How do I get my new beardie to like me?

[tattykassy]

I usually use both hands when I hold them, one around the body and the other sort of like a backup, if he tries to struggle I have the other hand to sort of block him. I also find it works for me personally when I put one against my chest, I have one hand to hold him and the other to act as a blocker. I find they feel more comfortable when they cling onto something, I think they feel more stable and in control of their bodies.
If your really unsure, put a towel on your lap and sit down and try to hold him. He will run out of steam eventually, if you have him on your lap you have both hands to act as blockers, eventually he will settle and thats when you can try petting him and sort of feel him out a bit to see what he is comfortable with. Even if your holding him during the day, the night time cuddle is really beneficial to helping him get adjusted to you. I like to wrap mine up in a soft little blankie like a burrito (which people on here have told me about, its great!) and just sorta pet him and cuddle with him. He gets used to your smell, and he can learn to trust you.

 

[Jodi]

Ya he hates it when I wrap him up in a towel after his bath. When you say at nightt are you meaning before lights out or after?

 

[tattykassy]

Well lets say if you turn the lights off at 9:00, try at 9:30.

 

[Jodi]

Now every time I touch him his beard goes black. And he breathes heavy and opens his mouth. Hes getting worse. I dont get it he was so friendly in the store. So calm and didnt mind being held. Thats why I picked him.

 

[tattykassy]

That is puzzling....assuming his lighting and calcium/vitamin intake is all good and he doesn't have parasites, I would say it might just take some time. I haven't personally dealt with a dragon that is that angry, Usually when they puff at me all I have to do is rub their beard and talk to them to calm them down. Just this evening mine was upset I put him on the deck rather then on my lap and he puffed up pretty good, all I had to do was rub his beard and it went down right away.
I would maybe post something in the behavior section on here that has to do with what would make your beardie so angry for no reason, they might have a better suggestion or maybe even something I haven't thought of.
I wish I knew what else to tell you :?

 

[Jodi]

Well thanks for your help. Maybe he is still stressed from coming to a new home. It has only been a week today. Its just makes me sad. I was so excited to get him and now hes mean and doesnt like me.

 

[tattykassy]

Maybe just try to put an item of clothing you wear often (Teeshirt or something) in the cage with him so he can get used to your scent. Maybe try offering him a treat worm by hand? (Wax worm, butterworm, small silkworm)

 

[Jodi]

I have a tshirt in there now. I feed him by hand a least once everyday. It will just take time I guess

 

[tattykassy]

Yes it does...eventually that work is going to pay off.
They must not really handle the beardies over there, then again the owners are there the most and they do NOT like it when you socialize with the animals at all. We're supposed to just feed and clean them and that is it. But because they do not spend alot of time at our location, we have a bit more freedom to do things like give them a bath, give them treats, pet them, etc.