Bearded dragon petting?

[maan1123]

So, since I got my bearded dragon last week, I'm trying to tame it of course.

But whenever I touch my bearded dragon, his tail just freezes! I've tried to make him used to me first by slowly putting my hand in his tank, showing that I'm no danger, talking with him and etc, but as soon as I touch him, he freezes. Is this a good sign or a bad sign? If so, how can I make him trust me?


Thanks in advance!!

 

[SHBailey]

Since you've only had him for a week, he probably still doesn't know what to make of you. "Freezing" is usually their first defense strategy, hoping that if they hold still, the "predator" won't see them. I'd say keep doing what you're doing (be patient and go slow) and hopefully he will eventually realize that you mean him no harm. It probably also wouldn't hurt to shamelessly bribe him with treats so he'll learn that you're the one who brings him good things to eat, not the one who wants to eat him :wink:

 

[maan1123]

Thank you, I will!

 

[SpacialCoogs]

One of their main predators is birds and they have a parietal or third eye on their head. When you pet him on his head you are potentially triggering a prey response. If you csn approach from a level perspective as opposed to over top that can also help.

Sometimes it takes a little time and there could be relocation stress for the first little bit.

 

[maan1123]

Ohh okay : 0 I have been trying to do that. But now I'm able to touch him/pet him maybe 1 or 2 times, but then he freezes up! Is that normal?

Also, what can I do when he freezes up? Is there a way to calm him down? Thank you guys : )

 

[Taterbug]

Freezing is a fear response. Slow and patient is the way to go, offer treats if he will eat them during interactions. Reptiles don't really have the social structure where petting would be comforting, it's mostly about them learning that they aren't going to be harmed.

 

[maan1123]

The problem is, he won't really eat. He drank yesterday and he ate some worms too, but today he has been completley ignoring the greens (he wouldn't eat them before either, only if he really had to or if it was a worm in it) so I tried to give him a worm along with some greens, but he didn't eat them!! He is really healthy, been's really active. But he won't eat or drink. Any tips?

 

[melissasiobhan]

If he is a baby then it may take a while for him to really like/eat his veggies. They really prefer and need the proteins more as babies. If he is little he should even eat proteins (crickets/worms, etc.) several times a day.

Don't back away from his response to you. Remain a calm presence and he will learn you're safe. Are you able to pick him up at all?

 

[maan1123]

Nope, but we are making progress. I can pet him now without him freezing up. And he is 2 years old.

 

[Taterbug]

Two is a different story from a baby, but my personal policy is to make sure new animals are eating, drinking and pooping before interacting with them a lot. Handling is stressful, especially if they aren't used to it and can put them off eating. If he isn't used to handling it may take some time for him to be comfortable - more than a week for sure.