Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Everyone
I have just joined this group. We have had our Panther for 3 weeks now, and was told by the breeder to leave him alone for at least three weeks before starting to handle him. He has gotten more used to us now, ie he doesn't hiss and gape every time we sit in front of the cage. He has also grown at least 1", and is eating and drinking well. How do we go about starting to "tame" him? Or does he just need more time?
I have read several books (well, 7, I am addicted to books of any kind)on the keeping of chams since before I let my husband buy one, and nowhere can I find any information on how to handle them. Hope someone here can help.
Regards Sandy

You will have to take it slow probably, get him(?) used to your hands by hand feeding sometimes and such I would say. If you can lure him onto your hand with food then hold him for a few minutes and put him back without stressing him out, that is how I tamed my veiled.

I know there are many people on this forum who dont recommend handling of the chameleons and you will probably get some replies im sure =) But Ive always heard that panthers were one of the more docile first chameleons so you shouldnt have any problems.

Word of warning though when he reaches sexual maturity he will more than likely not want to be held or have you near him at all. Eventlually this will go away but it sometimes never does.

Erin

I don't intend to make him a plaything, I just want to make sure that I can actually get near him if it is needed.
Sandy Duca

well what i did with my shy jackson is take him out everyday on a spare ficus tree to feed him. after a little while he picked up on it and liked to come out of the cage and be held

also keep in mind that chams dont LIKE being held, they simply tolerate it to an extent, handling in excessive amounts can cause a great deal of stress on the animal.

it is best to keep handling to a minimum, chameleons are more of a look but dont touch type of pet, while panthers tend to be more tolerant of handling then other chams, it still isn't that great for them if it is done a lot.