Suddenly afraid of me :(

[KendraA]

I have a 5.5 month-old beardie. I've had him for six weeks. From day one he was extremely tame and friendly (got him from a reputable breeder who hand raises). In fact he seemed downright fearless, never flinching or hiding, spending all his time basking, loves to go outside and loves exploring the house, eats from my fingers, etc.

Today, though, I took him out to let him run around, and he ran and hid from me, coiling up defensively. He has never done this before! He wasn't opening his mouth or trying to bite, but he was otherwise acting like a wild lizard. He did this in several rooms. He will still let me pick him up, but when I set him on the floor he watches me closely and then runs and tries to hide. It was as if he had never seen me before. I have no idea why, and it's heartbreaking!

(Nothing has changed about this care, diet, temps, etc.--they are all up to snuff. In fact, he had just had his roaches for lunch and acted totally normal while eating.)

 

[CooperDragon]

If this behavior is unusual, then he may be going through a shed or other phase which is causing temporary moodiness. That happens sometimes and isn't something to worry about unless the behavior continues for an extended period.

 

[jgolden4958]

Our baby does that from time to time too (well she's not so much a baby anymore). We got her when she was about 6 weeks old and she would have her weeks where she was completely fine with us and then she would run away and not want anything to do with us. I agree that it might be shedding or just a bad day. Just watch and be patient.

 

[KendraA]

Thanks! Luckily, he snapped out of it after being back in his viv for a few minutes. I think I bumped his tail in a way that triggered some sort of prey behavior--hasn't happened since, what a relief!

 

[JenessaDent]

My little Odin did this for SO LONG too after I got him....and I finally figured out how to get him to knock it off. While the behaivor may very well be caused by shedding and things like that, that could potentially make him a grumbly gus, in the event that is not the case, go ahead and give this a try. After her lights have been turned off and she's starting to get a bit sleepy, grab a warm towel (I always put mine in the dryer for a few minutes before hand), and burrito that little munchkin up. She'll more than likely stay awake for a few minutes, but she'll eventually fall deep asleep all burrito-ed up in that nice warm towel. This is a really big bonding thing for them and they start to trust you much more when you do this.