Handling Charlie

[liss0302]

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

 

[Taterbug]

Your little one is a tiny baby and (no offense) you are huge and probably terrifying.

I encourage folks to interact with their Dragons in the dragons terms. Start in the cage just cleaning, feeding, rearranging. Picking them up is scary and no matter how nice and slow you are they will probably be a little freaked out. Let him warm up to you and allow you to touch him, then get him on your hand, try luring him with food onto your hand or putting a finger under his chest. Then gently work on lifting. If he hops off and runs away don't chase him - you want him to accosiate you with good things not scarey ones.

 

[liss0302]

Thank you. I definitely understand that my presence is probably terrifying. I had tried to handle him more because I've been told and I've read that the earlier the better.
How would you suggest gauging his comfort level on me petting him? The obvious is if he runs away, don't chase, but are there any other things I should look out for? And any suggestions for when I have to take him out to bathe him?

 

[Taterbug]

Watch his body language. This is a great article: http://m.inpractice.bmj.com/content/35/3/123.full.pdf

It's been a while since pepper was so small but things I look for are:
Eyes - suddenly tiny pupils or wide eyes can be from being startled or afraid. Looking "frozen"
Breathing - heavy faster breathing is a sign of stress, but also generally accompanies handling
Body posture - probably he will turn his back and flare his spikes towards you. Inflating to look bigger.

Try bathing in a little tub in his cage so he doesn't have to fly to another new and strange room.

 

[liss0302]

Hi, just a quick update. I've been doing what you said and he's eaten out of my hand a couple times. But this morning it almost looked like he was trying to show his beard. Is that even possible? And what would I have to do if he is?