Hi there, I'm looking for some advice on my new rescue Bearded Dragon - Charlie.
I look after reptiles at work and fell in love with them so decided to get a Bearded Dragon as my very own pet. I looked to Rescues as I knew there would be many looking for forever homes. I took in a 3 year old Beardie. Unfortunately the previous owners did not know how to take care of him. They never provided a UVB bulb, had the wrong substrate, fed him very very little and never cleaned out his viv. He's extremely thin and limps around, kind of half dragging his body along. I assume he has MBD from the lack of dietary needs.
I have him about a week and since day one he gets really really mad if I open his viv and even think about putting a hand in there. I've already been bitten more times than I can count just from changing his food or water. Everyday, I've been handling him to get him used to me but I fear he may be in pain which would explain his anger/fear of me. I have scheduled a vet visit but until then, I'm wondering if I should stop handling him? Also, any other advice is very much appreciated!
Thank you in advance!
I look after reptiles at work and fell in love with them so decided to get a Bearded Dragon as my very own pet. I looked to Rescues as I knew there would be many looking for forever homes. I took in a 3 year old Beardie. Unfortunately the previous owners did not know how to take care of him. They never provided a UVB bulb, had the wrong substrate, fed him very very little and never cleaned out his viv. He's extremely thin and limps around, kind of half dragging his body along. I assume he has MBD from the lack of dietary needs.
I have him about a week and since day one he gets really really mad if I open his viv and even think about putting a hand in there. I've already been bitten more times than I can count just from changing his food or water. Everyday, I've been handling him to get him used to me but I fear he may be in pain which would explain his anger/fear of me. I have scheduled a vet visit but until then, I'm wondering if I should stop handling him? Also, any other advice is very much appreciated!
Thank you in advance!