More info on petting please?

[verena]

Hi, I was reading the thread about petting and I got so jeaulous.. My beardie is about four months old. I've had him since he was about 5 weeks old and I am constantly petting him throughout the day. I still have to coax him out of the tank and although he lets me handle him, I can't tell if he likes it or not. Do you think that with continued handling, he might begin to come to my hand? When I place my hand in the tank in front of him, he turns around the other way or runs away. I follow him patiently and keep placing my hand in front of him. Then I begin to slide my fingers under his belly, from the front, and that's how I pick him up. Does anyone have any suggestions that would help my beardie to enjoy my company? Also could some one explain the thing with light or dark colors? Thanks. Verena

 

[beardieguy83]

I have a 2 month old beardie and mine runs away when I try to get it out all the time. I would guess as it gets older just to have a routine so your pet gets used to the idea of being on your shoulder, hand or where ever it happens to be. Try hand feeding you BD some phoenix worms to get the idea of it being ok to be apprached by your hand. Not all the time but once in a while. Then again, Im also new to having a BD as a pet. That's what I think would work.

 

[TheDragonKeepers]

They're both quite young, and don't forget: patience is your best weapon when it comes to handling.
Go in there with something they enjoy - they can associate human hands with favourite treats (waxworms worked for my youngster, Tsam).
When you pick up, try sliding your hand under the chin and under the chest, scoop and slide the other hand under their back end to keep them fully supported. This gives them more confidence in your handling, but also the option to back away/hop off if they're uncomfortable with it.

Keep at it though, bit by bit.

 

[verena]

Thanks for the advice...I do pick her up sliding my fingers under his chin and under his belly, but I did not place a hand on his back. I will try this. Will he ever come to my hand on his own?

 

[Alix1378]

my little tiny guy will walk up on my hand. im not sure they i didnt anything to get him to do it i think hes just tryin to get up high.

 

[Saddlepatch]

I've had my beardie for almost 2 years and he still refuses to come to my hand! :roll: I've tried hand-feeding him, but the only outcome from that is that whenever I hold out my hand, all he does is look at it for two seconds to see if I have food, and when he sees that I don't, he'll turn his nose up. Such a snob! :lol:
I'd say don't worry too much about it. With time, your beardie will become used to your presence and will tolerate your company. Just be patient.

 

[Alix1378]

i know this is off subject for this topic but saddlepatch i really like that pic of irwin on the right of your signature is really good

 

[Saddlepatch]

i know this is off subject for this topic but saddlepatch i really like that pic of irwin on the right of your signature is really good

Thanks so much! That pic (titled "Pucker Up") won a beardie contest a while back and I got a free magnet, license plate frame, and bumper sticker. The downside is that Irwin is such a snobby superficial model now. He must think he deserved a prize. :lol:

 

[TheDragonKeepers]

My dragons don't tend to climb up on their own, but they will lift their chins for me to scoop them more easily. (Kyle is standing at the side of my keyboard watching me type at the moment!) Support the full length of the body and you'll be well away - firm but gentle helps build trust - they learn to be confident in you. (kyle licks my finger, I think she agrees.)