Nervous, Jumping, and Flattening Out

[scistar11]

I've had Lestat for about a week and a half now. Each day I try holding him as long as he'll let me and it's gradually getting better. Today was a little different though. I picked him up to take him to the bathroom for a bath. He's always very nervous when I take him out of his enclosure. He rapidly looks around the room raising and lowering his head as if he were ducking for cover. He's very alert. While standing at the sink, he leaped from me towards the wall. It was about a one foot leap outward and a two foot drop onto the counter. It startled me and had me worried that he may have hurt himself. He seemed okay though. I picked him right back up and placed him in the bath to soak.

He sat in his bath for a moment before going crazy as if he wanted to get out. The water temp was luke warm, but not hot. He seemed to be in a panic. So I took him out and carried him close to my chest all the way back to his enclosure. At this point he started to really flatten out his body. The only other times I've seen him do this is when he seems really nervous. So, is this flattening out a sign that he's in a bad mood? Should I avoid handling him when he's like this? Also, is it normal for beardies to just jump off of you while taking them for a little walk somewhere? Finally, should I avoid handling him every single day? I know he's still adjusting and everything is new, but I don't want to cause him too much stress.

 

[randommonks]

If it's a baby, it's normal for them to be a spaz. I've noticed Darwin flattening himself when he's cold in the morning to help absorb more heat, so it may be that he was cold coming out of his bath. It also could be that he's trying to make himself look as big as possible, to try to intimidate you (which I found hilarious for such a little guy :lol: ). If he seems really stressed, maybe leave him alone until he looks more comfortable and then pick him up. Don't make it a habit though, or he may learn that puffing himself up or flattening himself will prevent you from picking him up. If you want to be able to handle him regularly in the future, he should get used to it now.

 

[scistar11]

Good advice, and thank you!