Does handling stress out your beardie?

[Mirakai]

My Beardie is about 7 months, and I admit I barely handle her. I pet her almost daily and I move her when I need to, but I can tell she gets a bit surprised when I handle her. Sometimes she wants to run. I took her out a few times and she got really super bright in color, and wanted to run around. Does this mean she was stressed out? I've heard people say before that beardies really don't want to be handled and want to be left alone. What do you think about this?

Do you think I can still get my beardie used to being handled without stressing her out so much? What would be the best way to do it? Have you ever been bitten trying to handle your beardie?

 

[ziggy23]

The stress she is expressing I'd say is more to do with the fact you are changing the dynamics of your relationship. They are creatures of habit. She was used to a limited relationship, and now your changing it by trying to pick her up.

In general BD's do seem enjoy human interaction, that's why they are popular pets. There are some reptiles you can handle as little as possible, and many that could care either way.

I wouldn't necessarily consider running around a sign of stress. first of all it depends on how they are running. Frantically running for dear life is stress. But they are naturally inquisitive. Wanting to explore their surroundings is very natural and normal. They can be hyper (especially when young) and very enthusiastic and excited about it at times. And some times they just have too much energy and need to run it off.

if you want to get her used to a new habit, just make a regular schedule and give it time.

 

[Slave2Scarlett]

Scarlett loves to get out of her viv.. I really think she gets excited and wants to run around.. The more u handle her the more she will enjoy it..

 

[essenm25]

Try doing it gradually. Hold her for at first just a few minutes or letting her run around and slowly do it more or more.

 

[catUK]

It took a while for my beardie to get used to being handled but i just kept on persisting. Now when she's handled she puts on her 'happy colours' with no stress marks and she loves being out the viv to explore or to cuddle

 

[paulaann15]

What are happy colors? :roll:
Paula and baby Zeus

 

[zillathakilla]

Haha okay so first of all, if your beardies colours brighten up it means their happy,if they darken and get grey squiggles on their belly those are stress marks.stress marks can be caused by anything,mostly their to cold!it sounds like your beardie is actually quite happy when hes out,make sure when u pick him up you are holding all four of his legs as to ensure maximum comfort,also when you take him out,put him in a long hallway or bathroom so he can run around and explore,its perfectly normal!hopefully this helps

 

[Abe]

Hand feeding can also help with bonding.

 

[zillathakilla]

Just don't get accidentally nibbled on i suggest using tweezers or chop stix(if you got the skill,i dont) especially for people who hate the creepy crawlers lol