Taming your Dragon!

[Art]

Hi. I was wondering if anyone had any tips to help tame my bearded dragon? He's still young and I want him to be a passive pet that I can play with and hold without him wiggling his way out of my grasp or just have him on my shoulder while I walk around.

Any ideas?

thanks!

 

[Poisoned1]

If he's young he will always be full of energy. As long as you keep holding him and as he gets older he will start to calm down.

 

[Ethelia]

Hi there,
I love discussing taming beardies, because when I adopted an adult beardie who'd been attacked by others and had never been handled. Dex would go to bite me, and managed to quite a few times, and PANIC if i tried to hold her (run, jump, squirm etc). But I assure you nothing is more rewarding than taming your beardie, you gain a real bond when you've had to 'fight for it'.

I used the following tricks that helped her settle down:
- put your hand in her tank, flat, but dont touch her. she'll see your not there to grab her. do this every now and then for a day or so.
- once youve done for a while start only hand feeding her (wriggley mealworms work best). if she goes to bite you be brave and try not to flinch. just raise your hand up and remove the food. she'll soon learn biting isnt a good idea.
- then go for handling her again but do it an hour or so after lights out when she'll be sleepy and bored of fighting. at this time you can try the 'beardie burrito'. this involves wrapping your beardie in a blanket/towel like a newborn baby and laying them on your chest. if she doesnt like the beardie burito try wearing a dressing gown, alot of beardies enjoy softness. Dexter loves mine.
- when handling in this taming period make sure your not wearing any strong aftershave and that you dont smell like food.
- it also often helps to find an old item of clothing of yours which smells like you (or cut a chunk out of it) and leave it in the tank. This way she will become used to your smell in a non threatening manner.
and repeat!

Although you might end up getting a few scratches as she squirms to run away it is VERY important not to just put her down if she struggles. She will learn that fighting gets her her own way and will make the process longer and harder.
It can be hard work but I promise its possible to 'tame a beast'.
My little monster is currently sleeping snuggled into my jumper.

Keep us posted!

Holly

 

[Art]

Thanks! He isn't that bad now that he's finished shedding. I usually feed him first, give him a little time to digest, then hold him. I think thats his most relaxed time.

I did try giving him a bath yesturday in my sink. Water was warm but not hot and I shut off my A/C so the temp in my place was around 75. (i live in Florida) Anyways, as soon as i put him in the water he flipped out and started trying to excape in a panic... he was practically running on top of the water he was moving so quick. Any ideas as far as getting this to stop? Should I just keep doing it and keeping him in there? he couldn't climb out and did calm down when I let him stand on my hand rather than in the sink. The water was shallow enough. Is it possible he just doesn't like it?

Thanks

 

[Ethelia]

I did try giving him a bath yesturday in my sink. Water was warm but not hot and I shut off my A/C so the temp in my place was around 75. (i live in Florida) Anyways, as soon as i put him in the water he flipped out and started trying to excape in a panic... he was practically running on top of the water he was moving so quick. Any ideas as far as getting this to stop? Should I just keep doing it and keeping him in there? he couldn't climb out and did calm down when I let him stand on my hand rather than in the sink. The water was shallow enough. Is it possible he just doesn't like it?

Thanks

Hi there,
Dont worry, many beardies dont like baths but they get them anyway because there is no better way to keep them healthy and hydrated.
Idealy you want warm water up the their bellys in a large container.

Beardies are very individual and so often prefere different methods of bathing.
My girl will go balistic if she is put in the bath or sink. She'll stomp the water and 'run' up the sides as you're describing.
But if I bathe her in a large casserole dish where she can see out of she'll stay in the water happily for 10 minutes. I think its because she doesnt feel trapped that way.
She is also alot more tolerant of the bath if i put a rock in the bath with her too so she can climb up if she needs to. It seems to stop her panicing.

What id say though is many beardies dont like 'new' things and will throw strops if they think they can get their own way.
She will get used to them I promise.
Do try other bathing techniques but if at the end of the day she still throws a hissy fit when she's given her bath she will just have to get used to it. 10 minutes in water daily does wonders.

Holly

 

[protiemama]

Put a towel in the bottom of the "tub" so he has something to grip. He may just be panicing 'cause he is slipping. I let mine sit on my hand in the water when he was small. Now he loves his bath time and swims back and forth in the tub till I have to pry him out. Just be patient, maybe he'll come around.

Sandy H

 

[Art]

Thanks everyone for the responses I'll put your ideas to good use and let you know how it works out!

 

[jacqui778]

Dont worry, many beardies dont like baths but they get them anyway because there is no better way to keep them healthy and hydrated.

What id say though is many beardies dont like 'new' things and will throw strops if they think they can get their own way.
Do try other bathing techniques but if at the end of the day she still throws a hissy fit when she's given her bath she will just have to get used to it.

Beardies are like small children is so many ways, aren't they? Hehe. :wink: