I'm in no way an expert, but I have a 4 mnth old male. I was told the same thing, and also told to handle as much a possible. I think it depends on you and your chameleon. If he get really freaked out and turns black he is stressed out and that is not good for him/her and could possibly shorten a life span if it happens often. Please keep in mind chameleons have thin skin compared to most other reptiles and we need to be very careful how we handle them.