When he is handled he does not seem all that nervous - he just keep moving from hand-to-hand and shortly after settles down and sits on your hand/arm.

I really don't want to do the wrong thing so your input would be greatly appreciated.

Even though some chameleons dont seem to mind being held, that does not mean that you should hold them more than needed ie removing them to clean the cage or weighing them. Handling them "just to handle them" can lead to excessive stress and even death.
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From Sunny Florida
Jovana's kids listed below
1.1 Ambanja Panther
1.1 Tamatave Panther
1.1 Ambilobe Panther

I tend to sit on the fence here. So much depends on your individual cham's tolerance. Generally chams don't enjoy being handled, but occasionally is OK and your cham should learn that some handling for cage cleaning, hand feeding, being carried to a favorite basking spot in your house, etc. is to be expected. As you get to know yours he will tell you what is too much. Signs that he's stressed will show up in various ways. He will flare into bright colors more often and more quickly if he's being disturbed too often. He will eat less and hide in the cage more. Most chams bluff and bluster if they don't want to be disturbed, but they don't always follow through all the way to a bite. If he really avoids your hand when you try to take him out leave him alone. If he lets himself be picked up or climbs toward you he probably wants a trip out of his cage for a short while. Turning bright colors is not a sign of happiness, it is excitement or stress. Turning a very dark color, hissing and lunging is extreme stress.