Posted by:
chaco
at Thu Aug 19 00:04:13 2004 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by chaco ]
Nice Redfoot!
A lot of people are going to disagree with me but I handle most of my Chams on a regular basis. I say most because I have a few that if I don't have gloves on, they'll try to take a chunk out of me. I respect that and them and give them the distance they need.
Most people regard Chams as just display animals with the idea that handling stresses them. I think sooner or later you are going to have a medical problem with your Cham and need to see a vet. From the Cham's perspective the vet is going to handle it roughly. If this is the first time it has ever been handled, it is going to get stressed.
It all depends on the Chameleon. I've had a few Veileds that tolerated me handling them. They still hissed and gaped but gave up on biting me after a while. Most of my Chams are Panthers and they are much more tolerant of being handled. I would not try for a Jackson, handling them is way to stressful for them.
Try to get a young Cham and start picking him up early. I breed Chams so if there is one in a clutch that I think I am going to keep as a future breeder, I'll start handling him frequently while he is young to get him used to it. Try to associate handling them with something good. Like pick them up and put them in a tree outside. When they are about a year old they'll come to the door of their cage and crawl onto your hand. Hope this helps.
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RE: potential new cham owner seeking advice about temperament - chaco, Thu Aug 19 00:04:13 2004