Timid?

[ERRA]

Hey, all. I've had my boy for a couple months. I've got his enclosure right, feed him properly, give him baths, and hold him. He still seems so timid though. I see videos and pics of beardies loving pn their owners and snuggling. Mine unfortunately still shys away and tries to run some when I go to pick him up.
What can I do to help him trust, love, and want to be around me? Thanks.

 

[KarrieRee]

Hey, all. I've had my boy for a couple months. I've got his enclosure right, feed him properly, give him baths, and hold him. He still seems so timid though. I see videos and pics of beardies loving pn their owners and snuggling. Mine unfortunately still shys away and tries to run some when I go to pick him up.
What can I do to help him trust, love, and want to be around me? Thanks.

He is still learning trust -- place a piece of clothing or fleece blanket in his hide w/ your smell on it - it may take some time but he will get there - just work w/ him - hand feed him some treat worms -patience is key

 

[ERRA]

He is still learning trust -- place a piece of clothing or fleece blanket in his hide w/ your smell on it - it may take some time but he will get there - just work w/ him - hand feed him some treat worms -patience is key

OK thank you. He's got so much personality. So funny. And he will eat meal worms out of my hand. And I realize he's still very young. Just don't want him to be afraid of me.

 

[KarrieRee]

OK thank you. He's got so much personality. So funny. And he will eat meal worms out of my hand. And I realize he's still very young. Just don't want him to be afraid of me.

How old is the dragon? I would not feed meal worms if hes a baby- they are too much risk for impaction -the exoskeleton on the them is too harsh on babies stomachs small super worms or medium depending on how big he is are good along w/ small / medium horn worms or BSFL / nutri grubs are really good - they are a staple feeder - in the stores they are known as phoenix worms-

 

[ERRA]

How old is the dragon? I would not feed meal worms if hes a baby- they are too much risk for impaction -the exoskeleton on the them is too harsh on babies stomachs small super worms or medium depending on how big he is are good along w/ small / medium horn worms or BSFL / nutri grubs are really good - they are a staple feeder - in the stores they are known as phoenix worms-

Well unfortunately I bought him from a big box pet store. Not a breeder. I'm assuming somewhere probably around 4 or 5 months. He was tiny and sickly looking tbh when I got him. And he's grown a ton. Huuuuuuge appetite. Very active. Super regular poops. Always 1 big one, but sometimes 2 per day. I've had snakes in the past, but this is my first beardie. So it's been a learning curve.

 

[KarrieRee]

Well unfortunately I bought him from a big box pet store. Not a breeder. I'm assuming somewhere probably around 4 or 5 months. He was tiny and sickly looking tbh when I got him. And he's grown a ton. Huuuuuuge appetite. Very active. Super regular poops. Always 1 big one, but sometimes 2 per day. I've had snakes in the past, but this is my first beardie. So it's been a learning curve.

Ok so as I suggested hes better w/ the nutri grubs / BSFL / phoenix worms they are all the same- what are you using for a UVB ? Please no coils they are no good and inadequate - surface basking temps should be taken w/ a digital probe thermometer - 105-110- if you need help w/ this please ask we can post links to good UVB's etc

 

[ERRA]

Ok so as I suggested hes better w/ the nutri grubs / BSFL / phoenix worms they are all the same- what are you using for a UVB ? Please no coils they are no good and inadequate - surface basking temps should be taken w/ a digital probe thermometer - 105-110- if you need help w/ this please ask we can post links to good UVB's etc

It's a 23 watt 10.0

Ok so as I suggested hes better w/ the nutri grubs / BSFL / phoenix worms they are all the same- what are you using for a UVB ? Please no coils they are no good and inadequate - surface basking temps should be taken w/ a digital probe thermometer - 105-110- if you need help w/ this please ask we can post links to good UVB's etc

It's a 23 watt 10.0 desert uvb

 

[KarrieRee]

It's a 23 watt 10.0

It's a 23 watt 10.0 desert uvb

Is that a long tube fixture? Brand?

 

[ERRA]

Is that a long tube fixture? Brand?

No unfortunately its the dome kind. It came with the enclosure. Thrive brand I think. Does that sound right?

 

[KarrieRee]

No unfortunately its the dome kind. It came with the enclosure. Thrive brand I think. Does that sound right?

Yes and that is a terrible UVB -- please get a good one-
24" for a 40 gallon tank -- 24 watt Arcadia Reptile ProT5 UV-B Kit | reptile Heating & Lighting | PetSmart look here if you have a Pet Smart --- you want the 12% bulb
24" or 2 ft https://hydrobuilder.com/sunblaster-nanotech-t5-ho-fixture-with-6400k-lamp.html
Please exchange the bulb out for a 22" Reptisun 10.0 T 5 or a Arcadia 12% bulb
Please do this right away --- your dragon is getting inadequate UVB---- also please get some 2 digital probe thermometers- stick ons are inaccurate --- Zoo Med has them --- you need your UVB correct and surface basking temps to keep him healthy --- when you get the UVB please post back on here I will help you place it for your tank - the screen will determine where it goes