Sallie,
I am going to tell you about our first veiled...
Hubby and I went to the herp show (this was about 3 years ago). We were looking for panthers - the only species we had been breeding. We saw some terrific oak cabinets and I went over to look at a tall one. Inside the glass door I saw a light; a long branch; and a black chameleon.
Hubby and I recognized it as the veiled species due to the casque. We asked the guy what was wrong with it - because it was backed into the corner and black. We could hear it hissing. He proceeded to tell us that it was the meanest lizard he had seen in 10 years....
We walked around the show for a while, and kept talking about how inhumane it was for that chameleon. We agreed to "rescue" him, so back we went. The guy was delighted to dump him on us!
We didn't have a carrier, so the guy found a cardboard box and some tape. Honestly - no exaggeration - it took 4 grown men and a young boy (holding the box) to get that chameleon into it. The chameleon thrashed, wriggled, hissed, bit, lashed with his tail...... they taped it good.
Hubby and I wondered if we made a wise choice!
We wondered even more when we got home, opened the box, and the chameleon rushed out and bit my hubby (drawing blood) on his way into the cage. I decided to let this lizard calm down before even feeding him.
Days went by, and I was afraid when I opened the door to offer food. Thankfully, he eagerly ate from a feeding cup, so I was able to toss insects in it and close the door. I had never seen such a fuss! His attitude led me to name him Vinny. He was approx 10 months old.
One day, I was treating our panthers to waxworms... and as I offered those by hand - I was afraid to give any to Vinny. He always hissed and would act like he wanted to bite. So, I opened the door and put my open hand in with some worms. His reaction was predictable, so I kept my hand out of striking distance. I waited... Finally he realized it was food... and he took one. He ended up taking several.
Each day, I would offer a few. He grew less and less huffy and actually got a nice green and gold color. In less than a month, he was coming out onto my hand and behaving. He has never gone black again.
To this day, he has never bitten me or my hubby (again). Sure, he has his grouchy days - but is generally a pussy cat. He even scratches at the door to be let out. He wanders around the house and has his places to perch. His is an excellent breeder too.
When he goes outside, he get so full of himself that he colors up magnificently - people say he is one of the nicest veileds they have seen.
But the best anicdote: the previous owner saw Vinny at a show recently. He was shocked. He admitted that I must have "the touch" with animals - because he couldn't believe it was the same chameleon.
Even though we have over 100 enclosures with chameleons - and clutches of babies on and off - there is always time for Vinny each week to be part of the family. He has proven to be a great pal.
So... don't give up trying with yours. Be gentle, offer treats, and don't close him in a dark box. If he turns green in the darkness - I'll wager he is the same color when he sleeps. Not every chameleon makes a good "pet" - but he can at least be made comfortable (less stressed), and the relationship more rewarding for the both of you.
Morgana - Reptayls, Ltd.
