Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'd say my veiled chameleon is an adult age now, or at least close. I've had her for two months, got her as a juvenile, and she didn't mind crawling on my hand when I needed to clean the cage or move stuff around. The past few weeks she's been getting extremely upset when I simply open the cage to feed or mist her. She hisses if I move my hand in slightly and swings to bite me frequently. She used to crawl up when I used warm water to mist, but now even after I mist the plants first to let her know it's coming, she'll hiss when the water touches her and quickly flee. I always test to make sure it's a good temperature of water too. I know veiled chameleon's aren't the most timid of pets, but I didn't think she'd go through such a rapid mood change. Is this a phase that she'll settle out of, or is there anything I can do to calm her down?

Thanks for any advice~

When a cham is new to its surroundings it won't really show it's true personality. It is stressed, in completely strange territory, and probably climbing on you to get as high or far away from the strange place as it can. It doesn't mean it likes or dislikes you. Now that she's settled into her space she's defending it and resenting you as an intruder. She may also be maturing hormonally. Lots of chams mellow out again a little as they age. She doesn't despise you, she just doesn't want you messing with her turf. The best (and only) real way to calm her down is to show her that you are predictable (routine), not a predator (you don't try to grab her which she sees as a threat) and a source of treats (a favorite feeder offered by hand). Make sure the cage is as high as possible...chams feel more secure up high. Give her lots of cover in her cage so she feels she can hide from view. And, appreciate her for who she is...you aren't likely to change her much.

Try Misting near her, but not at or on her. Have a dripper that lets water drip down onto leaves near her, which she may find less stressful that the mist, and only mist away from her. Move SLOWLY when near the cage. Do not enter the cage unnecessarily. If you must put hands in, move SLOWLY. Try not to move towards her, expecially from above - which is threatening. Never try to grab her. Try Putting her food in a cup, especially if its a treat fatty food like worms, then hold the cup below her favourite perch, and see if she will begin to associate you with good things (food). Remember to move slowly. Be predictable. If done right, she will eventually realize you are not a major threat. But chances are she will never be "cuddly" - chameleons are not know as hands-on creatures.

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Sandra
BC Canada