Hello

[Rossy]

Hi everyone, I have wanted a bearded dragon for many years and this weekend finally bought one. I bought a rescue to do my part but have found out she is not very friendly, maybe because her old owner didn't take care of her. I will be taking her to the vet soon but any advice on ways to make her more friendly would be great. I am trying to handle her 2-3 times a day but its not going to well and she has bit me once. I follow all the recommendations, present my open palm and gently push it forward so she will climb on but she only puts he two front feet on and after that she gets aggressive.

Thanks for reading

 

[CooperDragon]

Thanks for taking in a rescue. They tend to be tough cases if they weren't cared for properly. She probably doesn't know what to do about being handled. I'd try holding her around lights out and after. Let her fall asleep on you and get to know that you're safe. It won't likely work right away, but over time it should help her become used to you and be calmer around you.

 

[Rossy]

Thanks for the reply, I'll gve it a try

 

[CooperDragon]

Be patient. Let me know how it goes. I'm going through the same thing =)

 

[Brezzy99]

You could try putting a shirt you slept in inside his enclosure. Sometimes that will help them bond with you. Like Cooper said, handling close to bedtime is another way.

 

[Taterbug]

Do you know how she was kept before? It may be very stressful in her to be handled so much so quickly. If she wasn't handled/cared for well before just moving into a new home with proper setup is a huge change to adapt to, on top if that handling for most reptiles is stressful by default and takes acclimation.

I'd give her some time (a week or two) with only necessary handling so that she can adjust - then work on the suggestions from the previous posters. It can be helpful to interact with her enclosure and not directly with her so she gets used to being around your hands and not always scared she will get scooped away.

You can use tongs to offer food - she may learn associate you and the tongs with feeding without risk to your fingers. Some dragons can be pretty good motivated.

Good luck with her!

 

[Rossy]

Thanks everyone, I am trying to handle her (gently) each day and it is defiantly getting better. From what I understand she was quite abused by her previous owner, not fed regularly, bad lighting and just left alone. We have a guinea pig, rabbit, dog and turtle so we are animal lovers and we will definitely take great care of her. She is predominately mine as I have always wanted a dragon but my wife feeds her some times with tweezers. From other forums I have read, she may be under weight and I think she may be a juvenile or adult. She has an appointment with the vet next week so maybe they can tell me how old she is. Any suggestions on feeding to bring her health up? I currently give her super worms (which she would eat 50 if I gave them to her) and some greens.
Thanks

 

[Ilovelucy]

Good to hear things are getting better!! I have been going through the same thing with a rescue who was never handled. Thankfully I've got him nice and healthy but the handling has been tricky. I just have adopted the attitude of you WILL like me lol and just tons and tons of bonding time. He has already had six weeks settling in at home though. Good luck with your new guy, keep updating and post pics if you can!!