Aggression & shedding

[beardie_mom76]

Hi,
So my beardie Ember is about 4/5 months old and is currently shedding his last leg. I’m still waiting on the head and back to shed. Today, for the first time ever Ember bearded, hissed and got really dark towards me. It scared & upset me. Ember was in the bath when this happened. I noticed Ember has been really moody with this shed. It’s been an off & on moodiness. Has anyone experienced this during shed? Any advice on how to deal with the aggressive behaviors during shedding? This is Ember’s 2nd shed with me. The first one, Ember didn’t act like this. I took this behavior so personal and it upset me and worried me that our growing bond is now ruined that this happened. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! These pics were taken after the beard went down, but he was really staring me down.

 

[Groggyfroggie]

Awww he was totally pissed giving you the biggest stink eye ever! Well he’s still young and probably agitated by shedding, so don’t take it too personal. I know how upsetting it can be but just be patient with him and remember how cranky they can get lol. Don’t handle them as much during shedding, and bribe them with treats when they’re all done. That’s about all you can do. He’ll get over it.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Oh this happens SO often, try not to stress too much. He probably just didn't like the bath. Shedding
usually makes them more aggressive or grouchy because of the itchiness involved.
I don't think they dynamic of your relationship has changed at all, he will be just fine.
Let us know how he is doing.

Tracie

 

[Rocky2022]

It IS scary isn't it! If it helps- after my first aggressive episode, I was scared and left the room until the next day, I think it freaked Rocky out too (as he was young) that he hasn't done the same since LOL - he felt abandoned.
He attempts to puff but he hasn't hissed/blackened at me since LOL And to be honest, 10 months old now, I would still run!
But seriously, remember, your beardie is young and getting to know you PLUS he's going through an uncomfortable situation (shedding and/or the bath)- it's a lot to endure. As beardies can't communicate with us verbally, that's their way of doing so. It IS scary but as the others said, l be patient.

One more important fact to remember: He's a cutie!

 

[beardie_mom76]

Thank you everyone so very much for your advice and support on this. I definitely was feeling crushed & hurt yesterday when this happened. I haven’t woke him up yet as I just got up myself. I will definitely keep all of you posted on how he’s doing. I’m so happy I found this group!

 

[xp29]

I keep comparing beardies to toddlers, i think it's a good analogy, especially when they are young. They are needy, moody, and put EVERYTHING in their mouths. Just like us they have a bad day once in awhile, they just get up on the wrong side of the errr log lol. Don't let it stress you, he will go back to normal quickly.

 

[beardie_mom76]

I keep comparing beardies to toddlers, i think it's a good analogy, especially when they are young. They are needy, moody, and put EVERYTHING in their mouths. Just like us they have a bad day once in awhile, they just get up on the wrong side of the errr log lol. Don't let it stress you, he will go back to normal quickly.

Thank you so much! He is better today, but still moody I can tell. I’m just giving him space until his head & back shed completely. I’ll just focus on feeding him his dubia which he loves and refreshing his greens.

 

[beardie_mom76]

It IS scary isn't it! If it helps- after my first aggressive episode, I was scared and left the room until the next day, I think it freaked Rocky out too (as he was young) that he hasn't done the same since LOL - he felt abandoned.
He attempts to puff but he hasn't hissed/blackened at me since LOL And to be honest, 10 months old now, I would still run!
But seriously, remember, your beardie is young and getting to know you PLUS he's going through an uncomfortable situation (shedding and/or the bath)- it's a lot to endure. As beardies can't communicate with us verbally, that's their way of doing so. It IS scary but as the others said, l be patient.

One more important fact to remember: He's a cutie!

Thanks so much, he’s my spoiled Lil one! I just love him so very much!

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Do keep us posted on how things progress with him. I know it is a bummer when
something like that happens, but I think it will get better just give it a bit of time.
Keep working with him & try to find a favorite food or snack he likes, too for bonding.

Tracie

 

[beardie_mom76]

Hello,

Do keep us posted on how things progress with him. I know it is a bummer when
something like that happens, but I think it will get better just give it a bit of time.
Keep working with him & try to find a favorite food or snack he likes, too for bonding.

Tracie

Thank you so much! He’s still a little moody and almost done shedding his head. He shed his nostrils too. I’m sure his back is right around the corner to shed next. I’ll definitely keep everyone posted!

 

[Drache613]

Hello!

That is great to hear. Hopefully his head will shed soon, it is one of the most irritating areas for
them, it can be thick & very itchy too. Plus, the nostril or nose plugs are very annoying for them
& causes breathing problems too.

Tracie

 

[beardie_mom76]

Hello!

That is great to hear. Hopefully his head will shed soon, it is one of the most irritating areas for
them, it can be thick & very itchy too. Plus, the nostril or nose plugs are very annoying for them
& causes breathing problems too.

Tracie

Hi,
His head finally shed. Just waiting on the back to shed now. However, I had a mishap with Ember this morning. I was going to weigh him, then he got spooked by the sound of the dishwasher noise. Jumped out of my hands and fell to the floor and ran under the stove broiler. I pulled it out carefully with the help of my daughter. We got him out carefully and thoroughly inspected him. He looks great! I calmed him with his blanket for about 15 mins and put him back in his tank. He was calm and no longer stressed after I calmed him on me with his blanket. So, I’m relieved I calmed him. However, I’m a worrywart & just hope he’s okay from what happened today. I’m so happy I found this group for advice & support for my lil one. I’m an overprotective beardie mom.

 

[KarrieRee]

Hi,
His head finally shed. Just waiting on the back to shed now. However, I had a mishap with Ember this morning. I was going to weigh him, then he got spooked by the sound of the dishwasher noise. Jumped out of my hands and fell to the floor and ran under the stove broiler. I pulled it out carefully with the help of my daughter. We got him out carefully and thoroughly inspected him. He looks great! I calmed him with his blanket for about 15 mins and put him back in his tank. He was calm and no longer stressed after I calmed him on me with his blanket. So, I’m relieved I calmed him. However, I’m a worrywart & just hope he’s okay from what happened today. I’m so happy I found this group for advice & support for my lil one. I’m an overprotective beardie mom.

Watch for a black beard- any out of the ordinary behavior-

 

[beardie_mom76]

Watch for a black beard- any out of the ordinary behavior-

Thank you! I tried holding him, shortly after the incident. He puffed on me then a few minutes later flattened his stomach. So, I put him back in his tank & will not mess with him for the day. I’ll just feed & monitor him. Give him some space to calm down and make sure he doesn’t act any differently. I am really beating myself up over this!

 

[KarrieRee]

Thank you! I tried holding him, shortly after the incident. He puffed on me then a few minutes later flattened his stomach. So, I put him back in his tank & will not mess with him for the day. I’ll just feed & monitor him. Give him some space to calm down and make sure he doesn’t act any differently. I am really beating myself up over this!

It happens -- dont beat yourself up- hes young -- I would let him be for now - and just keep an eye on him