Bathing

[Runner]

Got my first bd Feb 1 2019 ..he/she is 6.6 inches long . Been a great bd. He really does not like to be taken out of his cage and really gets stressed out when I try to bathe it so I tried to mist .. So what should I do so that I don't stress it out so much . And should I give up on the bathes and just mist it . And if misting is the answer. How often ?

 

[SPandS]

What is the reason you are giving him baths and misting him? To get him to drink? If he doesn't like baths then definitely stop them. I don't mist my dragons but instead, when I think they need water I give it to them via a dropper. I just drop a few drops on their nose and let them lick it off and repeat until they stop.

 

[Aaradimian]

Hi,

There's no reason to bathe them unless it's to get something off them, help ease discomfort while they're shedding, or get them to poop. I bathe one of mine for the latter reason & he will try to swim a little, but the other isn't fond of them at all, so I don't try. As SandP said, you can drip water on their snouts to get them to drink, and it's probably a good idea to mist their greens so that there's more moisture content there. Don't want a dehydrated beardie!

 

[Runner]

Thank you so much . She is already eating small amounts of vegetables that I keep misted
With water . I will try putting water on her nose. She is perfectly fine in the cage but seems really stressed when I take her out . Any suggestions ?

 

[Aaradimian]

She is perfectly fine in the cage but seems really stressed when I take her out . Any suggestions ?

At 6", sounds like you have yourself a cute little baby dragon! The world's going to be a scary place for them still, but what you can try is to give them a piece of fleece to snuggle into inside the cage. When they identify that with "safe" you can take them out with it so there's something familiar for them to hide in/under if they get scared. I did this with my new rescue dragon to gain his trust. I scooped him up in his little blanket & left him on my chest under it. When he felt ready to explore, he did, and I didn't bug him when he felt safer staying put. The advantage here is that they will also get used to your scent in the process and identify it with comfort/safety (or at least not danger). Food bribes also work & in time you'll have a happy, lazy lap lizard! (say that 10x fast! :lol: )

 

[DumbledoreTheBeardie]

I wouldn't try to rush anything, sounds like he's just not quite used to his surroundings yet. Maybe once he starts to warm up to you, he'll be more willing to take a bath. But for now, just try giving lots of watery veggies. If he is still freaked out by the bath, I often find that it helps Dumbledore to be lowered in slowly, tail first. I may also need to cup my hand gently over his eyes, which gives his the feeling that he is safe and protected. That's a great way to bond with your dragon.
Good luck!