Bonding with Beardies

[smallseedling]

I've been the owner of a 6 year old beardie called Bob since about November 2013, since my brother has moved away to go to university. I don't think the beardie was properly cared for or given enough attention by my brother so I think when I hold him, he isn't used to or keen on it. I bath him once or twice a week and get him out and let him run about or put him on my shoulder/arm and pet him everyday but he still seems to just sit there and stare at me and not like me. Any advice on how to bond with him?

 

[Elmontare]

If hes sitting calmly with you and not running away or being agressive, thats good. The staring thing sounds pretty common, my beardie usually keeps an eye on me and i dont see it as a negative. Its just going to take time and patience. Its probably a little difficult to tell if he "likes" you, but toleration is usually the first step. Try taking him out an hour or so before bedtime and let him fall asleep in your lap, that usually takes a bit of trust for any animal.

 

[Esther19]

Keep trying. He'll come around. Once he will tolerate you holding him, turn him around and talk to him face to face about a foot or so away from you. 3 of my 4 really respond to this. The holdout is a recent rescue, and we're working on it.

 

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from General to Behavior

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

You are doing great! What you can do is get a shirt of yours to put in his tank so he gets used to your scent. You can also get a nice soft fleece blankie & wrap him up like a burrito in it every night, to put him to bed at night. You can hold him in his blankie at night so he relaxes with you.

Tracie