SabrinaRose1220
Member
- Beardie name(s)
- Mario
Please go over his uvb coil or long tube fixture? Where in the tank is it? Basking temps how are you getting them? You want surface basking temps taken w/ a digital probe thermometer- the behavior and overall health is contingent on thisIn June I got a baby bearded dragon from Petsmart. I am feeding him between 10-15 dubia roaches 3 times a day. We have had him now over a month and he’s really nasty. We have never been able to handle him because he runs and glass surfs when we try to handle him. In the past few weeks, if we put our hand in the cage he lunges at us and tries to bites us which he has been successful a few times biting us.. I got him for my 7 year old so he can could have a pet to sit on his shirt and hang out but so far this has been a nightmare. Any help or suggestions on how to get him to be friendly?
I have a heat light that stays around 95-101 degrees - I have a digital probe thermometer and around 80-85 on the cool side. I have a long uvb light that covers the other half of the cage. Overnight it goes to about 75-80 degrees.Please go over his uvb coil or long tube fixture? Where in the tank is it? Basking temps how are you getting them? You want surface basking temps taken w/ a digital probe thermometer- the behavior and overall health is contingent on this
I have a heat lamp and a long UVB light - my son isn’t allowed around his cage when ash adult isn’t present. His substrate is shelf liner and I keep it pretty clean in there. It is a 20 gallon tank. Thank youMy suggestion would be to feed him some insect, and while he’s distracted eating them, very gently pet his backside. I‘ve done this with Bepis, my turtle, as well as two stray kittens that had turned up in my yard. I know he’s not either of them, but it could still work to a point.
It’s also good to note that Petsmart isn’t a very good company, nor is PetCo, so he may have had some bad treatment there or some other history that could have a factor in this behavior. Make sure he associates you with good things like food, and hopefully he’ll begin to warm up to you. I’d also make a note to be sure that your kid is aware that he can’t treat the beardie as a toy. I’m sure your kiddo may be aware of that already, but sometimes things happen when beardie’s are purchased for children, which can result in the poor treatment of the critter from the child. Just to be sure lol.
I’m not sure how old your beardie is, but they are very territorial, so that may be another factor. He may see your hand as an invader into his territory. As the last replier said, I’d make sure his temps are good and have an appropriate tube UVB. How big is your tank? If it’s not big enough, this may be a part of the issue. What kind of substrate are you using, also? Husbandry may play a part in this, so I’d be sure everything is appropriate.
Is the uv light t5 or t8 and how far away is it from the basking spot? Is it inside the enclosures or ontop of a screen?I have a heat light that stays around 95-101 degrees - I have a digital probe thermometer and around 80-85 on the cool side. I have a long uvb light that covers the other half of the cage. Overnight it goes to about 75-80 degrees.
Okay, that’s good. While it is suitable for him at a small stage, 20 gallons will need to be increased to around 40 gallons at minimum when he’s older. Does he happen to have any caves or anything that he can hide in? It may be an issue of him feeling vulnerable or something. Otherwise just give him time, if you get the chance only do short, gentle touches. I wouldn’t try to hold him until he starts to accept those touches. If and when you hold him, just make sure you gently slide your hand underneath him, make sure he feels supported. He should hopefully at least tolerate pets eventually, even if he’s still not liking handling. Be patient with him.I have a heat lamp and a long UVB light - my son isn’t allowed around his cage when ash adult isn’t present. His substrate is shelf liner and I keep it pretty clean in there. It is a 20 gallon tank. Thank you
It’s T5 and it’s on the other side of the tank away from basking spot and it’s on top of the mesh of the cage.Is the uv light t5 or t8 and how far away is it from the basking spot? Is it inside the enclosures or ontop of a screen?
Sorry it is a 40 gallon tankOkay, that’s good. While it is suitable for him at a small stage, 20 gallons will need to be increased to around 40 gallons at minimum when he’s older. Does he happen to have any caves or anything that he can hide in? It may be an issue of him feeling vulnerable or something. Otherwise just give him time, if you get the chance only do short, gentle touches. I wouldn’t try to hold him until he starts to accept those touches. If and when you hold him, just make sure you gently slide your hand underneath him, make sure he feels supported. He should hopefully at least tolerate pets eventually, even if he’s still not liking handling. Be patient with him.
Sorry it is a 40 gallon tankGoing to chime in here --- 20 gallon tanks are hard to keep temps - please make sure your surface basking temp is 105-110 taken w a digital probe thermometer- they are the most accurate - also the uvb isxa long tube - please tell me the brand and bulb - this is critical - these things I am posting are crucial to him acclimating to the tank and his surroundings- I would recommend getting him into a bigger tank ( 75-120) gallon by the time he's 6 months or sooner depending on how fast he grows- I can help you get the 20 gallon set up correctly now and recommend what you will need for a larger tank-
Ok please show screen from aboveSorry it is a 40 gallon tankI am going to post a pic of his set up shortly
Ok please show screen from above
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