Help!!! Juvenile Beardie still not tamed!!

[TerraT]

Ok so I’ve had Ziggy for a month now yet he’s still not tamed...I’ve tried hand feeding him, he’ll take the food but still won’t allow me to touch him. I handle him everyday for as long as he’ll allow it, but even while he’s in my hand he seems afraid, he’ll lay flat in my hands and won’t move AT ALL. I give him baths at least once a week, but it’s a fight every time. I accomplish these things by keeping food in one hand which I will place in his mouth whenever he gapes at me (every single time). His basking area is between 90-110, I have him on carpet in a 20 gallon tank. I originally got Zig for my daughter, but I’m afraid that if he doesn’t get any better she won’t want to keep him. I really don’t want to have to let him go, I just want to try to make it better before I have to make a decision like that. I’ve uploaded pictures of Zig, lol he’s pretty much cool with whatever so long as it’s done outside of his terrarium.

 

[KarrieRee]

Keep working w/ him and handling him -- it takes patience but he will come around - put a blanket of some sort like fleece w/ your scent on it or piece of clothing in his hide -- he will get used to the smell and wont be so afraid--- but it does take time just be patient w / him and he will come around hand feeding is great
Karrie

 

[TerraT]

Keep working w/ him and handling him -- it takes patience but he will come around - put a blanket of some sort like fleece w/ your scent on it or piece of clothing in his hide -- he will get used to the smell and wont be so afraid--- but it does take time just be patient w / him and he will come around hand feeding is great
Karrie

I haven’t tried that one, but I’m definitely going to do this today. Patience just might be a big part of my problem, you’re absolutely right, I am going to practice more with him and hope for a positive turn around, thanks so much!!

 

[Claudiusx]

Hi there,

Another thing that I feel helps a lot is getting them out when it's near their bedtime or when they are sleepy. They tend to be less problematic that way, and if you can get them to fall asleep on you, it really seems to help build the trust.

I would avoid the whole feeding him when he gapes at you. Sometimes this reaffirms a feeling of you only being the feeder, and not necessarily someone to trust or get comfortable with. But as long as you interact with him at times without food involved, this shouldn't be a problem.

-Brandon

 

[TerraT]

Hi there,

Another thing that I feel helps a lot is getting them out when it's near their bedtime or when they are sleepy. They tend to be less problematic that way, and if you can get them to fall asleep on you, it really seems to help build the trust.

I would avoid the whole feeding him when he gapes at you. Sometimes this reaffirms a feeling of you only being the feeder, and not necessarily someone to trust or get comfortable with. But as long as you interact with him at times without food involved, this shouldn't be a problem.

-Brandon

I’ve actually tried picking him up in the morning before he warms completely up. This is the only time he won’t put up much of a fight, but great idea I will try this as well. I actually started feeding him food whenever he gapes because a close friend of mine has been trying to get aquatinted with him as well and he actually bit her!! It didn’t hurt her, but it still came as a shock and I don’t want him making a habit out of doing that.

 

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from General to Behavior