How to tame my beardie

[botanicazilla]

He let me hold him when he was tiny but I almost think he was frozen in fear. Now he runs all over the cage and I have to catch him to get him out which doesn't feel like the right thing to do so I don't usually take him out. But without being handled, how will he get tame? If I even put my hand on the glass he tries to nip at the glass. He was about 5 inches long at the end of May so I'm guessing he's about 4-5 months old. Is it too late? Is he just aggressive? I'm not even sure if it's a male. Pictures are about a month old.

 

[Pringle]

Seems like you're definitely getting there. Melon when he was just a wee pancake like yours, he wouldn't let me hold him. He'd even get scared at blueberries.
It's never too late to tame them, there's always chance for everything.
It sounds like you're trying to force him to be handled. Don't. That's a big big no no. If you keep trying to catch him, he WILL perceive you as a threat/predator and will eventually become too scared of you which turns beardies into aggressive puff balls.

Here's what I'd recommend:

- Hand feed bugs 1-2 times per day
- Put your hand in his cage for 15 mins per day, let him lick it, observe it, walk over it, ans once you see some progress you can try picking him but not bring intrusive.

I really would suggest observing and listening to him

 

[GSieg]

So really just being around where they are and getting them used to you is a good start. Having their cage in a room you spend the most time.

You want to start with brief periods 5-10 minutes or so of handling at a time, gradually extend frequency and length. Try to start with things like watching tv and other low energy activities so there is less excitement and things to spook them. They will learn to recognize and associate you with comfort and safety.