Hello. I have a behavior concern with my Googlet. Googlet is normally very chill and just a really calm beardie that likes to be out and about and enjoys his snuggles. If some of your read my post in the enclosures section you would know that I moved him into a new slightly larger enclosure a few days ago. He is slightly lower to the ground than usually, but doesn't seem to mind people or the dog walking by. However, when I put something in his cage such as my hand, food, or the temperature gun he would puff, gape, black beard, and hiss. This is something he has NEVER done. Here are my possible thoughts about the behavior causes.
Delayed stress behavior due to the move(still eating fine).
Possible irritation due to basking temp being 5 degrees too low(fixed).
Changed diet to add Reptiworms.
Not used to objects entering from the front( previously entered from top opening).
Homonal-he had been headbobbing and rubbing the tank with his nose to get to my other male whenever he could see him through the old enclosure.
Combination of too much change at once.
He hasn't tried to bite, but he doesn't run away either. He holds his ground.
Of course I do not let his behavior change what I am doing. I threw a towel over him gave him a bath, burrito'd him, and held and pet him for a while. He puffed and struggled a few times, but eventually settled down. He is still wary when I put my hand in the enclosure or touch him in it, but he didn't start the full on hissing again. Any thoughts? Should I just give him time? Thanks for your help!
Delayed stress behavior due to the move(still eating fine).
Possible irritation due to basking temp being 5 degrees too low(fixed).
Changed diet to add Reptiworms.
Not used to objects entering from the front( previously entered from top opening).
Homonal-he had been headbobbing and rubbing the tank with his nose to get to my other male whenever he could see him through the old enclosure.
Combination of too much change at once.
He hasn't tried to bite, but he doesn't run away either. He holds his ground.
Of course I do not let his behavior change what I am doing. I threw a towel over him gave him a bath, burrito'd him, and held and pet him for a while. He puffed and struggled a few times, but eventually settled down. He is still wary when I put my hand in the enclosure or touch him in it, but he didn't start the full on hissing again. Any thoughts? Should I just give him time? Thanks for your help!
