My beardie runs away and seems scared!!
- Thread starter Turo
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It may just take some time. Be patient with him and if he doesn't want to be handled, don't force it. Try hand feeding him a bit and see if that helps build some trust. Do you see signs of him shedding? Sheds can make them quite moody sometimes and they'll act up or lose their appetite for a bit.
Minimum3
Hatchling Member
It takes time. Dragons are actually prey animals with prey drive. They run away from what they see as danger. Your hand probably looks like a mouth or a claw. Try not picking him up from above but sliding your and palm down under him. Don't hold him or take him out if the viv. Just let him set on your hand. Eventually he won't be scared. You might need to lightly force him in the back if your hand. Just be gentle and patient. ?
traildrifterphalanx
Sub-Adult Member
I would actually offer advice in the opposite direction...
I don't mean to sound, well, mean, but if he's acting afraid and puffing at your hand, removing it is only teaching him that this works to make it go away. If he's going to learn the hand isn't to be feared (beyond food), carefully scoop him into your hand and hold him/cup him if he's fidgety. Hold him for a short moment of time and put him back. Continue this and gradually increase the amount of time you hold him.
If you can, try handling him more at night when he's less energetic and ready to sleep. Considering he is fearful, I would not recommend waking him to hold him. Even now, I will pet my dragons after lights out to basically say "it's only me" before taking them out, just so they don't see shadow masses coming for them.
I don't mean to sound, well, mean, but if he's acting afraid and puffing at your hand, removing it is only teaching him that this works to make it go away. If he's going to learn the hand isn't to be feared (beyond food), carefully scoop him into your hand and hold him/cup him if he's fidgety. Hold him for a short moment of time and put him back. Continue this and gradually increase the amount of time you hold him.
If you can, try handling him more at night when he's less energetic and ready to sleep. Considering he is fearful, I would not recommend waking him to hold him. Even now, I will pet my dragons after lights out to basically say "it's only me" before taking them out, just so they don't see shadow masses coming for them.
traildrifterphalanx":234pu82a said:
That is true, but you should NEVER chase him around the tank. I tried picking him up early in the morning (roughly an hour after 1st meal) when he was calmer, and it seemed better. Late at night (right before lights-out) is also a really good time to handle young and skittish beardies
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