Iggy is biting!

[Roccosmama]

Hello everyone! I am in need of some advice.....about a month ago I rescued a juvenile dragon named Iggy. They didnt have time for her and she was on sand, with crickets left in her cage with her for days and she was super skinny. When I picked her up her previous owner told me that when you reached into her cage she would open her mouth at them so they didnt pick her up. I left her alone for a few days to let her adjust to her new home but then I would slowly start reaching my hand inside her cage and just set it next to her so she would see I wasnt going to do anything to her. After about a week I would slowly reach in and pet her and try to pick her up. She was still opening her mouth but I would just pick her up in my hand and leave my hand in the cage with her in it. So this has gone on for a few weeks.....the last few days we have tried the same thing and now she is biting us. She latched right on to my sons finger last night and even though it didnt really hurt him it sure did startle him. Now im wondering if her previous owners did something to her physically to make her this way. I really felt I was doing the right thing by rescuing her and doing things very slowly with her. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to break her of this? I dont want to give up on this little girl but at the same time I cannot have her biting my children. We have 2 other dragons, Rocco and Mojo, who are the complete opposite. They love to be held and love our attention. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Jenn

 

[tgolden]

Try putting a shirt you have had on in her viv. She will get use to your smell this way. Also try hand feeding.
It may take a while if she has not been handled much.

 

[Roccosmama]

Thank you for the reply. I have tried the shirt idea but I will try hand feeding. I'm hoping I don't lose an arm! Lol

 

[tgolden]

Thank you for the reply. I have tried the shirt idea but I will try hand feeding. I'm hoping I don't lose an arm! Lol

Lol good luck

 

[SeanFred]

Someone else on the board once posted to shove a piece of green in their mouth when they bite at you.

 

[Puckthemagicdragon]

I would continue handling her. Because she is still young, this is the most important time to break bad habits. Soon she will learn who is boss and will break her habit of biting. If you show you are scared of her, this is reinforcing her bad behavior, she will think that she is being dominant when she scares a hand away. I really bonded with my bearded dragon when he was getting sleepy at night. Before bed time, I would stick him on my belly under my shirt and he would snuggle his way to sleep. This creates trust and will help your beardie recognize you as being "safe". You should give the snuggle a try! You would be surprised how cuddly a sleepy bearded dragon can be!