eating trust issues

[cewebb]

Kevin has come so far in the month that I have had him. He used to scurry around his cage and bang into the sides whenever I even opened the top. He was a biter too. He's not very fond of being passed around or being held by my roommates, and he really hates seeing my dog when he is out of his cage (they don't interact). However at his bedtime he comes and sleeps on me while I work basically until I go to bed. In the day he sits with me for short periods but eventually gets worried and wants back in his cage. So, my questions: how long does it usually take beardies to be comfortable outside their usual environment? Secondly, Kevin will NOT eat his veggies or leaves in front of me. I have never seen him eat them. I walked in once while he was chewing on a piece of squash and he swallowed and stopped eating. Yet he eats his crickets in front of me all the time. Just wondering if anyone else has noticed this and what it could mean?

 

[CooperDragon]

How old is he? If he is still young it's not uncommon for them to ignore salads in favor of bugs. They need the protein to support growth spurts. Keep offering the veges so he is familiar with them as a food source. That will make transition to mainly salads easier at around 12-18 months as he approaches full size.

It sounds like the environment may be a bit chaotic and has him stressed out. Depending on his personality he may jump right into it no problem, or he could remain skittish and wary for several months, or anything inbetween. I'd take it easy and limit handling to what he seems to be up for and put him back in his enclosure when he wants back in. That is probably more secure feeling for him. After a while he will get used to it, but be patient with him.

 

[cewebb]

The woman I bought him from got him late May/early June as a baby. However he is almost a foot long nose to tail tip. I've been trying to figure his age.

Yes it can be chaotic but for the most part he is only with me, and that is when he is calmest. My dog generally stays away from me when I have the lizard out because he knows he's not supposed to come near. I'm basically the only one who handles him, and I love how calm he is at night and just sleeps on my chest. I was starting to feel impatient the other day until I realized he hasn't bitten me in a couple weeks - he is obviously learning he doesn't need to defend himself against my hand!

I am definitely looking forward to a lot more veggies than crickets. I can't afford very much (of course, anything for him - I'll stop buying my groceries before his lol)

 

[CooperDragon]

He's probably about 6-7 months old then. Still some growing to do. It's good that he is relaxed around you. That will help a lot.