My dude doesn't like interaction with me

[JRevenall]

I've had "Niko" for going on 3 months now, he eats from my hand and doesn't have a problem with me handling him but not for long. After about 2 minutes he gets really jumpy and tries to escape and since my house isn't really dragon proof I really don't want him running the house. I handle him every day so I'm a little miffed by his behaviour since every body else claims that their dragons love being held and even sleep with them . What am I doing wrong ? does it take time to build a bond ? he was a runt at about 5" when I got him and now he's pushing a foot

 

[DaisyDragon123]

You are doing nothing wrong. The people who snuggle with their dragons are usually doing so close to their bedtime, when dragons are naturally less active and prone to sit still. Younger dragons are naturally more active. Your older, and many times overweight dragons, will be "log potatoes" and more willing to stay in one spot. Your dragon is behaving like a normal dragon.

PS: Don't believe everybody's stories. They are just posting a brief moment in time. Dragons will not bond like a dog. People are just applying dog-Ish traits to their lizards.

 

[ruben0311]

he wants to explore the world outside, my room isnt dragon proof at all but i try and use towels and such to block up some areas so when i pull him out he gets time to just explore. after about 10 mins he wants back in his cage. the only time he sits still is if i have him outside in the grass soaking some sun, but they are by no means immobile creatures. they are very curious and love to taste everything and just look around. ive never slept with Fred nor has he shown any signs of being sleepy while i hold him or anything like that... the longest period i can hold him for is about 5 mins so if your beardie is acting abnormal then so is mine... i wouldnt worry about it too much, like they said, its not a dog, and unless you have heatlamps for hands and warmers in your pockets i dont think an active and healthy dragon would wanna just lay on you.

 

[JRevenall]

This is good to know ! I was worried I was doing something wrong or he just didnt like me hahaha. He is happy as far as I know and growing like a weed so I believe he's healthy thats all that really matters

 

[kingofnobbys]

Give him time, they settle down and get more into snuggles as they get bigger and older and learn to trust you and be comfortable with you.

I've had even ordinarily very flighty and skittish little water skinks become very much in snuggles and cuddles and become ubertame and very affectionate.

BTW I have two 27week old beardies, one my boy Toothless is much how you describe your's, his sister Peppa is and always has been into being nursed, petted and having snuggles. Different beardies with identical rearing but totally different personalities.

Rex was like that as a hatchling and when younger, she's now a real snugglebug .... adores being wrapped in a t-shirt or hoody while being cuddled and petted, and seeks out the person she wants to be with at the time , sometimes it's like musical humans , some time on me, then she looks at mommy and wants to go to her, and after a while on her, she climbs off and wants me again.