Dragon Paranoid of Birds. Ways to show they cannot harm him?

[ArielAnn]

Hi Does anyone have an idea on how I can show my dragon, Natsu, that the birds cannot possibly get to him in his outdoor enclosure? I see that he gets frightened, but my other dragon, Jack, has no problems with the birds. Natsu used to like the cage but now I always see him hiding, so I often bring him inside with me and he'll get sun by laying on my window sill.

Please leave comments of any kind I don't mind keeping him inside with me. but, my cage loses its point by then.

 

[Claudiusx]

I don't think you can.

It has been ingrained in them to fear for birds, they are a natural predator in their wild habitat. Their natural fear for birds is what keeps them alive and safer in the wild.

-Brandon

 

[Momswims1]

I agree with the previous answer. It is their nature to be afraid of birds and they should be. Unless you live in an area that has no eagles, hawks, or any other type of predatory bird, they should be afraid of them. We have a hawk in our neighborhood that I have seen catch and eat a snake, so if I have my dragons outside, they stay right on my shoulder or lap. Remember that a hawk can swoop in and grab a reptile before you even see or hear it coming.

 

[ArielAnn]

yeah I see what you guys are saying. I was thinking of just putting a blanket on top of the enclosure so they can see that it's covered on top. I was just wondering if anyone has solved this problem by doing something.

 

[Taterbug]

Your best bet would be some sort of conditioning (like, sitting outside with him so he feels safe) until he is no longer worried about it. That is only if he isn't stressed when you are with him. Tater was scared of bird noises, he didn't even have to see them and he never got used to it.

Don't think there is a way of 'reasoning' with them about it.

 

[TrueSpiderGeek]

I'm having a similar problem with my beardie. I have a cockatiel and my beardie in my room. He never really paid attention to him until lately after waking from brumation. Any time he catches sight of him he'll head bob, charge at him, the whole thing. I've tried covering the side of the cage with a blanket but he could still catch the slightest movement that resembles a bird and he'll go crazy. It's quite frustrating with him always trying to attack the bird. Living in a house where my dad won't let me house them in separate rooms, I'm not sure what to do.

 

[beardy98]

I don't think you can.

It has been ingrained in them to fear for birds, they are a natural predator in their wild habitat. Their natural fear for birds is what keeps them alive and safer in the wild.

-Brandon

Exactly. When I was selling some of my chickens I brought out my beardie Rex, I was trying to make a good first impression for Rex, but as soon as she saw the chickens she started hissing, puffing her beard up turning it black, and her mouth was opened. Overall that was not a good first impression. LOL!