New beardie mom

[Caitlynrwhite]

New to the bearded dragon scene! I have had my beardie about two weeks now. He/she doesn’t seem to mind when I pet him but runs away whenever I try to hold him! After getting him out he will tolerate me holding him but doesn’t seem to enjoy it. But runs away again the next time. Is this normal? Can I do something to make him like me more?

 

[MakandRome]

I know juveniles just tend to have a lot of curiosity so if you have him out and about and he’s young he’s gonna want to explore. I just got my first beardie this week and have been focusing on bonding too! I’ve found that just relaxing on my bed with a heating pad on so there’s a warm spot for him to sit on, and just letting mine run about (within reason as he isn’t allowed off the bed or I’ll lose him?) he’s started using me as a jungle gym and once he tires he comes and curls in my hand or on my chest to relax. Bonding with a new pet can take time expecially with lizards, it could take yours longer to realize you’re not a threat. I’ve also heard hand feeding can help them associate you with good things, mine won’t take food from my hand, but I always make sure to set crickets very near him so he sees me and associates me with the food. Hope this helps!

 

[Sixxx]

If you're really concerned about it, associate yourself as a source of food. Everytime you pick your beardie up, give him a treat or two. It's normal behavior for a beardie not to like being handled and almost all dragons are different.

 

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from General to Behavior

 

[Caitlynrwhite]

If you're really concerned about it, associate yourself as a source of food. Everytime you pick your beardie up, give him a treat or two. It's normal behavior for a beardie not to like being handled and almost all dragons are different.

Thanks for the help!! I have been feeding live crickets and have tried to handfeed different greens or mealworms but he will not eat from my hand what-soever. Any suggestions on other treats to try hand feeding with?

 

[Caitlynrwhite]

I know juveniles just tend to have a lot of curiosity so if you have him out and about and he’s young he’s gonna want to explore. I just got my first beardie this week and have been focusing on bonding too! I’ve found that just relaxing on my bed with a heating pad on so there’s a warm spot for him to sit on, and just letting mine run about (within reason as he isn’t allowed off the bed or I’ll lose him?) he’s started using me as a jungle gym and once he tires he comes and curls in my hand or on my chest to relax. Bonding with a new pet can take time expecially with lizards, it could take yours longer to realize you’re not a threat. I’ve also heard hand feeding can help them associate you with good things, mine won’t take food from my hand, but I always make sure to set crickets very near him so he sees me and associates me with the food. Hope this helps!

Thanks! I will try the heating pad trick! I get so nervous with him out exploring on my bed bc he’s so fast ? I’m afraid he’ll jump into the floor! He is semi content to sit in my hand and let me pet him but I feel like he’s just waiting for me to let my guard down so he can escape! ?