mean dragon

[luke leith]

i just traded a baby for a juvenile bearded dragon and he is super mean. he jumps at my hand inside the enclosure
and he isn't eating he's been like this for a week.

 

[Eavlynn]

It sounds like something may be up with his husbandry. If his temps are off or he doesn't feel safe in his enclosure, if could cause him to be jumpy and aggressive. What type of set up does he have?

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[fureverywhere]

As a complete newbie I have no advice but I didn't know dragons could be aggressive. I guess husbandry refers to the lizard being in heat?

 

[Eavlynn]

As a complete newbie I have no advice but I didn't know dragons could be aggressive. I guess husbandry refers to the lizard being in heat?

Husbandry is their care. How you provide proper living conditions for them, like heat, UVB, security, etc.

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[fureverywhere]

So I suppose ideally they need the right temps and feeding...socialization too.

 

[Mom2Dovakiin]

I would just recommend a lot of patience and time. Go slow, don't force the issue, and of course ensure his habitat is good for him and he has all the right foods and stuff
But definitely A LOT of patience. lol

 

[Eavlynn]

So I suppose ideally they need the right temps and feeding...socialization too.

Absolutely. I had my juvenile, Mushu, in a chillier room than usual for a week or so while we moved things around which affected his cage temps. He got really jumpy, and wouldn't let me near him. I got him moved back into the the reptile room which I keep in the mid 70s and he's my sweet cuddle bug again. It doesn't take much to upset them.

How old is your beardie? If it's young, they like a basking temp around 105F, a hot side in the 90s, and a cool side in the mid 70s, to 80s. UVB is critical to their health as well, without it they can have some pretty intense medical issues. When I used a glass 40 gallon, I also had to put black paper on the inside to black out 3 sides to make him feel secure.

Once they are warm and feel safe, a little bit of handling and bonding turns them into total sweethearts.

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[luke leith]

his basking spot is always at 100, he is in a 30 gallon right now but i think its to small.

 

[Eavlynn]

his basking spot is always at 100, he is in a 30 gallon right now but i think its to small.

I'd bump the basking spot up a bit. 100 is perfect for an adult, but juveniles need it a little toastier. If it's a 30 gallon tall, it's probably a tad small. Most of us using tanks use 40 gallons. I use 40 gallons for my juveniles and then build them 4x2 enclosures. 40 gallons for adults seem cramped to me, but some have no issues using them as adult enclosures.

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[luke leith]

ok thanks is excavator a fine substrate

 

[Eavlynn]

Yeah, not always the easiest to clean and sanitize unless you seal it, but it works pretty well.

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[PatsyB]

Also, make sure when you are reaching for him that you aren't putting your hand over his head. He will see you as something that is trying to eat him and get very defensive. They can take a few weeks to get used to a new home so just have some patience with him.

 

[Hdrydr31]

Just need to give him time and sometimes it really does take awhile.. If I'm not mistaken this is the one you got (traded to get an older one) depending on how they were treated may be the answer...It has to be confusing on them when they just get used to their home and owners and the coming and going s of their humans....to get moved to a new home, owner, etc... Don't give up just go slow, use tongs to feed make sure your husbandry is spot on, don't do alot of changes, keep things as routined as possible. Really watch how your going up to him, speak gently and never come from above their head like patsy noted and if they are asleep make sure you get their attention before going into their tank so not to startle him.

 

[Mom2Dovakiin]

For my baby when I reach in I always just set my hand down near him for a few seconds before actually touching him. He's only been with me a week so I'm still working on it. I agree, never reach in above their head's it scares them.