Handling

Chameleons are display lizards more than a family pet. Handling may be permitted however is very stressful and must be limited. A newly purchased lizard should not be handled for at least a few weeks. You should reduce as much stress as possible in that initial settling time. Once the chameleon is settled in and is used to you, handling five minutes a day is more than sufficient. Should your chameleon show any stress colours when handling it is advised to promptly place the chameleon back in the cage. Some chameleons should be handled only when necessary.

*Always wash your hands thoroughly both before and after handling chameleons! Please do not put them near your mouth or nose.*

The proper way to handle a chameleon is not reaching in and grabbing it from the top; but rather gently, slowly, and calmly approaching the cage, and ever so lighty bring your hand up from underneath. Your chameleon may even climb right onto yout hand. Others may take some time. Often you may have to touch the animals tail to coax him onto your other hand. Many chameleons may be trained by simply prompting the chameleon onto your hand by holding a food item in the other hand just out of reach and tries to get closer, crawling into your hand. Chameleons’ nails are very sharp and may penetrate your skin. Larger chameleons may even need gloves for handling. Do not clip their nails they do not grow back and are essential for the chameleons survival. If you feel they are razor sharp, try adding some grape vine to the cage. Never grab a chameleon, their ribs and bones are very brittle and they can bruise very easily. When handling a chameleon, keep it away from dangers such as a hard floor, cords, stoves, sinks and pets. Always keep a very close eye on it at all times, they can get into lots of trouble. Walk slowly and try not to move around too much if possible. If you have a nasty chameleon, simple gardening gloves will suffice; their dentures are quite impressive. They may bite but is usually a last resort.