Dragon does not like to be picked up

[Mina]

I have an adult female dragon. She is 2 1/2 years old. I adopted her about a year ago from someone who couldn't keep her any longer. Her former owner was afraid of her and never held her. She did pet her head and back, and she does not mind that, but she does not like being picked up. She puffs up, struggles, turns dark colors and scratches. She doesn't always but she had bitten as well. I was trying to pick her up every day to get her used to it, but she still reacts the same. She does sometimes calm down after being held for a while but I never know when she will get scared and start puffing up, twisting around and trying to bite or scratch. At this point I'm afraid she could jump out of my lap and get hurt.
Is there anything else I can do? Should I just give up and let her have her way?

 

[zandi202]

There's a couple of things I would recommend.

1. Wear a t-shirt for a couple of days without washing it and put it in her viv as a blanket to cover her for the night and/or put it where she normally basks so she can get used to your scent.

2. I bought a pen for Jace when he was being a naughty boy. We would sit in there for 15 minutes together until and then I would put him back. I did this a couple times a day and that seemed to help.

What are her temps? When they are older they prefer temps of 95-ish and anything too high could irritate them.

 

[Mina]

Her temp is good. I will try your other ideas, thank you!

 

[zandi202]

Good luck