Handling

Chameleons are easily stressed and handling should be kept to an absolute minimum. You should only handle your chameleon when doing health checks or when necessary for enclosure cleaning.

Place your thumb under the pygmies chin and tap him on the rear with another finger. Never pull or jerk on the chameleon and allow it to climb completely on you hand before you move. Some pygmies, like brevicaudatus , are slow moving and will take their time climbing on your hand. Others are more anxious and might require two hands to pick up. When moving the pygmy from one location to another it is a good idea to keep your other hand under the carrying hand. Most people's fingers are too wide for such small chameleons to get a steady grip.

When replacing your pygmy remember that they will want to move to the highest ground. If your hand is higher the object you want to place them on they will probably just try to climb higher on your hand. Place the pygmy’s chin on a branch or leaf and move your hand lower than the object. Tap the pygmy’s rear to encourage it to move forward.

Note- Some species, like brevicaudatus, will buzz when handled. Do not be alarmed but remember the pygmy is doing this because it is being handled and is stressed.