How to Handle Your Chameleon

While chameleons can be handled, they prefer to be left in their enclosure and observe us keepers from a distance. They feel safety in solitude, but with patience, you can handle them successfully without causing them stress. Over time, you can build a relationship with your chameleon, where they look forward to your presence. This takes time, but it is an amazing experience.

Respect Their Space

Chameleons thrive in their own space and don’t usually enjoy frequent handling. Let your chameleon get used to your presence first by spending time near their enclosure without trying to interact. The more they learn to associate you with the food you provide, the more they will begin to look forward to your arrival. It’s important to let them approach you on their own terms.

Start Slow

Once they’re comfortable with your presence, you can start by offering food from your hand. Hand-feeding is a great way to build trust. Once they are used to eating from you, try placing your hand gently in the enclosure and allow them to climb onto it at their own pace. If they are not up to it, try again when they are hungry again. It takes time, but your patience will pay off.

A Few Things to Avoid

When you want to handle them, keep it short and gentle - especially at first. Avoid grabbing their heads or backs, and avoid sudden movements. If you have other pets, keep them away from your chameleon, especially while handling. Always give them time to relax afterward.

Watch for Stress Signs

Chameleons may show stress by coloring down or hissing. If your chameleon displays these signs, it may be best to give them space to calm down. Once a chameleon is upset, they will rarely calm down without a break.

Handling an Aggressive Chameleon

If your chameleon is hissing or attempting to bite, it does not mean you have done anything wrong. In our experience, some individual chameleons are more feisty when you are trying to handle them - especially if they are not regularly held. While patience and food-association are key, so are gloves. Even though most chameleon bites are benign, wearing gloves when handing a feisty chameleon helps keep our hands steadier and less jumpy while you are interacting. This helps build trust as well. If your chameleon is hissing or gaping their mouth, it is best to give them space to calm down.

Patience is Key

Building a relationship with your chameleon takes time. The key is to respect their boundaries and go at their pace. Some chameleons may warm up to handling more quickly, while others need more time. This is due to their experience being held as well as their individual personalities. The more patient and understanding you are with them, the quicker you will build trust together.