Handling my Beardie

[cob36440]

So.... I've had my guy/girl for around 2 weeks. He's doing really well and really seems to likew his inclousure. The problem is when I try to hold him. He goes crazy..He runs around like a nut!. Sometimes I just leave him alone in order for him not to get too stressed out. Other times I wil hold him over his enclousure (just in caase he escapes my hands). I was just wondering, how long will this continue?

Thanks,
Brian

 

[AussieOutlaw]

well if you keep letting him get away your beardie will never learn.
Ive had Thor for 2 weeks now at first he just bolted from me any chance he got now if i go near him he just stays there and doesn't mind(most of the time).hopefully in a few more weeks Thor will be comfortable enough to just jump on my hand but until then ill just keep persisting and you should do the same never take *crazy lizard coming through* for an answer.
good luck.

 

[p3ppit]

Maybe it's just me, but I don't believe a reptile will ever become "tame". They can "learn" to accept being handled from time to time, but it's not a pet in my humble opinion - a P. vitticeps - just like any other reptile, amphibian and so on - is a hobby-animal. Excessive handling leads to stress; e.g. taking him out of his normal environment (the enclosure) every day. If you've only had him 2 weeks he's nowhere near to being settled 100 % yet. But yep if he can get away, he will. I'd handle him a bit in the enclosure, and when on occasion taking him out of the enclosure doing so with a pretty firm grip.

I would also try handfeeding him his favorite snacks in the enclosure. This way he will learn to "link you mentally" to a feeding dispenser so to speak.

I personally only handle my reptiles, when cleaning out the enclosure, taking them for a check-up at the vet and when giving them an oppurtunity to drink from my hand at the sink.