Help, holding my dragon

[Nightsky]

I'm sorry if this isn't the right place but I'm looking for advice on how best to hold my little guy. He doesn't seem to want to be held. When I go to pick him up he tries "hissing" (not sure that's the right description) at me and running. I don't want him to be scared of me. What is best? How often should I hold him? Any other advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

[BeardedDragonDude]

That kinda sounds like a problem.
Did you buy him from a private seller?

 

[Nightsky]

That kinda sounds like a problem.
Did you buy him from a private seller?

I bought him from a friend who breeds them. He just started acting this way about 2 days ago. He used to be okay with being held. Could it be his age? He's only a few months old

 

[BeardedDragonDude]

Okay, I think it's probably because he's not used to you, although it could be something else.
I was asking that because I thought he might have come from an abusive home.

 

[chuoita]

How long did you get him? Maybe it's just typical attitudes when living in the new tank.

 

[Skybug]

MAy we see his home? It sounds like he’s stressed, please go over your lighting make shure bulbs arnt reaching the 5month point, best thing you can do is just be there talk to him pit his food bowl in, he needs to associate you with food first rather than (oh great here comes this guy to rangle me) id back off the handling for now (i know its hard they’re so cute) try hand feeding thats the best way to earn his trust eventually he’ll run up to you then thats ur chance to start some light handling, stick ur finger under his chest(its important to come at him from the opposite side of his and from below and imfront of him) lift up supporting their chest to the base of their tail, only hold him inside the tank for now, give him the option to run, when hes no longer squirming then you can increse the time, then you can bring him out(try offering some bugs outthis tank) make shure u vacum first before you take him out its all about making it positive experience for them , he’ll be puppy dog tame in no time.

 

[Bailey]

Here are some tips and methods that work great for taming these little guys and gaining their trust:

1.) Hand feed him. Approach him from the front never from above or behind, and take it slow. Don't push him past his comfort zone.

2.) If he lets you, try holding him or petting him for small amounts of time a day inside the tank. Slowly start upping that time and eventually try to lure him out with his favorite treats. He will get used to you I promise.

They are very docile and hardy, just be patient! Don't push him to do anything he doesn't want to do you'll just stress him out.