Hi there!
I just got a new beardie about a week ago and it's a little panicky. When I try to pick it up it runs no matter what direction I come from. It breathes very heavily before and after I pick it up and sometimes it just starts breathing heavily for no reason. I don't know what could be stressing it out so bad. It has warm and cool places to sit and plenty of crickets and veggies. It just seems to be very anxious all the time. Anyone know what i could do to help him get more comfortable? :?
Sometimes new babies can take a week or to settle in. Give him some time.
As for picking him up, take it slow. Start by hand feeding a few crickets a day. He will begin to associate your hand with food. Spend a lot of time near the tank and talk to him in a calm voice. You could also try putting on of your T-Shirts in the cage so he gets used to your smell.
If you take him out 30 minutes or so before bedtime he will be tired and therefore more calm. Try wrapping him in a blanket and laying im on your chest. He will most likely fall asleep that way (SUPER CUTE!)
Good luck, and don't give up on him. Once they get used to human interaction they tend to crave it.