He gets so scared and I don't know what I'm doing wrong

[justvoldeyandme]

Hi!
I have a medium sized juvenile, and he gets so scared when I hold him or even just take him out of the tank. He puffs out his beard, which turns black ofc, and flattens out. He hasn't bitten me yet though. I don't know what I'm doing wrong, or how to make him not so scared. I just don't want him to start thinking I'm something to be scared of. I feel really bad for scaring the little guy and I'm kind of at a loss of how to make it better.
Does anyone have any tips or ideas or suggestions?
Thanks!

 

[Onlymediocre]

Are u reaching in to get him from overhead? That would make him sense danger like a predator. U should always let them see ur hand and pick them up from the front, sliding ur hand from under their head to belly... U could also try putting a shirt that uve worn (so it smells like u) in his viv, so hell get used to ur smell and associate ur smell with home. What ever u do tho, dont give up, even if he puffs up and even if he does bite u (doesnt hurt much anyway) just try not to jerk back and pick him up regardless... good luck!

 

[justvoldeyandme]

Where in the viv should I put the shirt?

 

[Danielle8383]

Have you tried just holding him in the viv? How long have you had him

 

[justvoldeyandme]

I've only had him since late November/early December, so I know that it's probably just him adjusting, but I don't want him to start associating me with something bad. Plus I just feel so guilty for scaring the little guy and wanted to know if I could make him feel better.

 

[Ranchero]

I have had mine since December 1st and he freaks out even if I slowly go under his chin. Once I get him in my hand he calms down.

 

[justvoldeyandme]

When I hold him he squirmed so hard to get away. And today I was letting him run around the room to stretch his legs and everytime I came near him he bolted in the other direction. Even when I sat on the ground and slowly scooted over to him. :/

 

[Ranchero]

Mine would try and jump out of my hands so I would cup my other hand over him and sit on the floor just in case he decided to do a super man. I usually pet him while he is still in his cage but I havent let him run around yet Im like you I am scarred I will freak him out :lol: