Picking up a chameleon
by Admin
Posted on 09-11-2023 03:15 PM
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Stress is the worst thing that can happen to a chameleon. The slightest distress like handling them wrong or picking them up against their will exhaust them. Slight situations such as a dog running or a cat watching it closely, or even a bird flying can trigger stress. But until and unless they are not touched, they will remain fine.
But if you touch them against their will then they will gape, change their color, and hide in the low and dark places. If the stressor is not eliminated then extreme stress can cause their death. Hence, you must understand the signs that your pet is showing otherwise it can cause irreversible damage.
Birds, a chameleon’s natural predator in the wild, often scoop it up from above. Meanwhile, any of us would get surprised if we were suddenly grabbed from the back! avoid scaring your chameleon by always picking it up from the front, where it can see you coming.
Allowing your chameleon to walk onto your palm rather than pulling him from the branches is the key to picking up your chameleon. A chameleon has 5 gripping points – the four feet and one fantastic tail – that will be reaching for something to cling on to at all times. Snatching a chameleon from the branches is a risky move because of this. Even after you believe you’ve got all five off the branch, they’re all flailing around in the cage, hunting for something to cling onto (especially the tail). This is when it gets quite easy for your chameleon to break bones.
A Positive Handling Session
The goal of handling is to make the experience as calm and rewarding as possible for your chameleon. Avoid quick, sudden movements which may startle them. Chameleons are solitary creatures that don’t enjoy excessive petting, so handle gently and deliberately. Let your chameleon become fully accustomed to your presence before attempting to pick it up.
Place your hands in the enclosure frequently so it learns to associate you with safety versus fear. Offering small treats during handling is also key – this creates a positive association between being handled and getting tasty rewards!
over time, regular handling sessions with a gentle, trusting approach will help reduce your chameleon’s apprehension.
A pet chameleon can be a fascinating and rewarding companion. With their unique ability to change colors and their intriguing personalities, they make for captivating roommates. By understanding the different species, acquiring a chameleon from a reputable source, and providing enrichment and activities, you can ensure a fulfilling and enjoyable experience with your vibrant, color-changing roommate. So why not embark on this exciting journey and bring a piece of the exotic into your home with a pet chameleon? for specialized care tips and enrichment ideas for pet chameleons, the chameleon care guide is an invaluable resource for any prospective or current chameleon owner.
Chameleons have evolved to lead solitary and territorial lives. In the wild, each chameleon allocates himself a bush which becomes his home for a period. This animal uses this bush as his bedroom, and leaves it in the morning to sunbathe. Later, he begins hunting before looking for another bush for the night. This routine behavior is ingrained in the chameleon’s dna and doesn’t change even in captivity. This animal still wants to be left alone and handle life on his terms. This means a chameleon is best observed than touched. So keep handling this reptile to the minimum.