Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just bought a new panther. He's kind of shy, and I was wondering if you guys could give me any tips on helping him to get more used to me. Thanks a bunch!
Ian WHite

I would start by leaving him alone for at least a week. How old is he? At about 4-5 months, you can usually get them to eat from your hand if when you know their hungry, hold an insect (I use mostly super's for this) with your hand really still but let the bug wiggle a little bit. Even a new panther will eat from your hand pretty quickly most of the time. Panther's aren't too hard to keep calm. None of mine open their mouths or anything when I pick them up, and I haven't done much in the way of "taming" them. Only gravid females really get defensive or other panthers if you spook them, like opening their door really fast or coming around the corner fast. I think it helps also if you never show them to another male. If you're trying to get them to display (brighten up) use a female, not a male. It will get the same reaction, but constantly looking at another male (even if it's off and on) or any other pet will make them feel like they need to be defensive and aggressive. I try not to ever let my males see eachother. Panthers are much calmer than veileds and it shouldn't take much to get them to be ok with a little handling. Just let him settle in a bit and don't handle him unless you have to for a week or two.
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Tyler Stewart
Las Vegas NV
1.2 Nosy Be Panthers
2.2 Sambava Panthers
1.0 Tamatave Panther
1.0 Nosy Be X Unknown Cross
1.1 Veiled Chameleons
0.0.2 CBB Desert Tortoises
0.0.1 Sulcatta Tortoise