taming progress!

[bonnie]

well, have gone from getting the hissies to being able to stroke his head with my finger, to actually stroking him with my hand tonight! even rubbed down his sides! he just closed his eyes and chilled. was gonna try picking him up, but little by little i keep telling myself. he is trusting me now i don't wanna blow it! now if he would just do his duty - on day 4 now - i would be happier! can't wait till i can actually have him WANT to be friends!
psyched with the progress, had to share the news!

 

[psychgrl]

Yyyyaaaaayyyyyyy!!!! That's such great news!!! I saw your first post and meant to comment then...I'm really new here but joined to learn how to take care of my rescue beardie. I've had my guy for about 2.5 months or so now and when we first got him he was underweight, dehydrated (probably never had a bath), and super under-socialized. He hadn't been handled for at least a year and a half to two years-the previous owners think he'll be three this summer. The kid and then the grandmother that used to own him were scared of him so he stayed in his viv with a little bit of food thrown in here and there. The first night he was here I couldn't even walk up to the aquarium without him puffing, bearding, and hissing at me.

Long story short, we got his living quarters and diet in order and saw a super quick increase in alertness. The socializing....well, that was another thing. Scratched, bitten, hissed at, you name it. In fact, one night he bit so hard he drew blood through my gloves. But...the good news is that now-while he isn't yet a cuddly buddy-he tolerates holding well, eats from my hand, seems to enjoy his baths, and the last couple of nights has had a short ride on my shoulder. He still has cranky days where I might get a little hiss but they all have those times.

Moral of the story-keep up your great work, there is definitely hope! I lived on this board for the first month, not posting much but searching for info and reading threads. There's good stuff here! So congrats on your progress-keep us posted!!!

 

[tgolden]

good to hear!!!

 

[Irwinshealth]

YEAH!!! The amount of patience u must have, good for u! Maybe when you win him over when can have some photos????? :wink:

 

[bonnie]

YEAH!!! The amount of patience u must have, good for u! Maybe when you win him over when can have some photos????? :wink:

i have photos, i posted them under my original intro i think, but am more than happy to repost them here *says a proud mom* lol

there he is, that be my guy!

 

[bonnie]

Moral of the story-keep up your great work, there is definitely hope! I lived on this board for the first month, not posting much but searching for info and reading threads. There's good stuff here! So congrats on your progress-keep us posted!!!

thanks! and sure sounds like u have done a fantastic job!! i just got done petting him again, and gave him a good misting....he LOVES to be misted!....pet him a little more....misted a little more.... he loved it

my only worry is him not doing his business, i don't see how he can keep all he has eaten in the past few days in him! once he finally goes i will be a realllllll happy mom!

 

[XtinaBeardieMom]

my only worry is him not doing his business, i don't see how he can keep all he has eaten in the past few days in him! once he finally goes i will be a realllllll happy mom!

My rescue girls wouldn't poop for almost a week when we first got them. I ended up giving them sort of a "laxative salad" that seemed to inspire the deed though lol... collard greens mixed with shredded carrots, strawberries, summer squash, and pinto beans (cooked, unsalted). After 2 days of that diet they had noooo problem doing their business. Don't keep them on a diet like that for more than several days though, if you plan on trying it. Good luck!

 

[bunnyrut]

some lizards like to be gently rubbed along the side of their mouth. sometimes while petting my dragons there they will open their mouths slightly like they are basking. it's cute. doing that always calmed my iguana down too.

 

[bonnie]

he finally pooped this morning!! doing the happy dance here! lol

 

[XtinaBeardieMom]

he finally pooped this morning!! doing the happy dance here! lol

Yay! lol

 

[bonnie]

also got him out of his tank for like 15 min and held him. he struggled and bearded a bit, but then chilled out. progress is coming along!!

 

[Irwinshealth]

Great pics, thanks for re-posting them! My favorite is the one with him on the log. Oh, and I will happy dance for him also

 

[bonnie]

Great pics, thanks for re-posting them! My favorite is the one with him on the log. Oh, and I will happy dance for him also

thanks for the additional happy dance! lol yep, been a great day here in dragon world!! now just got to work on making a place where when i get him out i can put him down and let him explore....just am afraid i won't be able to get him back lol