When should I pick him up!

[pferrell]

Hey guys! So I've had my baby beardie for about two weeks now. His first week was rough. He was completely terrified and did not want to eat at all. Anytime the cage opened he would hide right away. I've been leaving my hand in the tank for a few minutes each day and slowly getting closer. This week (week two) he has been eating like a champ and will even eat from my hand and let me stroke his back, but anytime I try and pick him up he runs away. Should I just go ahead and start picking him up so he gets used to it or let him settle longer. The last thing I want to do is over stress him.
Thanks

 

[PodunkKhaleesi]

It sounds like you’ve spent a lot of time getting him familiar with you, which is great. I’d suggest that the next phase be holding him inside the cage for brief periods. Starting the handling session inside the cage has several benefits: he’ll feel more secure in a familiar environment and if he does get skittish and jumps out of your hand you don’t have to worry about an injury or the possibility of him dashing underneath your furniture (they can be really fast when they’re babies). Gently scoop him up and hold him in your palm, and avoid restricting him (curling your hand around his body, etc.). If he panics and jumps off don’t immediately go after him—wait a little while until he’s calmed down, approach slowly, and try again. Always approach him from the side (vs. from above), letting him see your hand as you guide it toward him. Eventually you can move handling sessions outside the cage. Because many beardie babies are skittish by nature, there may not be a lightning bolt moment where you feel like these inside the cage handling sessions have turned a corner, so it’ll be up to you to determine when you want to bring him out. At first you may feel disheartened if your baby constantly tries to flee the scene when you try to interact with him, but with patience and regular handling sessions skittish babies become easygoing adults. Enjoy your new baby and consider posting some pics. This forum loves baby beardie photos.

 

[kingofnobbys]

You can pick him up for a short snuggle now , I'd chose times when he's nice and relaxed like while basking after a big meal of bugs, or when basking and not long before his lights are turned off for the day.

Take it slowly. If he backs off , leave him be.

I find if you come at the little lizard with food , they are more likely to be cool with being picked up by slipping your hand under their tummy.