beardie aggression

[sophieshirl]

So my bearded dragon, Aspen, just started becoming aggressive towards me. She's about 1 year and 5 months old, and I've had her for almost that long. She has never bitten or shown any signs of aggression towards me before, but today I was going to pick her up to give her a bath (she just got out of brumation and hasn't pooped in awhile, could that be why she's aggressive right now?) and as soon as I touched her she puffed out her beard at me and hissed. She doesn't show any signs of aggression unless I touch her, and she doesn't do anything if I'm near her tank or if the doors to it are open. Also when she started brumating, whenever I would pick her up to feed her or bathe her she'd wag her tail, and I've heard that can be a sign of irritation or stress. Does anyone have any idea why she's like this right now?

 

[CooperDragon]

My guess is that she's a bit moodier than usual as she comes out of brumation and re-adjusts to her routine. I'd give her some space if she is acting defensive and just try to wait her out. Once she's back on her usual routine for a bit she'll probably return to normal.

 

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from General to Behavior