Beardie getting more and more aggressive..

[DragonJosh]

Since I got my female beardie a little over 2 months ago she has become more and more aggressive. It's gone from always running away from me, small mouth gaping but stopping once I get ahold of her, full blown mouth gaping but not attempting to bite me (I accidentally had my had still close to her mouth and she didn't), to today..she didn't bite me, but she was actively LUNGING and jumping to try to bite me. She's in a 40 gallon breeder tank, UVB reptisun 10.0, temps around 100 on hot side, 11" long, and at the minimum gets greens available at all times and reptiworms dusted with vitamins. I just don't get it..she has a great set up and spoiled with plenty of food. Has anyone just had down right MEAN beardies, or will she get better as she ages? I try to handle her everyday, usually just to drop water slowly on her nose for her to drink, in the hope of her becoming more comfortable with me but still to no avail.

 

[jharris08]

I have seen a couple beardies that just attack anything...but usually not the case.
hopefully it has something to do with hormone levels going through puberty, or maybe there is something in the house that is threatening the dragon (dog or cat, other pets)?

 

[DragonJosh]

I have seen a couple beardies that just attack anything...but usually not the case.
hopefully it has something to do with hormone levels going through puberty, or maybe there is something in the house that is threatening the dragon (dog or cat, other pets)?

It's funny you say the pet thing as I did get a baby beardie a week ago today and she did really step up the jumping/lunging at me phase during that point. They are in different enclosures, but her enclosure is higher and can see down to his. Maybe I need to really get the view separated then? Are females usually like this?

I'm really hoping on the hormones thing with being a baby/juvenile.

 

[catUK]

My female is very placid- has never tried to bite. It may be the age. Do you hand feed her? If not its a good idea to have a worm or something in your hand so if she goes to bite you can put the worm in the way. hand feed her treats and live food so she'll begin to see your hand as bringing good things rather than a threat. Have you tried putting a worn clothing item into her viv so she can get more used to your scent?

 

[DragonJosh]

My female is very placid- has never tried to bite. It may be the age. Do you hand feed her? If not its a good idea to have a worm or something in your hand so if she goes to bite you can put the worm in the way. hand feed her treats and live food so she'll begin to see your hand as bringing good things rather than a threat. Have you tried putting a worn clothing item into her viv so she can get more used to your scent?

Yeah I've tried the hand feeding greens and worms for when she opens her mouth at me, I'll keep up with that I guess. I'll try throwing in a t-shirt of mine for her to get used to my scent.

 

[catUK]

Fingers crossed its just her age and i hope she snaps out of it soon!