Hard to Pick Up

[momtothreeboys]

Hi there,

I introduced myself in the intro section earlier in the week and learned a lot about bearded dragons. Quick overview- We purchased a 1 1/2 year old dragon last week and have now set up his cage correctly. I took him to the vet today for a well- check and the vet said he was one of the healthiest he has seen. He also said that

1) I could give him cat lax to help him poop- he has only gone once in six days.
2) I could feed him dog food - 1tsp. a day instead of crickets/worms- mixed in with his salad.

Is this correct? I have not read either of these things on here.

One other main concern that I have is that I am still afraid of him. He puffs out a lot when I try to pick him up and today I just had to scoop him into a box to go to the vet. I could not get a good grip on him. Plus I was so scared he was going to bite me. I have read Holly's sheet on how to acclimate him which we will start doing tomorrow. I just want so much for my son-who's seven- to be able to bond with him. I keep thinking we should have gotten a baby so we could have all gotten used to the bearded dragon slowly. Any thoughts or words of encouragement would be great! I am worried he will never want to be held or even just taken out of his cage without puffing out and opening his mouth.

Thanks,

Jennifer

 

[zebraflavencs]

Well, when he puffs up at you, make sure you tell him how impressive that is.
Secondly, if he bites, it will startle more than hurt.
Third, just take everything slowly. When you give bathes, wrap him up in a towel and burrito him, and lay him on your chest. Bathes close to bedtimes helps to relax them.
Hope this helps out !
Janie.

 

[herpfreak]

Before laxatives, I'd try daily baths. Usually works, but then you have to clean out the tub.

I know what you mean. Believe it or not, beardies are as sweet and cuddly as people make them out to be--- sometimes it just takes a little time and work at first. It is not unusual that your beardie puffs and opens his mouth. Mine did too, and he was an adult when I got him. However, I handled him every day, and he protested, struggled, puffed, and opened his mouth, but not once did he even strike at me. They are all show. "Their bark is worse than their bite". If you do get bit, it may break the skin but will hardly hurt.

Like Janice said, tell him how scary he is and that you think he's too spiny to eat. Talk to him in a soft, calming voice. If it doesn't calm him down, it may help to calm you down.

Remember: reptiles can tell if you're scared. And when you're scared to pick them up, they're scared too. Be very very determined while reaching to pick him up, because the more confident you are, the more confident he will be, therefore the more safe he will feel and the less likely he will put up a fight.

Consistent handling is the only thing that will work. After a month or less, he will be "dog tame" and a bundle of fun for the whole family.

I know how you feel; my first reptile was a ball python, which I got as a 4-foot adult. Picking her up for the first time, I was pretty jittery.

 

[cvisions]

Give him some time to adjust, he will settle down and get used to you and his new home. You can put an old shirt of yours in his enclosure so he gets used to your scent.

As for the pooping issue, I wouldn't use a cat lax, many available are petroleum based.

Some suggestions I've read on this forum for helping a BD poop:

1. warm bathes with a tummy massage especially on the right side start from the sternum area and gently massage all the way to the vent.
2. Give your dragon some organic apple sauce before the bath, I would make sure it's room temp or slightly warmed not straight out of the fridge.
3. You can also try giving your dragon a couple of drops of olive oil

 

[momtothreeboys]

Thank you so much for your advice. I know you are right about the beardie being able to sense my fear of him. I need to just reach in and pick him up quickly and confidently. I really appreciate the encouragement. We will continue working with him on a daily basis. My kids love watching him eat and he watches me put his food in his cage and looks up at me. He always looks so sweet until I reach to pick him up lol. Thanks for your votes of confidence. We should have a tame beardie in no time. I hope

Thanks again,

Jennifer

 

[momtothreeboys]

Just wanted to update....My son was able to pick him up without being afraid and I got him the rest of the way out of the tank. We held him for quite awhile and he was very sweet. He was licking us and let us pet him for about 20 minutes. We gave him a bath too. My question is:

He kept dunking his head under the water. I don't think this can be good for him. He did it three times before I put my hand under him to keep him from doing it. He was only in there for about 2 minutes each time. I know this isn't enough time but he starting climbing out of the tupperware. Is it okay that he dunks his head?

Thanks!

Jennifer

 

[herpfreak]

How deep was the bath? It should be a little over halfway up his front legs. I add a towel on one end so that they can get out if the water is too hot/cold/deep.

Unless he appears to be drowning (if the water is too deep), dunking is fine. He's cleaning off his head, and possibly drinking too. Wish my beardie would put his head under.

I'm so glad you had some quality time with him. It sounds like he has cage aggression, which disappears as soon as they're out of the cage.

 

[momtothreeboys]

I didn't have it very deep. Thanks for the advice. I think you are right about the cage aggression. Thanks!

Jennifer

 

[threecupsofcoffee]

I had a recent scare when spyro decided she was very good at swimming underwater. everytime i put her head up she wasn't having any of it and back under water. Well she seemed to know what she was doing after a couple of laps she just blew up like a balloon and floated as though nothing was odd. It was an amazing thing to watch a beardie swimming like that. I just keep a close eye on her when bathing she's fine.

 

[zebraflavencs]

They do like to startle us don't they ? My smallest does that, terribly frightening, then starts to paddle around the water, all flattened out. He will pop up (his head) look at me, sorta grin, and go right back to it for a minute or so. As long as you are watching, everything should be just fine. Crazy scaley babies !
Janie

 

[haleygirl272]

They do like to startle us don't they ? My smallest does that, terribly frightening, then starts to paddle around the water, all flattened out. He will pop up (his head) look at me, sorta grin, and go right back to it for a minute or so. As long as you are watching, everything should be just fine. Crazy scaley babies !
Janie

I would freak out if Zingy did that!!!! O mygoodness! But at least I know they do that sometimes for future reference. *hint hint

 

[zebraflavencs]

Oh yes ! The oldest, a handicapable 3 footsie boy, 7 months old loves to splash and belly flop in the bath all the time, silly boy ! Then he will crawl half out, and do a sort of side flip to splash in again ! It is so hilarious to watch !
Janie.

 

[haleygirl272]

Oh yes ! The oldest, a handicapable 3 footsie boy, 7 months old loves to splash and belly flop in the bath all the time, silly boy ! Then he will crawl half out, and do a sort of side flip to splash in again ! It is so hilarious to watch !
Janie.

Video!

 

[Freeie]

Chimera swims well trys to swim in his bath.. um his budda belly usually keeps him in one spot now lol He puts his head under the water and swims across his bathtub turns around and swims back. Some beardies love their baths and like to play in the water.