not sure if its because i'm not spending enough time with the dragon or what, but for the last couple of weeks, my bearded has been very cranky. has never bitten or tried to run away, but will flare out the beared (it turns black) and hisses at me.
not just one, but taking breaths and sustaining a long whistle-like hiss. (can see his tounge move up to the top of his mouth when he does it[assumption of he])
if i put him down he seems fine, explore or sit on my shoulder.
i just don't want this to become agressive behavior later on.
any suggestions (other than don't pick him up from above - i scoop him and he still gets angry)
thanks
Reptile & Amphibian Forums
Welcome to kingsnake.com's message board system. Here you may share and discuss information with others about your favorite reptile and amphibian related topics such as care and feeding, caging requirements, permits and licenses, and more. Launched in 1997, the kingsnake.com message board system is one of the oldest and largest systems on the internet.
cranky dragon
nichademus
Dec 14, 2005 11:59 AM
Replies (2)
PHLdyPayne
Dec 19, 2005 02:16 PM
Sounds like your dragon is still quite nervous about being picked up. Mine used to do that same long hissing and puffing up when I held her. I usually just sit down with her in my hands on my lap and I don't move a muscle. After a few minutes she usually calmed down and slowly starts to look around and explore. THough she would do the same thing when I went to pu t her back into her cage. HOwever, once I was in a routine of taking her out once a day, she started to become more calm and less defensive when picked up. Though she never just sat in my lap like other bearded dragons i have heard about, she seemed quite happy to explore hte living room for 10-20 minutes before looking for a place to hide underneath my TV stand. When she started heading for there, I pick her up and put her back into her cage.
Critterguy
Dec 26, 2005 09:00 PM
Mine (though he is in burmation) was never a problem to hold. A little skittish when first being taken out of the cage of course. But right from when he was young I'd offer him a superworm, cricket, or greens after being taken out. I don't know if he ever 'expected' to get fed when being held, but he never had a problem when sitting on my shoulder and never refused the food!
I'd say keep working at it. The worst thing you can do is reinforce the behaviour by NOT holding him when he hisses. This will teach him it works! And he'll probably continue.
Be gentle and patient. It'll work!
