Bonding?

[abigailjeanie]

Hey everyone!
My beardie is around 7-9 inches, and I believe somewhere around two or three months. I've only had him for a total of four weeks.

He is really skittish when I hold him. He's so fast I'm afraid to let him roam anywhere without picking him up randomly. I'm working on getting my grandfather to make a little wooden box chamber thing that would take up most of my room, so that I could let him go free in that and sit with him without worrying.

Whenever I reach in to get him, he either:
1. Runs away and hides behind his branch
2. Looks at my face and waits for me to get him and then sleeps on my chest for up to an hour
3. Gapes his mouth (he doesn't ever bite?)

How can I initiate the bonding process without stressing him too much? I see everyone with these new beardies who just love them and he doesn't seem to like me? :?:

 

[popsickle18]

It is not uncommon for smaller beardies to be skittish. It doesn't mean that he doesn't like you, just that you are HUGE compared to him so he is weary.

When mine was little I used to hold him as much as I could and as gently as I could. They hate feeling grabbed or trapped. If you are afraid he is going to wiggle away, play with him over top of something like a large box or a bin. He will just get anxious if you grip tighter to try and get him to relax. That way if he bolts, he won't get far. Offering your beardie food from your hand creates trust too. Offer him some veggies from your hand and see if he comes around. Bath time is another way you can bond.

Every beardie has its own personality. Perhaps yours in hyper and loves to run! When they get older and bigger they definitely relax. Also when he gets bigger you can get a reptile harness for him and take him outside without the worry of him running away from you.

Good luck and don't give up! They are very lovable lizards.

 

[Esther19]

I have found that holding them so they are looking at my face when I talk to them helps. Not every word, of course, but a purposeful chat a couple times a day. My son laughs and says in a worried tone, "Mom, you know she won't answer you, right?"

 

[wulfie]

another thing you can do is to take a t-shirt that you've worn but haven't washed and put that in his viv, that will not only let him get used to your scent, but also give him something a little softer to lay on if he wants

 

[popsickle18]

Esther19, that is a great suggestion! I always talked to mind and had him look at me when he was little.

wulfie, I have heard that works out too! I haven't tried that personally but it can't hurt