Has anyone been around a aggressive beardie?

[MikeILC]

Like, I mean really freaking out doing everything they can to try and bite you. I've seen one bearded dragon on youtube actually be aggressive that was from a breeder. Just wondering if anyone has ever dealt with a aggressive beardie?

 

[Heyimbrit]

My beardie, Hoss, was sold to me by a pet store at a discounted price because he was "aggressive." They claimed that he bit one of the employees at the store. Everyone was afraid to hold him except me and one other guy. I ended up buying him because he loved me as much as I loved him. He turned out to be the sweetest beardie I've ever met. All he needed was some love and attention.

 

[Heyimbrit]

I was hoping someone else would respond by now. I actually know the video that you're talking about. The beardie was very mean but if you go on his channel there is an update about her and she's normal now. Not really aggressive at all.

 

[CooperDragon]

As my rescue gained energy he became a little bit aggressive and would open his mouth to bite. I'd tap his nose and say "lick" and I'd say "lick" every time he licked something. I'm not saying they respond to audio cues but he would eventually open to bite and then just lick me. After months of care and love he became very calm and friendly. It was some of the first interaction he'd gotten in his life so it took a while to get him used to it I think. He was really a sweet dragon and just needed to be shown some care and get used to interaction with people.

 

[TheDragonKeepers]

Yup, lots of 'em. I generally get the rescues that no-one else will handle, and I've had some really nasty lizards arrive. Not that you could tell these days - those tigers are all fluffy little kittens these days

Dragons who haven't been handled early on can be quite aggressive - and if they've been allowed to get away with it, or worse, realised it keeps people from interfering with them - they'll keep it up. But they're smart reptiles - even the worst of my boys started to get the idea after three weeks of daily handling... though I STRONGLY recommend wearing gloves!

I have a pair of kevlar and goretex reinforced gloves for the really aggressive ones. They soon get the idea that biting you isn't going to put you off, so it's not worth the effort

 

[Gail]

I know someone who bought a aggressive adult, he had very little human interaction growing up. He wouldn't charge your hands or anything but he would try and bit if you touched him.

With time he became reasonably tame, he still didn't like human interaction but he tolerated being picked up for bathing or cage cleaning but he would never just hang out with people.

I also raised a fairly nasty dragon once, even as a tiny little thing she hissed and tried to bite. I could handle her ok but when I reached for her, she would black beard and jump at me. She did calm down some as a adult but never became tame and she absolutely hated me. I ended up selling her to a breeder.

If your dragon is aggressive simply because he'd not used to human contact, you have a fair chance to tame with with time. It will be slow going, the important thing it to be consistent and never react badly to his aggression. If you are worried about getting bit, try a pair of cotton gloves, they should be enough to protect your skin from his teeth.

 

[teaneedz]

Stuart G. Stickers came to us from a local pet shop. He was just staring out at the glass as if to say, "Here I am". I was wondering if the shop had any beardies. Well the owner directed my attention to some other ones saying that they would be better choices. After I kept looking at the first one he showed my why by opening the habitat after putting on a thick glove and reached inside. Immediately the little guy's beard puffed up and he opened his mouth in a biting position. After returning to the shop about 2 more times and still debating on the aggressive 1 year old, the owner finally said he'd give him to me at a discount. It was a great deal and then later he also offered a 30 day return agreement.

Long story short, the little guy came home. All day was spent with him, softly talking to him with an occassional attempt to touch him. After he was quickly picked up and probably shocked that he was, but still gently handled and spoken too, he was immediately the docile, gentle, stoic dragon that most beardies are - less than 24 hours.

Yes have some gloves handy, but keep talking with them and don't give up until you see the proper beardie personality appear.

 

[TheDragonKeepers]

TEANEEDZ! I haven't seen you in _forever_! How the devil have you been, old chap?! (It's Amber Petchey, from GooglePlus.)

As mentioned all that time ago, I'm so proud that you stuck with Stuart. He deserved the chance, and look what a star he is these days

We've had a couple more dragons arrive since I last saw you - Frank was a right nightmare beardie, but these days, he's a chill dude

 

[teaneedz]

TEANEEDZ! I haven't seen you in _forever_! How the devil have you been, old chap?! (It's Amber Petchey, from GooglePlus.)

As mentioned all that time ago, I'm so proud that you stuck with Stuart. He deserved the chance, and look what a star he is these days

We've had a couple more dragons arrive since I last saw you - Frank was a right nightmare beardie, but these days, he's a chill dude

Hey Amber!!! Great hearing from you. Glad Frank found his true self - he has the right teacher. You should come join on Ello - nice tight community right now and we need beardie lovers.

I could never be without a beardie around. Stickers is staring out the 2nd floor window again - he thinks he just has the run of the place.

 

[TheDragonKeepers]

I tried Ello on the beta, and didn't get on with it - I found it very confusing...
Heh, I've currently got Robert "ruling the roost" - he's been all over the livingroom claiming it as his. The other lads have rolled their eyes and left him to it!

 

[teaneedz]

I tried Ello on the beta, and didn't get on with it - I found it very confusing...
Heh, I've currently got Robert "ruling the roost" - he's been all over the livingroom claiming it as his. The other lads have rolled their eyes and left him to it!

That's too funny. A dragons got to show off now and then lest someone forgets how special they are. Good thing the others are patient.

Ello desktop has come a long ways. Should give it another whirl - they need dragon people around to spread the love.

 

[TheDragonKeepers]

Go on then, chuck us a link for Ello then, Tea.

You'd never believe that Jacques was insane enough to require kevlar and goretex gloves if you look at him now, would you? That little dude once bit through a bamboo pole as thick as my finger...

 

[teaneedz]

Go on then, chuck us a link for Ello then, Tea.

You'd never believe that Jacques was insane enough to require kevlar and goretex gloves if you look at him now, would you? That little dude once bit through a bamboo pole as thick as my finger...

Here ya go, https://ello.co/beta-public-profiles
Just sign up and look me up: @teanee

Also, I bet Jacques was just befuddled until he found the right human that allowed him to shop on his own - they have their ways.

 

[19940Holly]

I rescued one many years ago. I tried really hard for several weeks to calm him but he was mean to the point where I couldn't even open his enclosure without him jumping up and biting. His previous owners must have been very neglectful. My husband forced me to bring him back.

 

[teaneedz]

I rescued one many years ago. I tried really hard for several weeks to calm him but he was mean to the point where I couldn't even open his enclosure without him jumping up and biting. His previous owners must have been very neglectful. My husband forced me to bring him back.

Sorry to hear that. It's cool that you tried to give him a chance though.