Beardie went psycho on me

[Vita]

I let me little ones roam about in the house ( of course in a secure are) and the love it. On warm days I take them outside to soak up the sun. I always have them in a secure area outside or with a harness. I have never had a problem and today the male went crazy. He puffed his beard mouth open and was hissing. Then he lunged at me and was biting my foot. Has anyone ever had a "personality change" outdoors versus indoors? It was the first time I let the male down outside, but not the first time he has had a harness on.

 

[Esther19]

It sounds like something frightened him. They can sense birds (or threatening things) from above. I had one go crazy running and hiding in a bush once, but he didn't try to bite me.

 

[bunnyrut]

if it was his first time on the ground and you were standing over him, he saw you as a threat.

try sitting on the ground with him until he gets used to you being bigger than him.

once my male got used to me walking around with him on the ground he would only puff up at me if i blocked his suns.

 

[Vita]

Come to think of it I was blocking the sun.... Usually I walk around them all the time cuz they run around the kitchen while I cook dinner. Thanks I think that explains it. No love lost... He is asleep in my arms as I type. Thanks again

 

[DixieLonestar20x]

For the record, beardies have a Parietal eye on top of their head. It is commonly referred to as a third eye. While this isn't truly an eye, it senses light. When they sense a change in light their survival mode kicks in. That might entail running and hiding or getting defensive. This is their protection from predators above. This is common with many reptiles. Mainly lizards. This is why you should not keep a light on at night. Even though your beardies eyes are closed, the parietal eye will still be triggered by the light. If you ever notice your beardie laying there with his eyes closed you can run your hand over the light and he will open an eye. Even though you didn't make a noise they will SOMETIMES open an eye because a change in the light triggers them. (I say sometimes because if they are used to you and used changes in light when in their habitat (such as if you mess with them much or have kids or animals around) they will grow accustomed to this happening.)

Oh, and also, this eye is connected to the pineal body which is active in triggering hormone production as well as thermoregulation.

- Justin

 

[mortitia]

Hi

Just want to say a quick thanks to Justin regarding the parietal eye. I was not aware of this and you explained it really well A forever learning curve.

Vita, I'm sorry your dragon bit your foot, but it amused me for a while thank you x

Marie x

 

[Vita]

Well I am laughing about it a couple days later now but it really hurt...lol.

 

[Vita]

Thanks Justin,
That actually makes a lot of sense to me as a nurse. The pineal gland in humans is also referred to as the third eye and it is responsible for some hormones as well. I guess over time they will get to know me better and my habits with them also. I have only had them since December and have only really been comfortable picking them up and holding them for a few weeks. I won't let a tiny bit of bloodshed spoil it ;-) plus, I have no idea how they were treated prior to my husband and I taking them in, it was a last minute rescue because their owner had to deploy over seas for a year.

 

[mortitia]

Hi
One of mine got me once, that's one heck of a strong jaw they have!

Keep us posted on your journey with ??? (name)

Marie x