Will a Chameleon Recognize Its Owner?

Chameleons are a popular pet option for many people due to their impressive qualities. Some characteristics that nosy boraha chameleon pet parents enjoy include its calm and composure and sharp intellect. Due to their intelligence, chameleons can comfortably recognize their owners even after a few weeks of bonding. Spectrum Chameleon highlights what it takes to help your chameleon recognize you faster and how you can know it identifies you.

Getting Chameleons to Recognize You

Chameleons are naturally suited to live in the wild, so they may initially act scared to remain safe. At Spectrum Chameleon, we note some chameleons can initially treat their keepers as threats. This is part of their intellectual qualities, and the actions like going into hiding or changing colors when they feel threatened are part of their survival instinct.

In order for a chameleon to recognize its owner, it must first stop seeing you as a threat. This will require building some trust and bonding, so the chameleon feels comfortable around you.

Here are some valuable tips for getting your chameleon to recognize you:

Start the Trust-building Process When Young

Chameleons, like many other pets, develop trust that lasts a lifetime. While they may be unable to form emotional connections, building trust with them when they are all grown can be challenging. We recommend trying to build trust with your chameleon while they are young.

You should get your pet as a young chameleon since they may not have already formed a bond. At first, they may seem stressed in the new environment, but they adjust easier than older chameleons. Starting the trust-building process while young offers you time to learn your chameleon’s preferences and how they like being handled.

Allow Your Chameleon Some Time to Adjust to the New Environment

Entering a new home will stress your chameleon; they may feel stressed and scared in the new environment. Such sudden changes can be complex, but it worsens if you try handling them from the go. Spectrum Chameleon recommends allowing your chameleon some time to familiarize themselves with their new surroundings.

The new enclosure will have unique conditions like lighting, climbing branches, toys, and substrate, which your chameleon might find strange. You might notice signs of stress, like skipping meals, but they go away after several days. Avoid handling the chameleon for at least a few days until they adjust to the new home.

Hand Feeding

Food is a basic necessity for your chameleon. After they get over the stress of the new environment, you need to develop a definitive feeding pattern. Creating a routine introduces you to the chameleon’s feeding habits and interests.

Spectrum Chameleon recommends hand feeding to help build trust between you and your lizard. You can try this by placing an insect on your hand and letting the chameleon snatch it using its tongue. This may take some time as the chameleon warms up to you, but it will all be worth it since it creates trust quickly.

Let Them Explore Out of the Enclosure

Confining and restricting your chameleon to its enclosure can bore them and affect their development. You can let them out of their enclosure and allow them to explore the home while supervised.

Exposure to the outside world allows your chameleon to overcome their shyness. They may also feel excited to notice new surroundings, which may help with the trust-building process.

Dressing In Chameleon-Friendly Colors Can Help

Chameleons often express their intentions and mood by changing color. Due to such abilities, they might assume you do and interpret the colors you wear. Dressing in chameleon-friendly colors can help improve the trust between you and your pet.

Spectrum Chameleon advises against dressing in bold or bright colors like black, red, and pink. You can instead wear clothes with less intimidating colors like light brown, khaki, or pale green. This will prevent the chameleon from viewing you as a threat.

How You Can Be Sure That the Chameleon Recognizes You

Although chameleons cannot express emotions like cats and other pets, they can learn to get comfortable around people or things they recognize. The chameleons stop categorizing items or people they are familiar with as threats and become more relaxed around you.

Here are some signs that might indicate that the chameleon recognizes you:

• The chameleon does not change color around you
• Your chameleon rolls their eyes around the surrounding calmly
• The nosy boraha chameleon does not show nerves, like curling its tail, when you are around
• The chameleon does not lose its appetite by your presence 
• The chameleon does not go into hiding when you show up; instead, it continues exploring or tries approaching you.

Get a Healthy Nosy Boraha Chameleon

Building trust with your nosy boraha chameleon will take time, but it is necessary for your pet to recognize you. Spectrum Chameleon is your trusted reptile store to get a healthy chameleon as a first-time pet parent. We also offer you expert guidance on tips to care for your new ones to keep them healthy. Contact us today to shop for a new chameleon.