to hold or not to hold...its a struggle

[mamatoulouse]

hello all ok so i got my beardie on Thursday.. and have not been handling him except for bath time... but today i went to go clean up some poop that got smooshed around, eww, and he puffed up and bearded and opened his mouth then promptly ran away...
so after cleaning up the poop i had to give him a bit of a bath too cause he had poop all over his feet and tail.. gross, after i picked him up he calmed down and didnt attempt and puffing or bearding...
so i am wondering should i just ignore his open mouth/ bearding at me when i put my hand in the cage until the one week mark is up?

 

[techdave]

When you put your hand in the viv, go slow and make sure he sees the hand the whole time. Don't go over his head, as your shadow will look like a bird trying to eat him. He will get used to you being in there and handling him, but it will take time. Try putting in something that smells like you. You could wear a rag for a day and put that in.

For the puffing up and black bearding, when he does that, my opinion is to not back off. Just keeping your hand in the viv will get him more comfortable with you in there. If he calms down after you grab him, keep doing that.

 

[mamatoulouse]

I have had an old worn t shirt in the tank since he came home. This was actually the first time he has bearded at me and I don't want him to get the idea that acting like a mean man is going to make me go away. Lol.

 

[mamatoulouse]

On a side note I can not think of a name for this guy I was thinking Hank or Dale or fella

 

[Toyguy]

Call him Stub, short for stubborn

 

[evanescent]

You have to handle him, the more the better.
Stubborn beardies take a while to train to be nice, but eventually it gets better.
Aaand I quote this person from another site(reptileboards.com, bearded dragon section) because I think they said it well,

Hello, smiley.

I have a weakness for angry beardies, so I can't help but post a quick reply here. I just want to let you know that with a lot of patience, you can definitely tame a "mean" beardie, especially since yours is still young. I have worked with a couple of angry baby beardies at my job, and I have never been unable to tame one. Some took longer than others, but most calmed down within a month. All it takes is regular handling, so keep doing what you are doing. I know it can be frustrating when a reptile you just want to love keeps biting, but don't let it get to you. Eventually, he will come around.

Anyways, just wanted to let you know that yes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Good luck, and have a great day.

 

[mamatoulouse]

I will start handling him more then, cause I got him to have a friend not a cranky roommate! I picked him up last night after lights out and that was nice he didn't seem to care he just looked at me and snuggled into my chest, I was like awe

 

[fire10]

I agree, if you handle the beardie he will get used to you and not get as mad when you put your hand in his cage.

 

[MartianMonkey]

Arwyn just runs like hell when I try to get her out but as soon as I pick her up she is calm and acts like a little baby. I just have to chase her around her viv till I catch her

 

[Sherri]

Just wait! It won't be long and he won't let you put him down

He will come to the glass and want OUT NOW! :mrgreen:

When you go to put him back it will be like a circus act. He will turn and turn and run up your arm and cling for dear life LOL

The cutest one is when they wiggle their behind back toward your wrist and hold on tight to your fingers LOL

The nighttime cuddles are the best. When he is just about asleep, bring him out all wrapped up in his blanket (towel, whatever you have) and let him fall asleep on you...if you can do that every night it won't take long to tame him.

Just be prepared,however. :mrgreen: Our little guy will come to the glass when he is ready for sleep.....if we don't get to him right away he practically falls asleep standing at the glass waiting...poor thing!

Sherri

 

[MissT]

Hes just letting you know what a great big boy he is!!!! At least he isnt being scarily aggressive - its all just puffing and bearding. Just be persistant - he will realise soon enough that you arent going to give in to his attitude and that you are his friend!

 

[CiaraAlexisOnFire]

The nighttime cuddles are the best. When he is just about asleep, bring him out all wrapped up in his blanket (towel, whatever you have) and let him fall asleep on you...if you can do that every night it won't take long to tame him.

I agree, let him sleep on your lap every night and he'll get more comfortable with you in no time.

 

[MartianMonkey]

I don't mean to thread jack but I was wondering has anyone ever been bit by their beardie?

 

[mamatoulouse]

i picked him up last night he was so calm he crawled under my shirt and put his head in my cleavage and went to sleep... what a man...lol

 

[Sherri]

I don't mean to thread jack but I was wondering has anyone ever been bit by their beardie?

Not from aggression, but trying to get something into his mouth or by trying to look at the glottis...lots of chomping down with that

Even still, my pain tolerance is high so it felt more like pressure to me. No blood drawn etc. Maybe a little sharp stab for a second. Reflex got my hand to moving more that pain LOL :roll: But they do have a powerful jaw I found out cuz it was a lot of pressure *for a little guy!*. Made me not worry so much about the dubia being a bit big when I thought about him chewing one LOLOL.

I would not worry about my 12 yo getting a chomp if that helps...but that is just me :mrgreen:

Sherri