Handling beardie longer

[Lisadee216]

I have a beardie, about 3 months old, healthy and happy. He, or she, let's me pick him up but won't stay long in my hand. He jumps off into his tank. Any advice on how to get him to let me hold him longer? Also, I worry that he may jump out of my hand onto the floor, and I have dogs....what if he gets away? Any advice will be much appreciated!

 

[haileytaco]

Until he gets more used to being handled, I would reccomend handling him in a small room (such as a bathroom) with the door shut and any cracks and crevices like vents cover so he cannot get lost anywhere. He will become more tame the more he gets handled and the older he gets but I would be very cautious to begin with as little beardies can fit in smaller spaces and move much quicker than adults.

 

[Taralachelle]

What I started doing with my 3 month old to get him more used to handling is to handle him for about 10 minutes at a time. I would take him with me when I would prepare his food, then feed him and take him out about an hour later for a bath. During his bath I would keep my finger in the water so that he got used to having me as a safe place. I would then leave him in his tank for a few hours until I noticed he started getting sleepy and I would take him out and let him sit on me (staying completely still so he wasn't startled) and he would eventually relax. I know it seems like a lot of work, but it has helped him get used to me handling him!
Also, whenever I handle him it is usually in my room with the door shut so even if he does run, he isn't around my dogs or cat
Hope this helps!