Reptile & Amphibian Forums

When I first wanted to get a Panther Chameleon (saw my first one on crocodile hunter) I (like so many others) did alot of research - alot of it especially on this forum. One continuing theme was they needed alot of quiet because they stress easily. Of course I did that..tiptoed in and out etc...however, I noticed that my chameleon (my first one was a girl) was always curious when I came in, so I put her in the main room, where there was always activity. Mind you, the activity was routine, nothing crazy....just routine. She started to eat more, and actually show less to no stress colors than when I would come in. Now I have four panther chameleons, 2 boys 2 girls, some outside some inside, all amidst the cacaphony of daily life. They are healthy, RARELY if ever display stress colors and are very healthy, very inquisitive, and are LESS stressed when I have to handle them for the weekley cage cleaning, weighing, etc. Now, in Madagascar, where they are from originally, it is very noisy, birds, elephants, jaguars...and I think that as long as it is routine...and not too "over the top" they actaully prefer it and in my humble opinion, seem healthier, and less stressed (I have had most of them over three years now).

just looking for different points of view!

C

No just kidding. I love my Elvis but he does not like the sight of me too much. Some days he tolerates me but most of the time he hides. Now if I put him out side, he doesn't hide from me at all and will even take food from my hand some times. I really think different Chams have different traits. Some tolerate us and may even be friendly and some can't stand the sight of us. And I certainly feel that the longer you have one the more docile it will become.

He is more of a curious chameleon. He likes more activity than less, and he is actually inquisitive. He will watch how people move, and follow you with his eyes as you pace around the room...almost entertaining for him! Its also strange how calm and collected he is inside. He will come to the front of the cage, eat from my hand, just a nice chameleon. On the other hand, when I take him outside, he gets his "wild" instincts, and hisses and snaps when I try to hand feed him. Strange, how chameleons react in different lights and environments, but interesting!
Michele

Cobalt, 9 month old Ambanja-Nosy be cross

chameleons behaviors are interesting all the good traits and bad draw us closer to them do you ever feel so lucky to know and learn about such amazing creacher undoubtibly the most interesting on the whole earth

Your boy is beautiful!!!!!!!! His color is outstanding!

Not all of my chams are "nice"...I have a real evil one that just likes to look...it does not like people, but since I put them ALL in places where noises of daily living surround them, they show very little stress when something comes up. Whereas I agree they are delicate....I have not yet heard that when elephants come through madagascar...the chameleons die of stress...I think that if they are used to noises,the sounds of animals, (even human animals...the daily sounds of cooking, cleaning, TV, - translated monkeys chattering...bugs buzzing) I think they are startled less...and therefor less stressed.