Still shy

[clossboss]

So its going on the 6th day ive had my beardie and he is about 7 inches. He still seems very weary of anyone going near the cage. when first entering the room he will spook and hide behind his log. ive had him out every day for 10 min or so ever since the 3rd day. he was steadily eating around 5-8 crickets per day up until today i put him into a smaller feeding container and he ate the rest that i had which was probably 12-15. when going near the cage he usually lowers his head like hes scared, and after having him out on my lap for 5 min or so he will just start bolting and has fallen from the bed once so i need to figure out a new place to safely have him out......so i guess my questions are these....how long until he finally gets used to people? what can i do to hold him safely on my bed? or how can i create a safe zone. any opinions info or comments appreciated, thanks!


i guess i should add my specs....cool side 75-85 depending on the day/air conditioner, basking temp 105-110. i have pics posted under the enclosure section if you want to see how his cage is setup.

 

[BeardedDragonStore]

I have one who was like that when I first got him. He was filled with a ton of energy. But when I got near the cage, he'd either bail into his cave or go running under the mopani wood. What I did was move slowly around his cage, no sudden movements. When cleaning his cage... slow movements. When feeding time came, I'd offer bits of greens, small worm, or cricket and then back off. As he got more used to me being there, I just started moving closer to him. After a couple of weeks, it wasn't a problem to pick him up. But I started with a minute, soft speech, put him back. Then as he grew more comfortable I just kept him out a bit longer each time until he started to squirm. Now? Reach in, out he comes, no problem. He'll hang out as long as I'm willing to. There's a trust/expectation thing you need to build with your dragon. If you are consistent with your actions, it will begin to understand you aren't a threat, are a food source, then a source of safety and new experiences. Just be patient. Sometimes it takes some time, but in the end it's worth it

 

[clossboss]

Ive been sure to move slowly around him. He allows me to pet him and go near him in the cage. I just find it wierd how he just takes off after a few min but its not like hes runnig from me, just running. Ill try some hand feeding after work to c how it goes but im doubting he will take to it. Thanks