Nervous Newbie!

[ZWT]

Hi - so sorry! Me AGAIN! I just want to make sure I am doing things right. Once I pick up Draco, he calms down. I can hold him close to my chest for about 20 minutes and I can tell he's relaxed with his breathing, eyes closed etc. He also has been enjoying his bath. However, he is aggressive (lunging, biting, gaping) when I try to pick him up - I am gentle but persistent. I was told they will learn you are not a threat. Am I doing the right thing by just staying the course? Fortunately, he is about 5 inches long and his bite doesn't hurt. He seems incredibly relaxed in general while in his tank and is eating fine.
I would REALLY appreciate some advice or reassurance.
ZWT

 

[Gormagon]

He is a cutie!!!
I have but one question. Are you running a night light or a CHE ( ceramic heat emitter) at night?
You can't run any type of illumination at night, it messes up there sleep patterns and makes them grumpy. They like it cool when they sleep, it allows the to slow their metabolism down to rest.

 

[Rankins]

Handling as tolerated several times a day. Don't worry too much about nips....
Chances are really good if your taking things slow he/she will mellow out in short order. I have only seen 2 very aggressive bearded dragons in nearly 30 years. So odds are really good things will turn out okay.

 

[Rankins]

If your using a ceramic heat emitter a neat way of running it is to plug it into a sliding dimmer switch made for lamps. That way you can use one size wattage year round and just adjust temps with a slide of the switch.

 

[ZWT]

Thank you so much - I love critters so much and really want to do the right thing. I want to have a well adjusted beardie. I do run a night heat lamp but I also have an under tank heater. I could understand how the light (kind of black light) would effect him. With the UTH it would probably stay warm enough. Thanks also for the reassurance on the nipping. Sure glad I found you guys!!!!

 

[Gormagon]

They like it dark and cool at night, a blacklight still emitts light.

 

[ZWT]

Hi All!
You have been so helpful! I just wanted to give you an update. Things are going great! He has really gotten used to me. I can pick him up now almost every time without a nip or him running away. When I put him back in his tank, I follow it up with a little bite of cucumber or apple which he clearly enjoys! So very thankful to all of your for the advice.
ZWT

 

[ZWT]

Hi! You have been so helpful - I a new concern (hopefully just nervous newbie) Draco and I are getting along great! I can easily handle him now. My new "worry of the week" is he doesn't seem to be eating. He has never been a voracious eater, maybe a few crickets a day and a worm or two (likes meal worms - is not interested in the phoenix worms at all yet) - he likes his veg, but again doesn't eat a lot. (He's 5 inches long and I've had him 2 weeks - in that time I don't think he's grown any) Yesterday he didn't eat much of anything - took a little cucumber from my hand and a meal worm. Lady at the pet store thought perhaps he was getting ready to shed. I did think maybe his tail looked a little duller in color today. Other than not eating, he seems fine.

Being a newbie - I don't know anything about "normal" yet so thank you for your help!!! (Again)
ZWT

 

[Gormagon]

If we could see him it would help a lot with this one ! You can upload photos here https://www.beardeddragon.org/useruploads/ and post them to your thread using the XIMG button.

 

[ZWT]

Thanks! I'll post a new pix as I can !

 

[ZWT]

Here is Draco

 

[JessPets]

Cute little guy!! Looks pretty heathy to me, not over/under weight
The only suggestion I would have is NO MORE MEALWORMS. Mealworms have a very hard exoskeleton and are therefore hard to digest and can cause impaction. Try dubia roaches! They are great and most beardies really love them!! My eats about 25 a day

 

[ZWT]

Whew!!! Thanks so much! Ya he's a cutie and and super sweet. So glad to know he looks healthy! I won't worry about his eating habits then. Do I order the roaches or the larva? Thank you so much!!!!

 

[JessPets]

Dubia roaches are always roaches, no matter how old. They are live birth...sort of. The moms have oothecae but the hold them and then give birth. ANYWAY, you can buy them online for MUCH cheaper than you can in stores. West Coast Roaches sells 1k smalls for $30 with free shipping! That is where I just bought mine form, they should arrive today. Hope tis helped!

 

[ZWT]

Yes! It really helps! I love that little sweetie and just was worried because he's not a "voracious eater" like some books/websites said they should be and didn't think he had eaten much in the last day. Thanks for the roaches tip and info!!!