Baby handling tips

[Nmc8912]

I've had my dragon for about 1 month now. He is very uncomfortable being picked up and runs away. When I do pick him up he's squirming in my hand and I'm afraid to take him out of his take in fear he will get out of my hand and get lost in the house. I've been trying to hand feed him and pet him every day to get him more used to me. I'd like him to be comfortable enough to chill on my arm or chest and allow others to hold him. Just wondering if there are any other good tips out there or if it will just take time. Thank you!

 

[Vh621]

Time for sure, I know the feeling of wanted to hold them and stuff but if he's timid you have to take it slow. Now honestly I can't relate with beardies because mine was never skittish like that but I do have a Leo who was very skittish when I got him. It took weeks before I got to the point where I could hold him in my hand and almost two months later and I'm still working on bonding but I'm taking it day by day, it's gotten way better. Continue doing what your doing, hand feeding is a good way to establish a bond, he'll begin to associate you with food. You can also try putting your hand low and see if he climbs on it, don't take him out of his cage just let him walk on and off. This worked with my leo who are way more anti-social than beardies when young.

 

[CharlotteM]

We've had ours a month as well (he was four months when we got him)...are thing...ran always and hissing at us. Even nipped my son. We tuck with it and finally this weekend successfully picked him up. It's been four day.

S. Sometimes he calmer and other times he is squirmy. Keep at it!