Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Everything I've read and heard says that chameleons are not to be handeled much. My problem is the mine seems to always want to be handeled, at least when I'm near by. He'll sit on the vine nearest the door, holding on with just his hind legs and tail, with front arms reaching out. As soon as my hand gets close enough, he crawls onto it. I just let him sit there, crawl up my arm, and then back into his cage. He doesn't seem stress at all when he's out. Good color, ect. Any help/suggestions on what I should be doing?? Thanks a million. You all are really great. I just love reading all the posts.

He's probably not really thinking about being "with" you, but that you are a nice convenient climbing route to a safe perch. You may be offering a taller perch than his cage does. Its a compliment actually. If he's not stressed by climbing on you don't worry about it. People get into trouble when they keep forcing attention on a cham who wants to be left alone. If he climbs on you and does not keep trying to get somewhere else off of you again I wouldn't worry too much. BUT, if he decides he doesn't want to come out that is when to leave him alone. Watch very loose knits that might snag his claws. He could pull them out (and snag the fabric too). I had a large female melleri who often perched on my shoulder when I sat in a sunny window. It was an exception, but she was a really nice animal. The main thing is to get to know his stress color and behavior and respect it. He'll usually tell you what he wants.

Thanks! His cage is has perches higher up than me (I'm rather short so that's not hard lol). Probably just wants a better view of the world.