Biting or nipping.

[MrMatt]

So we got a young beardie from Tundradragons on this site and we are extremely happy with our new guy! Yet when we try to pick him up he nips at our fingers a little and hisses. I'm sure it's because he doesn't want to be picked up but we want to handle him to get him accustomed to us.

Is there anything we would be able to do to make the transition easier for him? After all I don't want to cause any stress to the little guy.

 

[lyates]

I had the same problem with Camo about 7 weeks old now. He would hiss at me, flatten his body and he bit my husband twice. Someone on here told me to let them be for a while and only put your hands in their viv to feed them, clean up, change water, ect... When he gets used to that start petting him (leaving him in the tank). Once he starts to realize that you are not going to eat him start picking him up and holding him but only for short periods at time. You can also bribe him to come to you by giving him treats ( crickets, fruit, worms).. It took me about 2 weeks of doing these things on a daily basis but Camo did finally come around,now he scratches the glass to get out.
Be patient and don't give up, interact with your little guy everyday even if it means not holding him, he'll get used to seeing and hearing you quickly.

 

[relab]

Are Dragon bites painful?? My guy has bit me, but never in self defense. only when i'm hand feeding, and even then it's rare and not very hard. He's a very docile, and laid back dragon.


You could try to put a shirt you've worn for the day in his tank. Your dragon will get used to your scent, and eventually he'll realize you're his buddy, and not a predator. When you do try to pick him up are you grabbing him from above? If so that may be a reason for his defensive attitude. Try to get your fingers under his belly from the side or from in front of him. Just be patient, and determined, and certainly don't get discouraged.

Good luck!!!

 

[MrMatt]

Thank you for your insight. I'll try this and hopefully it will work. As for the shirt thing I may want to use a weekend shirt cause I really could not use a work shirt. Way too much salt and not from me.