Chameleons are described as shy animals that require proper handling to make them comfortable. Before you get a chameleon for sale online, you should investigate their character and how to handle them. Analyze how to understand their needs as each species have unique characteristics and will blend into the new environment differently.
Holding a Chameleon
Chameleons prefer secluding themselves into their marked territories. They need time to get used to the new environment, home, and people. You will need to stay close to the chameleon so that you both get comfortable with each other before holding them. Avoid startling them as it will scare them and cause them to bite.
Chameleons usually sit still and won’t move much. You can learn about their behavior and how to approach them by observing them. Feeding them some food by handing it to them will get them to warm up to you. It creates a bond based on the need for food between the chameleon and you.
Get some food and put it in the palm of your hand. The chameleon will move towards the food in hand, allowing you to hold and carry them. You will need to be patient when dealing with these animals. Allow them to grip the hand as they move towards the food. Provide them support by holding them appropriately by the body. Chameleons don’t like having their body hanging around.
Give the chameleon a slight pat to encourage it to move forward towards the palm. Make sure you give it enough freedom to move towards your palm and let it be accustomed to the palm. Once it is familiar with your hand, it can move from palm to palm freely.
When you release the chameleon back to its tank, let it down easily by giving it a stalk to hold on to and walk off. Give it the necessary support to avoid injuries or accidents.
Choosing a Chameleon for Sale Online
With various species in the wild and reptile stores, you will need to choose the best chameleon for your needs. Research the chameleon species available for sale online before committing to a particular one. Consider the environment, weather, size, age, and known traits to give the chameleon the home and family it deserves.
Dos and Don’ts of Holding a Chameleon
Chameleons are sensitive animals, and people should treat them accordingly. One wrong move can make it difficult to bond with your chameleon.
Consider these dos and don’ts when holding chameleons:
- Be patient with them
- Be gentle
- Avoid petting them, especially in the initial bonding stages
- Respect their space and freedom. Don’t hold two chameleons at the same time.
- Always approach the chameleons from the front. Picking them from above scares the chameleon as it will perceive the hand as a predator.
Understanding How the Chameleon Feels When Holding It
Chameleons are good communicators of how they feel when you are holding them. You will need to watch out for any distress or happy signs that demonstrate the chameleon’s emotions. A happy and comfortable chameleon will interact well and freely with their owners.
A stressed chameleon can scare the owner with a puff or gape to expose its teeth. They act in self-defense when they feel threatened. They may even go as far as biting if they think the owner is not picking up on their cues.
The chameleon will gape or hiss to show their discomfort. If the owner doesn’t hold back and let them show their needs, they will puff to make themselves feel larger and more powerful to scare the owner. You should not react in anger to being bitten by your chameleon. If it acts aggressively, it is uncomfortable with the way it is being handled.
Training a Chameleon
It’s best to train chameleons from a young age before they mature. This will help them familiarize themselves with people and the surroundings. If they have gotten comfortable with you during the aging process, they are more likely to allow you to hold them. Investigate the species of chameleon before applying the general training rules from the internet. Some species are more friendly than others. You will need to understand their traits, their need for territorial space, and how they feed.
Getting the Best Deal on a Chameleon for Sale Online
A pet chameleon can be stubborn and boring if you don’t understand how to hold and handle it. Research a chameleon for sale online before introducing one to your home. You will need to know how to bond with the chameleon and make it feel comfortable in their tank. You are responsible for providing the chameleon with a comfortable place and environment. This includes guiding people on how to hold the pet chameleon without sparking a negative reaction. If you have any questions before or after buying a pet chameleon, you can reach out to the previous owner or retailer for guidance.