Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got a male baby veiled about four weeks ago and he seems healthy to me. Active, Good Grip, Hunting for his food etc. But i had some questions about his behavior im not completely worried about it but here goes.

A. He kind of tests to make sure the branch is safe before he steps onto it. Which seems logical because they're pretty smart lizards.

B. He "flinches" i guess when i try to open the top of the cage. Making it impossible for me to pick him up or for him to comfortably step into my hands. I have no idea how to get him out to clean the cage. Last time i just broke the branch he was hanging out on off and put it in the Temporary cage.
Any tips on how to get him more comfortable with me?

Thank You,
Josh

You said..."He kind of tests to make sure the branch is safe before he steps onto it. Which seems logical because they're pretty smart lizards"...this isn't really testing the branch if you're meaning putting his foot out then pulling it back a bit and then putting in out to grasp the branch. Its thought that they are trying to imitate the swaying of leaves.

You said.."He "flinches" i guess when i try to open the top of the cage. Making it impossible for me to pick him up or for him to comfortably step into my hands"...chameleons don't really like to be handled. Its mostly a case of them tolerating it. Some are more tolerant than others. Is he gaping or swaying when you go to pick him up?

You said.."I have no idea how to get him out to clean the cage. Last time i just broke the branch he was hanging out on off and put it in the Temporary cage"...I usually move them from one place to another on a branch that I keep just for that purpose.

You said..."Any tips on how to get him more comfortable with me?"...generally it depends on their individual personalities as to whether they will allow handling or not.

Thanks,

yeah he kind of sways and moves to a different angle on the branch. But he isn't gaping.

Don't worry about the swaying it's normal. I wouldn't handle him to much because it stresses them. He's also nervous because your coming in on him from above like a predetor does. Try bringing your hand in at the opposite side of the cage and coming up from under him. Using a stick is the only way I'd handle my Veiled. I got bit by an adult male in 1995 and you can still see the scar so be careful. They can move surprisingly fast when the want to.