running out of options

[hannahdimeg]

so I've had my beardie for over a month now. and not a day goes by that he warms up to me even a little. if he can even see me his eyes bulge out of his head & wants nothing to do with me. if I take him out he tries to run away. I've tried a bunch of different things and nothing is helping. at this point he won't even eat his food if I'm in the same room. he's too freaked out by me to relax. is there anything I can do or will he be like this forever? I'm at the end of my rope and losing hope that I'll ever be able to have a relationship with him

 

[CooperDragon]

If his eyes are bulging then he may be shedding. If that's the case he is probably extra cranky from that. I'd continue to be patient with him. They definitely mellow out as they get older. Have you tried holding him late in the evening as I suggested a while back? You could also offer him treats of worms. They tend to like Phoenix and Silk worms and those are healthy options. You could also offer some waxworms but they aren't all that healthy and I'd keep those at a minimum.

 

[hannahdimeg]

his eyes only bulge when he sees me. he just shed last week so I don't think that's it. I've tried holding him at like every time possible.. he still runs no matter what or just freezes and stares at me. I've done the worms, and that's worked as far as like eventually I could get him to take them from my hand in the tank, but he's so paralyzed with fear when I'm holding him he won't even look at the worm. it deff sucks cause I've been super patient now and he only seems like he's getting worse not better. I can't even give him a bath because that freaks him out too much.. thanks for your suggestions, I could use all the ones I can get lol

 

[Ashleyblake2010]

I have read a couple of other situations like this and some people suggested putting something in the tank that has your scent on it like a shirt or something like that. That way they can get used to your scent even when your not there. I dont know if you have already tried that but it might help.

 

[hannahdimeg]

wow I never thought of that, I'll deff try!

 

[Ashleyblake2010]

Has he warmed up to you yet?

 

[hannahdimeg]

unfortunately not. eating less than ever

 

[Taterbug]

Handling can be more stressful for some individuals than others, especially if he is a little one. Humans are huge and may look like like they would be a predator. If you are handing him a lot, I might try to cut back and focus on getting him to associate you with good things like food. Wax worms and butter worms are good treat food (fatty so they are best treated like candy) that you might be able to coax him with. Rude or forced handling that just reinforces that fear (not to imply that's what you are doing, be how he may feel about it) could contribute to his attitude and lack of appetite. If he wants to run away, maybe setup a safe area that he can't get in trouble so you can be around him and let him get away if he wants - it's not fair to expect him to want to just sit on you if he is scared or even curious about his surroundings.

If you want to go over your setup, it's possible something different or something in his environment bothers him or is making him feel insecure.