Being a baby, instinctively they treat anything bigger than them as something that will eat them. But bluey's are great hissers and bluffers. I love how they 'hiss' by blowing through their nose...My adults would that time to time...somethings I 'hiss' back at them which has interesting results...often they stop to listen...but not that teasing them will tame thing.



I just pick up blue tongues right behidn the front legs, then slip my other hand under their bodies, to support their front and rear legs. Typically once they are in hand, they calm down...but it won't hurt to wear gloves for the first couple weeks. The important thing is stay calm and just pick them up gently. They will realize that you are not going to eat them.



If they struggle, hold them gently, but i find they don't struggle much if their feet are supported...Also, its good to try handling them when there isn't alot going on around their cage...they seem to panic more when there is alot of activity. Keep holding sessions short and whenever possible, put them down, when they are in your hand or against your chest and being calm...or at least not flailing about.



Be patient. It may take weeks or even a month or two to get them used to you.



Offering food with tongs will also help to get them to associate you with food and safety. Don't feed alot by tongs though, you don't want them to always assume you are there to feed them. Don't feed with your fingers though, they may bite them by mistake and you don't want them to associate your fingers as food either...they don't have big teeth but they do have a powerful jaw so it can pinch hard, especially if they get ahold of just flesh
-----
PHLdyPayne

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Show Entire Thread ]