bearded dragon that is biting

[edwardlewzader]

hi my name is edward i have a bearded dragon i don't know if it is a male or femal but it is 7 months old everytime i put my hand to pick it up it like to bites my hand this has been happening since i bought it i don't know what to do.i feed it everyday i am afaid to put my hand in the cage to put food in it's bowl what should i do i never had a bearded dragon do this type of thing so i need so advist here it's like i can't hold it

 

[Gail]

How long have you had him?

 

[RandyMarsh]

that's terrible! Mine never bites at all unless you put your finger in his mouth while he's gaping. GF wont do THAT again lol.

Now to start I don't know a lot about beardies yet but it would seem to me like some sort of trust issue on his part.
Does he show any other signs of aggression when you try to handle him? Like black bearding or puffing and gaping at you?
Does he try to hide from you or just doesn't seem to like your hand in his "area"?

If it were me I'd try and do two things:
1. get him used to your hand in his area, regardless if he tries to bite you or not.
2. Get your beardie to associate your hand/scent with food/feeding
Give him some superworms to bite instead of a finger, or when you put your hand in his tank have some crickets that you can let go at the same time. That way he wont see you as a threat but as a provider.

Like I said I don't know a lot but it seems like it would be worth a try to see if any of that advice works!
Good luck!

 

[pogvitt]

If you or anyone else has ever handled him roughly or hurt him, even accidentally or unknowingly, he will not want to be picked up. Maybe start by just putting your hand in the far corner of his tank, and just let him get used to your hand. You can maybe also put on gloves and lift him out and feed him in another tub, just so he associates you picking him up with something positive. Just remember to always be gentle (don't try to punish for biting or hissing - this will only make him more scared) and to make interacting with you good experience for him. be patient and consistent, and he will eventually tame down.