Hello all! I am thrilled to have a place where I can ask for advice. I inherited a 6 year old female beardie due to her owner being a butthead. After speaking with another owner, she referred to my dragon as an abused puppy. Never socialized, never fed anything but mealworms and never held. After doing my research and providing her with an excellent enclosure (with heat), I can't seem get her to relax with me. I don't know how much interaction she needs from me and whether I should continue to try and get her comfortable with me. She seemed to be making progress until I cut her toenails. She is holding a grudge. I was a wildlife specialist for many years and have tons of knowledge about animals in general but nothing with reptiles. I was taught prehistoric, no feelings and NO emotions. Advice please. I want her to have a peaceful life.
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My Beardie hates me
- Thread starter Kee
- Start date
Bearded do have their own personalities - please go over your set up surface basking temps-- those need to be taken w/ a digital probe thermometer- uvb no coils - long tube fixture-- needs to be properly placed and distanced- this does make a difference in the overall health and health - no colored bulbs please-- your dragon is going thru relocation stress- he needs fresh salads everyday and a staple insect feeder- meal worms are not a staple feeder- he needs to time adjust to his tank and surroundings - take things slow work on him getting used to your hand in the tank start w/ petting him- please get him some super worms and horn worms for hand taming- but we need to get your husbandry on par so he can adjust
- Messages
- 1,503
- Location
- Redlands, CA
Welcome to the forum!
How long have you had the new gal?
I always encourage people to listen to the animal. If they seem irritated or bothered by what you're doing, put them back in their enclosure. But the exposure is really up to you. Assuming their enclosure is appropriately sized, you can leave her be and she will not be any worse off for it. Of course, some interaction usually leads to playtime and enrichment time but I wouldn't argue that it's necessary for her to live a happy healthy life.
Maybe start with trying to hand feed her her favorite food. Be patient as possible and just give her time to settle in. Good luck!
How long have you had the new gal?
I always encourage people to listen to the animal. If they seem irritated or bothered by what you're doing, put them back in their enclosure. But the exposure is really up to you. Assuming their enclosure is appropriately sized, you can leave her be and she will not be any worse off for it. Of course, some interaction usually leads to playtime and enrichment time but I wouldn't argue that it's necessary for her to live a happy healthy life.
Maybe start with trying to hand feed her her favorite food. Be patient as possible and just give her time to settle in. Good luck!
Josh, you are fantastic! I have had her for 6 months and bought 3 books to study. I do hand feed her mealworms. I just needed to make sure she has everything she needs and you answered my question perfectly. Regardless, I am having a blast watching her! What an amazing creature. Thank you, Josh!!
Never feel too bad about your dragon hating you. Mine can't seem to stand me, and he has been that since I got him at 6 months old (he is 3 now) lol. They definitely have their own personalities. Just keep working with them, and eventually they will get a little better. They may never be the cuddlely ones you see online, but they will be content. Good luck!
