Is this aggression?

[KangAndKodos]

This is a new behavior for my baby (3 month old male). In the past week or so everytime I stick my hand in his viv to grab him hes really jumpy and skittish. And tonight he actually tried to hiss at me, I say tried because I didnt hear anything. Is he being aggressive or territorial? He has been handled everyday since we got him at 7wks. Once you actually grab him hes fine though and loves to climb up my shoulders and chill under my hair. Should I be worried? Hes eating and everything just fine. I should also add that he just shed everything except his tail and head a few days ago.

 

[Gail]

It sounds like he is scared more then aggressive. How are you picking him up? Do you reach down from above or come in sideways to scoop him from underneath? Dragon instinctively are afraid of things reaching down from the sky to grab them.
Just ignore his naughty behavior and keep handling normally. My dragon went through nearly 2 months of hissing, bearding and even whipping me with his tail. I ignored the display and forced my love on him, he is now settling down.

 

[KangAndKodos]

I usually put my hand down in front of him and slide it under his body. Could this really just be because of how im grabbing him?

 

[unkempt1]

I usually put my hand down in front of him and slide it under his body. Could this really just be because of how im grabbing him?

It can when done wrong, but it sounds like you're doing it right. Also remember, the wonderful thing about dragons is they each have their own personality, which means sometimes they can be moody. :lol: My dragon gets a little snippy right before, during, and after a shed. During that time she doesn't have a good appetite, either. A day or so later and she's back to her normal, laid back self.

I should also add that during their growing years, they can go through a stage where they throw temper tantrums and whatnot. Lucky for me, mine didn't. I just hope she's not a late bloomer.

 

[KangAndKodos]

It can when done wrong, but it sounds like you're doing it right. Also remember, the wonderful thing about dragons is they each have their own personality, which means sometimes they can be moody. :lol: My dragon gets a little snippy right before, during, and after a shed. During that time she doesn't have a good appetite, either. A day or so later and she's back to her normal, laid back self.

I should also add that during their growing years, they can go through a stage where they throw temper tantrums and whatnot. Lucky for me, mine didn't. I just hope she's not a late bloomer.

Thanks so much. Hopefully he hurries up and sheds his tail and head so he can stop being such a priss lol.