Scared little guy. I'm confused.

[harveybeardface]

Recently, as in only yesterday, I set up a little play pen in the front room for Harvey to get some natural sun and run around in. I think he hates it. He just sits there, or tries to fit his head between the bars. I thought it'd be a good idea to set up the old guinea pig play pen for him. He's in it right now, just sitting on the branch, belly down low, and watching everything I do, which is mainly clacking away at the computer. He spend pretty much all of his time in my room, where is viv is located. He's used to loud music and the television blaring, dogs barking and guinea pig squeaks, but as soon as I put him in the front room, where it's much more quite(except for the occasional car driving by, and kids playing outside), he's on alert, tail up and wide eyed. I'm hoping that he's just not used to it, and he'll come around, he is only about 6 months(guessing on that). Am I doing the right thing? Is it just a matter of training? I'm also scared he'll lose heat. It's a little over 80 in here right now. And he still hasn't moved at all. Earlier when I had him in it, I threw some crickets in there. Nothing. Didn't care, didn't budge, so I had to chase them around the room and put them back in the keeper. Those things ain't cheap! I tried to catch one next to him, and he flared out his beard for the first time at me as a defence. Thoughts? Suggestions? Any input on how I should go about this? I'd like for him to start getting comfortable with it because I think it's the perfect thing for him to get some nice afternoon Texas sun. Unless not?...

Once I place him back into his tank, he's just fine and dandy. Like nothing happened. I'm so confused!


Here's a pic of the set up...

****OK, so I just went to take him out to put him back in his viv, and he felt cold. Then he took off out my hand and started to run around the pen away from me. I finally caught him and placed him in the tank where he ran straight to the basking rock and proceeded to glare at me.

 

[Mommy of Sunny]

You know, my Sunny is such a home body. He used to like to go outside when he was younger (6 months or so), but I took him out 2 times recently and one time he ran under my car, then next time, he ran under the grill. When I have him out of his viv on the couch or the floor, he will literally walk along the back of the couch all the way over to the edge where his viv is.

I really believe he would much rather be in his home than out in the house roaming around.

I do take him out every day. Hold him for a bit, give him a bath, but most of the time, I just leave him in and reach in to pat him. He seems to really love the comfort of his home.

I am wondering if other people's beardies are the same way.

If I put Sunny in the window sill, he will sit there forever, but he does not like to go outside anymore. I guess too many birds flying around.

I don't think I would worry, but I would not push him into a situation that scared him. Sometimes that viv probably feels really safe!!! :lol:

 

[xJaZx]

Turbo does always seem to want to go back to his viv when I have him out. He will generally look at it while he is out (if we're in my room, where his viv is). And if I let him do as he pleases he makes his way to that corner of my room.

What confuses me tho, if he wants to go back in there, why does he always brighten up when I have him out but is usually dark while in his tank....

 

[Mommy of Sunny]

The grass is always greener on the other side. :mrgreen:

Just like my doggies...always on the wrong side of the door!!!

 

[iibrandyii]

You just gave me a great idea with the small critter cage. I think my babies would enjoy being outside in one of those. I have to wait til it gets somewhat warmer but thats a great idea. My daughter wanted to get a baby playpen but I think the small critter playpen would do us better. Thanks!

 

[Ethelia]

Hi there,
I very much think its just each to their own when it comes to beardies.
I read that beardies enjoy sitting on the window and soaking up the natural light, but when i popped Dex up on the sil within about 2 minutes she had shown me her very first black beard.
She hated it so i wont be trying again for quite some time!
I think they are just unique and fussy little devils.

 

[dechainechel]

I agree 100% with Ethelia! Phoenix, our sweetie girl loves to be in the window, she will sit there for hours. She always wants to be out either exploring or sitting in the window. Whenever we go in the room her viv is in she glass dances like a mad women. However, when we take her outside she freaks out completely, unless we hold her the entire time. I swear she is terrified of the clouds. She stares up at the sky, hisses, puffs-up her beard and high tails it to safety.
Our boy, Dragon doesn't like to be out much at all. When he's out he slinks around on his belly, stopping periodically to head-bob whatever he sees. If he can sit up high like on the couch w/a pile of pillows under him he's fine. I think he just feels vulnerable on the floor, and prefers the "safety" of his viv.
I'm just happy we've provided a oh so wonderful viv for him, and that he is content in there.