Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 4 month old male panther that really seems to be timid. I've tried cup feeding with no success, placing the cup under his favorite perch, he just stares in confusion. He doesn't seem to found of me or my hand and just shys away when i try hand feeding. On the other hand he seems to be hunting quite well in regards to the free roaming insects, but i want him to realize that i am not a threat to him and wish to start hand feeding. Is there any way i can sway his disliking towards me? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Jeff

this might sound kind of weird but sometimes when my chameleons are scoping out some food and i am watching they tend to get nervous and keep one eye on me so i close my eyes for a few seconds and the are too focused on the food by then to notice me

Start handling him more and take a cricket, put it in your fingers and try to persuade him to get the cricket and then let the cricket go and do this for two months.

Don't force him. That will just teach him he has good reason to fear your hands. 4 months is very young, and the world including you is pretty intimidating. I don't know how long you've had him, but it may take several months of patience and daily routine to teach a young cham just how safe he is. They are not rocket scientists. He may just be shy...chams are quite individual. He may change personality when he becomes mature. I would continue to offer a favorite food by hand and some day he may surprise you.