handling?

[breanna-banana13]

so my boyfriend acquired a beardie from some people who kept him in less than suitable condiditions, he was almost fully grown and in a ten gallon. anywho- we've had him for a while now and since he wasn't handled much (if at all) by his previous owners he is not the friendliest reptile out there, we can touch him (sometimes) and picking him up for any reason is a giant no-no in his book :/ he is at least a year old if not more, like i said he was not kept in optimum conditions before we got him....any tips on how to get him to not hate us?

 

[Lena]

First of all, when you pick him up, make sure you're supporting him from the belly and giving him somewhere to hold onto you.

But definately take it slow with him. Start to get him used to your presence. Slowly over time move to picking him up for shirt periods.

 

[breanna-banana13]

yea, definately dosn't like the whole belly thing- he squirms like you're tickling him . alright we'll give it a shot. BTW- anyone ever get bitten by a beardie and lived to tell about it? lol (just in case hahaha) pics?

 

[hoppslover]

I would agree that taking your time with him. Let him see that you are the one feeding him and giving him water. Put your hand in the tank for him to see and smell. I bet over time he will come around.

 

[Lena]

My beardie is so calm, she's never lashed out at me. So I can't help you there!

Does he wiggle and put his legs up when you scoop him up? Give him more to hang on to, maybe use your sleeve. Sounds like he just isn't used to being lifted by a human.

 

[Sturt]

Waiting till he is asleep can sometimes work. When they wake up they will be drowsy and slow to respond so you can get him up without squirming. Once he is in your hands he will soon realise there's nothing to be scared of!

Alternatively, to pick him up while he's awake go in from the front, don't approach from behind or above as this make encourage a natural flight reaction.

Slide your fingers under his breastbone at the front and wiggle your hand back, at this point he will probably crawl up your arm. You can try to bond with him by offering food or treats such as waxworms by hand.

 

[Freemankind]

Time is all it will take. When i rescued mine it didn't want to even be looked at. But after days of just sitting next to his tank and looking at him, then eventually hand feeding, and then finally he let us pick him up. Now if you walk past his tank he follows you from one side to the other. His just scared and he probally will be for a few weeks. (depending on how late this is)