How do you know your beardie likes you?

[spyderk]

I have a feeling that we are being tolerated right now. He doesn't voluntarily climb up our hand, and we have to pick him up from the belly and from up above. He's gaped at me a few times now, while giving me the stink eye, but tolerates everything. Wondering if we should handle him less or more?

But anyway, what signs do you get when you KNOW your beardie actually likes you?

 

[jeserah]

I don't actually know if Khan likes me or not. He rarely runs away from me, but he also rarely shows affection. I suppose that's all a part of their nature. The way I look at it is that they're solitary creatures naturally, but because we provide them with shelter, food and warmth, they associate us with beneficial things. I assume that Khan likes me in these terms, but I'm also sure he'd be just as happy being a wild lizard. I guess that just ties in to being a reptile though.

Don't feel too bad, I'm sure your beardie will warm up to you the more you handle him. Every time you pick him up and interact with him, try giving him a treat he likes (I'll give Khan a piece of apple or a carrot). This may reinforce your relationship. I totally understand the "toleration" aspect of what you're saying.

 

[sirenique]

I think Jeserah's got it right! The more you handle your beardie, the more affectionate they will become. My beardie Bones was the same way as yours for the first month or two after I got him -- he actually even bit me one day. I found that hand feeding my dragon sometimes made him become significantly friendlier with me. I also recommend maybe trying to cuddle with him when he is sleepy? That way he can get used to trusting you more and enjoy using you as a heat source. I've been in your position before, wondering if you'll be stuck cohabiting with the lizard the rest of your life, or if he'll finally become your friend. :? But several people reassured me that frequent handling will tame even the most feisty beardie! Good luck to you!!

 

[kelseyinchains]

How long have you had him for? Maybe he just needs time to get use to you. When I got Zeus, I would hand feed him crickets and fruits, and hold him on my chest around bed time so he would get use to me. One good thing to do is to put an old shirt or sock or something that smells like you in his cage.

Although they are solitary animals, I do believe they become attached to their humans. Yes we're theirs, not the other way around lol. I know my baby likes me when he gets mad when guys get near or touch me. And just today I took him outside and let him get some natural sunlight. I sat on the other side of the yard to give him space (he NEVER runs away unless it's to the garden) and he ran over to me and jumped on my lap and sun bathed. I'm sure that can be counted as affection. Lol.

 

[spyderk]

Tomorrow is a week since he arrived. I know it'll take time. I just wondered if there is something that does let you know that they like you. I have a happy-go-lucky Lab, so it's quite obvious to tell that she always likes you, haha!

We've cuddled him to sleep every night since he's arrived. Right now he's on my bare neck (very tickly!) as I work. Trying not to move too much so as not to disturb him, though I am surprised how they sleep - nearly dead to the world!

 

[mynameserin]

yes they do sleep VERY deeply! heres an example:

that is my "mr. shelia" (we thought he was a girl, hence the name Shelia), he is so so affectionate and sleeps on my chest most of the time. when I come home and see him in his tank, he perks right up and gets ready for me to take him out. His pleasure is to run around on the bed and couch... and usually has to go around the side to where his brother's tank is and tease him a bit (this is where I have to move him and stop that action)... but he's cool calm and collected. rarely ever puffs or bobs.. never waves.. mostly just observes the world and its wonders. I'll take him for car rides in the summer where he is happy to sit on the top of my seat's head rest and watch the world go by out my truck's windows. never misbehaves, never hurts me, just loves. Sometimes we call him the lover boy, for just how affectionate he really is!

 

[drgnfly2265]

I guess I know that our beardies like me and my husband is because they don't try to bite us (always a good sign), they let us pick them up, they are willing to sit on our shoulder for hours, they let me put a harness/leash and costume on them, and they will snuggle with me and then fall asleep on my stomach These are just a few ways that they show that they like us!