Normal behavior for new dragon?

[elliot :)]

Here is my first question (probably of many)

My new bearded dragon is 4 months old, I bought him at that age and the guy was not used to interaction with humans very much, I have had him for a week.

He sometimes puffs his beard and opens his mouth and it only happens when I walk past his vivarium.

He takes steps back when I try to put my hand near him and sometimes opens his mouth wide, tracking my every movement.

I have been hand feeding him hoppers to help him not be afraid of my hands and he has no problem jumping on my hand when I have them placed there but then he just runs off or if I put my hand out the vivarium with him he tries to run away but settles down eventually in my hands.

Is there anything I can do to help this guy? I heard it's best to approach him with your hand around the side of him so he can see your hand and not over his head where he can't? I just expect him to bite me if I approach under him as he has bitten before, apparently.

Thanks to anyone who can help me with this.

 

[Hdrydr31]

This is pretty normal baby behavior give him time and go slow keep feeding him from your hand he will learn trust..If you look at things from their perspective we are giants to them yep go slow and from the side and under his head so he see's you coming.. your doing just fine.

 

[elliot :)]

That's great to hear buddy, thank you for the reassurance.

I was worried that I was doing something wrong, I thought he might be upset at something but the temperatures are completely normal on each side and he has a very large vivarium with plenty of logs, plants and the correct vegetables and fruit to make him happy.

Fingers crossed he warms to me eventually but I wont rush anything, don't want to overwhelm the guy!

 

[Hdrydr31]

That's great to hear buddy, thank you for the reassurance.

I was worried that I was doing something wrong, I thought he might be upset at something but the temperatures are completely normal on each side and he has a very large vivarium with plenty of logs, plants and the correct vegetables and fruit to make him happy.

Fingers crossed he warms to me eventually but I wont rush anything, don't want to overwhelm the guy!

your welcome, if he's new to you they go thru what we like to call it rehoming stress, they need time to get to know you, your smell, their environment...but sounds like your on the right track.
I also got another one Sat and he's doing really well he's about 4 months and he's kinda unsure at times but he eats from my hand and I'll give him little pieces of zuc, squash and he accidentally got my finger just a bit ago not hard but he looked like opps sorry Mom it wouldn't come off your finger.

 

[elliot :)]

your welcome, if he's new to you they go thru what we like to call it rehoming stress, they need time to get to know you, your smell, their environment...but sounds like your on the right track.
I also got another one Sat and he's doing really well he's about 4 months and he's kinda unsure at times but he eats from my hand and I'll give him little pieces of zuc, squash and he accidentally got my finger just a bit ago not hard but he looked like opps sorry Mom it wouldn't come off your finger.

Ouch!

Yeah I'm pretty sure this guy will have no remorse biting my finger at the given chance, lol.

But yeah, thanks! I think I need to have some patience and understand he is trying to settle into his new environment and the trust between me and the guy (Rex) will happen over time.

 

[Elders]

Ouch!

Yeah I'm pretty sure this guy will have no remorse biting my finger at the given chance, lol.

But yeah, thanks! I think I need to have some patience and understand he is trying to settle into his new environment and the trust between me and the guy (Rex) will happen over time.

It's a patience game with an uneasy animal....never make sudden threatening movements; always go slow; never back down....

Keep trying to hold him and don't give up or feel dejected...it will happen; this guy may need more time than others;

I saw a video of a guy that rescued a naaaaaaasty beardy she was just aggressive..period...it was brought about by abuse...but he put in the time; months of time....and eventually she let him pick her up and now she is a normal calm beardy....

If your guy gapes; don't back down; my guys done that to me too; I just went very slowly up and under his chin and closed him mouth very slowly; and he relaxed.

We have a good relationship now.

Time and patience....Look forward to hearing more!

 

[Hdrydr31]

Good advice ^^^