Tries to bite us...

[SirCharles]

We've had him? since Christmas - he was about 3? months old (7inches). We had a long problem with relocation / light / temp / UV issues and him not eating / looking dead. But all seemed well as of a month or so ago... eating greens and crix & worms (anything that I put in the cage). Grew to about 9.5 inches...


... BUT in the last few weeks he now tries to bite ANY hand that goes in the cage. And it can hurt. The kids are now scared to pick him up - NEVER a problem before. He is starting to shed - but this started at least 2 weeks before that- probably more. After 10-20 seconds in my hand he is fine and much calmer... but getting him in the hand is REALLY HARD.

Any thoughts on how to calm him down? We now basically have to hold worms on hand till he climbs on then pick him up... or I have to just go for it and grab him - but he nipped me last time...

 

[gandhi]

Sorry to hear he's being a pain :roll:

Maybe for a few days just try putting your hand in at various regular intervals and not picking him up. This way he can get used to your hand being in there but doesn't think your going to pick him up everytime. Then after a few days of that you can try and pet him or stroke him... then a few days later he may let you pick him up. When you reach in - make sure everythings really slow, so you don't scare him. Also don't pick him up from the top (thats how predators would attack him) try and scoop him up from the front - but again, very slowly.

You could also try putting a t-shirt that you have been wearing in his viv with him - this will get him used to your smell.

Hope this helps - I have heard that sometimes they go through a bit of an adalesant stage - so maybe this is what is happening and it will just pass. Good luck ...

 

[abtrfli]

I've heard around shedding time they get much more agitated as they feel more vulnerable, so maybe it's best to make sure all shedding is finished before trying to handle him more.

I agree with everything posted before me also.

Good luck - grumpy beardies are no fun. Hopefully he'll come around soon :whip:

 

[FATBOYDADRAGON]

TE-BOY my 7 month old did the same thing when he was about that age.
I agree with all above post just when pick him/her up go really slow from low down front.
You need to gain his/her trust.
What helped me was at bath time i would keep hand in tub and let him rest on it while bathing.
After a couple of weeks he got use to me and haven't had any problems since.
He is now 6 months old 19 inches and demands to be picked up
Just be patient he/she will comwe around.
Hope this helps
Mike D.
7 months old duh guess i should proof read my post huh