Hi everyone,
I'm a new beardie owner and I've found so many helpful things on these forums, so I wanted to get your help with an issue I've been having with Charlie.
Charlie is approximately 7in from snout to tail. Too soon to tell the sex, so I just go with "him." I got him on October 11th. I had read that it might be a good idea to gently handle him for approximately 5 minutes a day or less. So that's what I've been doing. Usually he's a little fidgety and tries to run around and there are times where I'll let him down on a blanket and let him run. There are times where he's just chilled out and sat with me, or fallen asleep on me. Once he even fell asleep with me and let me tuck him under a blanket.
Lately, he's been a lot more finicky. He doesn't look pleased when I put my hand in his tank. I've tried associating myself with treats, he loves veggies. But I've only gotten him to successfully take one small piece of apple from my fingers. Otherwise, he's not interested. Long story short, I'm wondering what I can do to get him to warm up to me and not freak out if I put my hand in his tank?
Basics on his living arrangements: He's in a 40 gal breeder tank. Temps from basking area to cooler area range from 90-100, 80-90, and 75-80 or so. He spends most of his time on his rock basking. He eats his veggies and his crickets and hasn't displayed any odd behavior otherwise.
Thank you!
Alyssa
I'm a new beardie owner and I've found so many helpful things on these forums, so I wanted to get your help with an issue I've been having with Charlie.
Charlie is approximately 7in from snout to tail. Too soon to tell the sex, so I just go with "him." I got him on October 11th. I had read that it might be a good idea to gently handle him for approximately 5 minutes a day or less. So that's what I've been doing. Usually he's a little fidgety and tries to run around and there are times where I'll let him down on a blanket and let him run. There are times where he's just chilled out and sat with me, or fallen asleep on me. Once he even fell asleep with me and let me tuck him under a blanket.
Lately, he's been a lot more finicky. He doesn't look pleased when I put my hand in his tank. I've tried associating myself with treats, he loves veggies. But I've only gotten him to successfully take one small piece of apple from my fingers. Otherwise, he's not interested. Long story short, I'm wondering what I can do to get him to warm up to me and not freak out if I put my hand in his tank?
Basics on his living arrangements: He's in a 40 gal breeder tank. Temps from basking area to cooler area range from 90-100, 80-90, and 75-80 or so. He spends most of his time on his rock basking. He eats his veggies and his crickets and hasn't displayed any odd behavior otherwise.
Thank you!
Alyssa