Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I posted this topic also in the Panther section, but it seems to be noticeably more inactive.

Anywho... what are your takes on the handleability of chameleons? Panther chameleons in particular? However your opinion on any other species is also appreciated.

I've read from numerous sources that they stress too easily for much handling, but from others that some actually enjoy it.

What do you think?

I have kept chameleons for close to 20 years now and have found that some are able to tolerate handling better than others...but it causes a certain amount of stress even in the ones that do tolerate it....so I don't handle any of my chameleons much aside from what is necessary for cage cleaning, etc. (Notice I use the word "tolerate".)

I would not say that any of them actually "enjoy" being handled, but that rather that some like to be free of the cage and may view us as a "tree" to perch in/on to get free of the cage.

With chameleons, just like people and other critters, they each have their own "personality". I have had male veileds that will race after me to bite me when I try to clean their cages out and I have had some that will race up my arm to perch on my shoulder. I have found that most male panthers are a little more tolerant of my presence in their cages. Females seem to wait for me to approach them before they lunge/bite or else they run away to hide. Most of the C. chameleons I had never bit although some would gape and hiss.

All this being said....chameleons are better off, IMHO with little handling.

I, personally, only handle chameleons when it is ABSOLUTELY necessary. (ie, cage cleaning, moving them into/out of the shower, etc.) I feel that the risks outweigh ANY benefits to handling them regularly, and that handling in general contributes too much to the stress of an already easily stressed animal in captivity. Remember that captivity (even to a CBB Cham) is an unnatural situation that we force on our animals. Yes, we get a lot of enjoyment at seeing them happy, but we must remember at all times that these animals are not meant to be confined to small(ish) areas, and this is difficult on them anyway. Any added stress from outside situations that are avoidable should be avoided. It is well known that stress contributes to the death of MANY captive chameleons, even species that are known to be "hardy."

it is my reccomendation that if you want a pet reptile you can handle, get a leopard or crested gecko, or a bearded dragon. These animals, especially the beardies, learn to associate their keepers with good things (at least mine have), and are quite tolearant of handling, and usually quite calm.

Good luck!
Jamie

If you are looking for a pet that can be handled frequently you have chosen the wrong lizard, hell the wrong animal! Chameleons stress easily and dont ever liked to be handled....EVER! They arent like a cute puppy that needs your attention and love...In fact a chameleon would probably like it best if you died and just left it alone.... O_o

Out of all of the chameleons, the Panther, IN GENERAL, is one of the tamest....this does not mean that they ENJOY handling, but that they TOLERATE it.

If you want something you can hold and cuttle, get a pansy hamster....You want some that will command your respect and draw in you interest got with a panther chameleon....

Bottom line is: NO LIZARD LIKES TO BE HANDEDLED. THEY JUST TOLERATE IT!
-----
Eric

I fight for the unconventional
My right, and its unconditional
I can only, be as real as i can
The disadvantage is
I never knew the plan
This isnt the way just to be a martyr
I cant, walk alone any longer
I fight, for the ones that cant fight
And if I lose, at least I tried....
(Slipknotulse of the Maggots)

If you want to cuddle something, don't make it a hamster! get a dog or cat or guinea pig...unless you like being bitten. But I definitely take the "hands off" approach to my reptiles and amphibians...