Need help building friendship w/ beardie

[Celestyne]

Im at a loss. My beardie Nova, dosent seem to care for me very much. Shes my second beardie, my first was a male and he would curl up anywhere on my clothes and sleep, he let me hold him for a whike and would hug my finger. But nova dosent. I have yet to actualy see her sleep, qhen i open her tank to get her i slide my hand under her belly to support her and her legs and she flails around... I just want to be able to cuddle with her and have a friend ship with her.. Can any one give me advice?

 

[CooperDragon]

Give it some time. In some cases it takes a lot of time and patience for a dragon to adjust to you. This is more often the case with an older dragon or a rescue but it depends. Try holding her in the evening around lights out and see if she is more receptive to it.

 

[kingofnobbys]

I agree with the advice offered. I've found hand feeding treats (a favourate insect or veg or green) to lizards (including WILD ones) works a treat at building trust and a bond with the animal.

Yes I can even hand feed some of the wild skinks who live under my house, in my shed and in my garden, some have become so friendly they will crawl right onto my hand to claim a treat (usually a cricket or mealworm, and they are aren't dumb, they'll check between my fingers to see if I'm holding out on them too (I literally have to show them I am not holding out in them LOL).

Takes time and patience, but is really worth it, as it is very satisfying and rewarding when a lizard decides it likes you and wants to spend time with / on you / around you.