How to tame a juvenile beardie

[s2c2Beardie]

Hello! My family and I purchased a juvenile bearded dragon about 3 week so ago (he's roughly 6-7 inches long) and he is still pretty scared of us. We took him out the first day for about 30 minutes which I have learned was not the wisest choice. I am now putting my hand in everyday and getting as close to him as possible to build trust. He has let me hand feed him a few times but he's not consistent with that. We haven't attempted to hold him since that first day but I'm starting to worry that we need to get him out and used to being out us. Do I keep waiting and working with him until he's used to being petted before trying to pick him up, or do I try to take him out even when he's scared?? Right now he runs away anytime I attempt to pet him. How long do I wait? Thank you!!

 

[BeardedHippy]

I would handle him as much as you can, but inside his tank rather than taking him out of it, at least until he is used to being handled. Sounds like you are doing it right. I have 2, one is a pussycat, chilled and easy to handle, the other is like yours, skittish and nervous. After 6 weeks she still will only let me pick her up some of the time, but she is getting better and better as time passes. Sometimes you need to be persistent , dont give up when he runs away from you, try guide him onto your hand, scooping from underneath until he gives in. He will sit there once he realises you arent going to hurt him, it may take time though. Our hands must look monsterous to them when they are so tiny, no wonder they are nervous. Keep at it, its all good

 

[s2c2Beardie]

Thank you so much! I was really hoping for a calm, relaxed beardie so I'm hoping this isn't his permanent personality. :/

 

[Hdrydr31]

Yep it just takes time but what you can do is do some handling time when it's close to lights out as they are getting sleepy and let their guard down.. that's when I did most of my time with both of mine and as they got more and more used to me I would do more during the daytime.. Just go slow and make sure you don't come from right over their head, make sure they know your there if their eyes are closed..scoop them up from under their head and front arms and support the belly.

 

[s2c2Beardie]

Thank you so much! I will try the evening tip!

 

[HerpPrincess]

Thank you so much! I was really hoping for a calm, relaxed beardie so I'm hoping this isn't his permanent personality. :/

I don't think it's a personality thing, just a baby thing. Some of the most nervous babies grow up to be extremely tolerate and sociable.

The best way to tame them, is to show then that noting bad happens when you pick them up.


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[s2c2Beardie]

Thank you! That's encouraging. So you would go ahead and start picking him up?

 

[HerpPrincess]

Thank you! That's encouraging. So you would go ahead and start picking him up?

I would, yes. Keep it short and calm and do it a few times a day. You can gradually start increasing the time.


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[s2c2Beardie]

Thank you! Is there a recommended way of picking him up when he always runs away? It's hard to catch him. How do I make it less traumatic for him? Thanks!

 

[Hdrydr31]

Thank you! Is there a recommended way of picking him up when he always runs away? It's hard to catch him. How do I make it less traumatic for him? Thanks!

Just go slow and easy and obviously if he's really being spaz then just go with your gut on when to give him a break but come back as you don't want him learning that if I do this he goes away... Don't grab the tail..

 

[s2c2Beardie]

Thank you!!