Reptile & Amphibian Forums

well my panther (3.5 months old) is kinda moody, sometimes he will let me hold him, other times he will kinda run away and open his mouth and try to strike at my hand. i am trying to handle him every other day so he can become used to me so i can kinda let him free range in the computer room (where his cage is kept).

is there any tips on making him less moody? or should i just keep taking it slow like i am, or slower?

thanks in advance
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2 month old veilded chamleon (heinekin)
2 juvie crested geckos (not named)
3 month old ambanja panther chameleon (not named yet)

Just my opinions:
I think a 3.5 month panther is too young (skiddish) to be held at all.
Take it slow, don't rush things. As for making him less moody, try offering a well planted cage so he feels more secure, and try hand feeding his favorite prey items so he feels less threatened by your hand.
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Victor Gomez
gomezvi.tripod.com/sdchamkeepers/
gomezvi@yahoo.com

well he has a 4 foot tall, 2wide and 2 deep cage, it looks like a jungle in there for the most part, huge fake plant, lots of climbing vines and stuff. i guess i will just wait longer
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2 month old veilded chamleon (heinekin)
2 juvie crested geckos (not named)
3 month old ambanja panther chameleon (not named yet)

Hi-

I would not try and hold your chameleon everyday that doesn't seem to work, just stresses them. I think the trick is to get them use to your hand, not being on your hand. Hand feeding of a few bugs every day will do the trick (it has for me). You need to build up trust with them and food is a great way to do it with. I will hand feed my chameleons every time after I hold them, clean there cages, any time after my hand is in there cage. This way they are not "moody" when I am in there. Now there is always one that doesn't want to have anything to do with you, and getting use to your chameleons personality will help, everyone is different. Also live plants are much better then fake! Hope this helps!
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John
1.1 Ambilobe Panthers
1.1 Nosy Be Panthers
1.1 Sambava Panthers