My beardie came out of hibernation about a month & a half ago. I gave him a big feed of crickets & veggies and he always has access to his pellets. He was fine at first but then after about a week (and his loads of food) he started becoming aggressive. He tries to bite me whenever I put my hand in his cage. He goes after my hand like he goes after crickets - with his tongue out & mouth open. He was timid at first but he's becoming braver and he's come close to getting me a couple times... He was NEVER aggressive before - at all. I thought maybe he was really freakishly hungry so I have fed him more and more (including a pinkie mouse) but he still chases me around when I put my hand near him. He's gone so far as to strike at the sides of his cage when he sees movement. What can I do??? What's wrong with him? I've had him six years and he has never acted like this before. Please help.
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What's wrong with my boy??!!
Replies (3)
Do you have female bearded dragons at all? If you have been handling them before trying to handle the male, he may just be in a frenzy to mate. Same thing is you have other males, then it may be a domination related issue. Probably the best thing to do is make sure you wash your hands completely before trying to approach your dragon. If he is the only one you have, maybe just leave him be for a few days or a couple weeks, except to feed etc.
I don't have contact with any other lizards at all. Is it a normal thing for Beardies to suddenly become crazy?? Thanks for your help 
I haven't heard bearded dragons go crazy after a couple years but have heard other reptiles. Given his age, I would suspect he is just moody due to being ripe for breeding. He should calm down soon and be more his normal self. Green iguana males will get very testy during breeding season, even attacking and tail lashing other male occupants in the house. Not sure if you are male, but if you are, your bearded dragon may be trying to prove himself the top dragon.
If you are worried about getting bitten, you can always wear thick gloves when your hands are in the cage or handling him. Eventually he will learn biting you won't scare you away (biting the thick gloves will not hurt you as they don't have a very powerful bite).
