how much handling for a jackson's?

[animal813]

i'm interested in jackson's chameleons and was wondering if they would allow me to take them out. I hear mixed feelings about whether or not they should be handled. I know this causes them stress but what is the longest amount of time they should be held? Thanks so much.

[Ravnos]

Personally, I don't feel chameleons should be handled at all. They stress exceptionally easy, and all it would take is one session to put them off food. If you really can't resist, I wouldn't go beyond a five or ten minutes every few weeks. Chameleons really are display pets more than interactive ones.

Rav

[animal813]

okay..thanks so much for the advice

[tonifersangel]

I disagree. My cham has no problem being held. I have a veiled. My breeder, who is one of the most reputable breeder in the u.s. according to chameleons online, says it's just fine holding them. It all depends on the chameleon. Some like being held. Others don't. Basically if your chameleon doesn't appear to be stressed out then holding it is fine. You do have to let it get settled into it new home for a week first then starting holding it for about 10 minutes a day. I find it easier to hold Ozzy in a dim lit room because chameleons do not have good night vision, and therefore doesn't see me as a preditor. In fact he often falls asleep on me.

[animal813]

okay. thanks for all of the advice. Prior to posting this I'd heard that some don't mind being held and others hate it. Just wanted to know what everyone else thought.