Hi, everyone! I just got my bearded dragon Lewie almost a month ago, and I'm a little fed-up with something. The first two weeks I've had him he's been perfectly well-behaved. I take him outside to poop and he usually does his business and soaks in some rays and then I put him back in his enclosure with no problems at all. This past week, however, he's become very skittish whenever I take him outside, and he's tried to run away from me multiple times (good thing I bought a leash!) He puffs-up his beard at me, turns black-bearded, and gapes, and won't let me pick him up. I've had to use a towel because he's almost hurt himself escaping from my grasp and falling. Also, he's blackened his beard at my family once this week. I want to take him out often but not when it's so difficult to do! What is going on with him?
He's had a fright while outside and he remembers it , he's acting up because he's terrified out he's not feeling secure out there.
... best to cut the outside adventures for now and let him have floor time inside instead in a safe area in the house. My gang love exploring the kitchen + dining area + lounge floors and if they poo on the carpet (not a big deal - a piece of damp paper towel to pick up the poo , and squirt with F10SC diluted 1:125 sorts that out and keeps things smell and germ free) and he'll feel much more secure inside than outside.
He's had a fright while outside and he remembers it , he's acting up because he's terrified out he's not feeling secure out there.
... best to cut the outside adventures for now and let him have floor time inside instead in a safe area in the house. My gang love exploring the kitchen + dining area + lounge floors and if they poo on the carpet (not a big deal - a piece of damp paper towel to pick up the poo , and squirt with F10SC diluted 1:125 sorts that out and keeps things smell and germ free) and he'll feel much more secure inside than outside.