Originally posted by new mom to a veiled
I would love to try and handle Rex more often, but they say the more he is handled the shorter his life span becomes.
This isn't necessarily true. Get him used to coming out, and letting him wander around on you can be a fun experience for both of you! However, chameleons can develop problems if people are GRABBING them out of their enclosures or otherwise causing them stress. As long as you keep handling sessions relaxed and relatively short he shouldn't suffer from them.

As for taming...hand-feeding waxworms (and making that the only time they get waxworms) is a very quick way to tame chameleons! Feed waxworms sparingly though, they are very fattening!