quick question!

[ReptileX]

I was thinking of getting a chem and i've been hearing that its not good to hold or touch them..true or false and to what extent are we talking or is it a age facter?
thanks
Ryan

[Trace]

Hello Ryan!

What kind of chameleon?

In general most species do not like to be held. They are solitary creatures and enjoy the company of themselves. Age really doesn't have anything to do with it, although once they hit sexual maturity (approx. 6 months of age) the grumpiness factor increases. I have a 3 month old Veiled who bites me any chance he gets! Right now it's kind of cute when he does it, but I know he will take a chunk out of my finger when he is older and bigger.

Of course there are exceptions to the rule.... I currently own 16 chameleons and out of that 4 will tolerate handling on a daily basis.

If you are looking for an animal that you can hold on a daily basis, I would not suggest a chameleon.

Hope this helps.

Trace

[ReptileX]

Thanks Trace, I mostly wanna get one for display anyways but it would be nice to take out from time to time...but from what your saying you can hold them, its not bad for them but they tend to not like it by biteing...depending on individual...And what chameleon do you find to be best tempered if there is one? thanks Ryan

[Trace]

Hi again Ryan! :)

Yep... you can totally hold them! You are right, it really depends on the individual chameleon. I have a 3 year old male Veiled and a 3 year old male Nosy Be Panther that are SUPER friendly. They actually beg to be let out of their cages everyday. I've had these guys since they were babies, perhaps getting a younger one and interacting with it everyday will make them more tame. Hard to say.... I'm still working with this 3 month old one, and he's still a grump! *shrugs*

Out of all the species I've worked with, I've found that Panther Chameleons tend to be the most calm, even tempered ones. Hopefully you will end up with a friendly cham!

Cheers!

Trace

[Jaylyn]

Panthers are friendly. Out of my group (other than old Zeus) - the Jackson's win hands down. Even if I haven't handled them for a long time.
Jaylyn