How to Make a Chameleon to Open Its Mouth
Chameleons are generally rather sensitive and nervous animals, and as such, they really do not like to be handled. For them, a huge object (like a human) might be ignored if it does not move, and they may even consider it a "walking tree" and crawl on it without problems. More likely, however, they perceive it as a predator, since humans share features with two common predators: monkeys and cats. Therefore, they are generally afraid of humans and tend to either blend into their environment or proactively hide.
For context, the average chameleon weighs between 50 and 100 grams, while an average human weighs about 80 kilograms. This means a human is roughly 1,000 times larger than a chameleon. In comparison, elephants (the Indian ones are a bit smaller, African larger) weigh on average between 5 and 6 tons, making it about 75 times larger than a human. Now understand the perspective of a chameleon if facing a human: It is same, as if a human would be approached by a tiger of a size of 13 elephants, it means it would be around 7m (23ft) high it would reach approximately halfway up the 3rd floor of a regular building, with an iris of a size of a dinner plate, a paw more than 1 m wide and a canine tooth equaling the length of your arm. Would you trust his good intentions? This is how an average chameleon perceives us...
In captivity, we, by definition, limit the movement and freedom of chameleons to a very confined space for many reasons, starting from human ignorance to limited info available and technical or financial limitations... For decades, i provide pressure advocating for the education to use as large enclosures as possible. Unfortunately, we end up with the false subjective promise that a chameleon can somehow survive and not suffer.
However, consider that the most frequently kept species are the Yemen chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and the Panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis), which easily reach an adult size of 40 to 50 cm (approximately 16 to 20 inches). Even the biggest commercially available cages are extremely small, measuring 45 x 90 x 90 cm (about 17.7 x 35.4 x 35.4 inches), where the width of the cage is equal to or even smaller than the total length of the animal. The largest dimensions are just double their total body length. Fortunately, some governments are taking initiative in this respect. For instance, Germany and Switzerland regulate the keeping of exotic animals by defining minimum cage sizes that are significantly larger than those still permitted in developing countries, such as those in Asia, and even surprisingly in the United States. While the approach in Asia can be understood in the context of its economic situation and traditions, where attitudes toward animals are generally harsher and animal rights are slowly developing, the situation in the United States is less comprehensible. In discussions, I often hear individuals argue that it's their right to make decisions regarding animal care, viewing this as a matter of freedom. However, I am personally not in favor of a legal environment that allows people the freedom to let animals suffer or even be subjected to torture.
The majority of these animals live in cages that are too small, limiting their movement and ability to express their normal biological needs. This limitation significantly impacts their well-being and biases their natural behavior. Fortunately, there are exceptions when people keep chameleons in large cages, glass houses, large patios, or, like me, in huge cages of 27 m³ (approximately 1 000 cubic feet). Everyone with extensive experience in keeping chameleons in larger cages, sized preferably many times greater than their total length, will confirm that their behavior is driven by the ability to choose a space similar to what they inhabit in the wild, allowing their behavior to remain natural.
Due to their nature, as described above, chameleons are generally animals that thrive in human care when left alone and not handled. They are not pets in the conventional sense; rather, they are creatures to observe, not to touch. Unfortunately, this approach contradicts the common expectations associated with pets like cats and dogs, which have undergone thousands of years of domestication and are mammals, not reptiles. Consequently, chameleons suffer in captivity while managing to survive or endure stress and inadequate conditions. Excessive handling and frequent contact with humans, along with forcing them into small cages, inevitably distort their behavior. They may retain their shyness and aggression or, more commonly, become lethargic and apathetic, limiting their natural expressions and switching to survival mode. Humans often misinterpret these behavioral changes as evidence that their chameleon has become tamed and loves them, but this is a wrong anthropomorphic reading of the situation. In reality, the chameleon is not thriving.
In human care, chameleons must be regularly observed and inspected to ensure their health state is satisfactory. We can gather a lot of information from just observing them, and the surfaces of their bodies, extremities, tails, heads and specifically their eyes are crucial indicators. However, one of the most important diagnostic sources of any imbalance or disorder is the inner space of the mouth. It can deliver significant information about respiratory diseases, hydration, parasite infections, and other negative influences. Therefore, it is necessary to examine this area closely and efficiently to limit the time the animal is exposed to this necessary stress.
Apathetic and overly friendly chameleons that are too accustomed to human care and manipulation pose a challenge, as they do not open their mouths voluntarily. This often requires the use of forceful methods, ranging from using objects to pry open their jaws, which is not recommended at all, as it can cause hard to heal injuries, to the frequently described process of holding the chameleon with one hand on the back of the head and pinching the gular sac together with the lower jaw with two fingers to open the mouth. This process typically requires the assistance of a second person, which is not always available, and undoubtedly causes significant stress to the chameleon.
For this purpose, it is much more beneficial if the chameleon remains in a state of natural shyness and exhibits behaviors typical of this state, which include puffing up the body and making shaking movements and hissing. Chameleons kept in naturalistic, large cages maintain their natural behaviors, making it very easy and quick to get them to open their mouths, sometimes even without handling them or even without losing grasp with the branch. Simply holding them behind the head on the neck from both sides allows us to take advantage of the few seconds their mouths are wide open for inspection or for the necessary administration of medication, supplements, or even food.
My personal recommendation, in light of the aforementioned points, is to:
keep chameleons in large, naturalistic cages filled with plants and ample space to move and behave naturally,
avoid handling chameleons unless absolutely necessary,
when handling is required, do so quickly, efficiently, and with a clear understanding of the process, taking advantage of their natural behavior of opening their mouths for necessary activities such as inspections or administering medications,
appreciate the presence of a healthy, nervous, and occasionally aggressive chameleon, as these behaviors are indicative of good health and well-being,
let the chameleons enjoy their life in human care not as in captivity but in fully imitated natural conditions, just made free of predators, free of harsh climatic conditions, safer, healthier and full of respect and love.
