So I ended up with a rescue bearded dragon the other day, no official age, but I'm guessing around 3-4 and fully grown. She came from questionable conditions in a tank full of weird brown substrate that was far too narrow for her, and there was no way I was going to leave her there. I've owned one beardie prior, and I consider myself to be relatively versed in their care, but I made a very rookie mistake with my new girl. She was an absolute sweetheart when I first met her, and seemed comfortable and relaxed while being handled and riding on my shoulder, to the point that I was carrying her around only a day before this for about half an hour with absolutely no issues. She's only been with me for 3 days now, so I really should have just let her chill and get settled in her tank, but she had been so fine yesterday - and she showed no signs of stress when I was taking her out, but about a minute after I'd taken her out and walked downstairs, she suddenly started absolutely freaking out and literally jumped off my shoulder before I had a chance to stop her. I believe I broke her fall somewhat before she hit the tile floor and scurried off, but she was incredibly stressed out had cornered herself and puffed up at me several times before I finally managed to scoop her into a box and get her back into her tank.
What's really concerning me now is the thought that she could have something wrong internally, all her legs seem to be working just fine and she's been wandering her tank normally since I put her back in it - and she also seems very calm again, but I know they're good at hiding injuries. I can't inspect her closely because every time I try to get my hand close to her she instinctively puffs up and gets angry, but she isn't agitated at all when I'm leaving her alone. I'm assuming she's scared of me because of how scary I looked leaning down with her while she was backed into a corner, but from what I experienced and heard of her behavior prior - this is not like her at all. Are there specific signs besides bloody poop/mouth, swollen limbs, or a general reluctance to sit down fully that I should be watching for?? Also - has anyone else ever dealt with an otherwise sweet and incredibly relaxed beardie suddenly freaking out and acting hostile?? I hope it's all relocation stress and that she's not harmed in any way from the fall, but I'm absolutely worried sick about her and want to know if there's anything I should be doing immediately for her.
What's really concerning me now is the thought that she could have something wrong internally, all her legs seem to be working just fine and she's been wandering her tank normally since I put her back in it - and she also seems very calm again, but I know they're good at hiding injuries. I can't inspect her closely because every time I try to get my hand close to her she instinctively puffs up and gets angry, but she isn't agitated at all when I'm leaving her alone. I'm assuming she's scared of me because of how scary I looked leaning down with her while she was backed into a corner, but from what I experienced and heard of her behavior prior - this is not like her at all. Are there specific signs besides bloody poop/mouth, swollen limbs, or a general reluctance to sit down fully that I should be watching for?? Also - has anyone else ever dealt with an otherwise sweet and incredibly relaxed beardie suddenly freaking out and acting hostile?? I hope it's all relocation stress and that she's not harmed in any way from the fall, but I'm absolutely worried sick about her and want to know if there's anything I should be doing immediately for her.