Reptile & Amphibian Forums

ive recently acquired a bearded dragon from a person who didnt have the time to take proper care of it. The bearded is in good health and eats amazing everything from greens to crickets, but he/she is very aggressive anytime i try handling it. It usually opens its mouth and hisses at me and when i do get it out and try handling it it tries to bite me and run away. Any advice on how to get this bearded to calm down and allow me to handle it? Thanks

How old is it?

The best way, in my opinion, is a slow approach, hands off. You first have to get it used to you, to trust you. It should eventually realize that you're its provider and settle down some, at least.

You can start by spending time watching it and maybe even talking to it, but don't try to touch it until you see a change in its attitude. Then you can gently try touching, rubbing it a few times and then leave it alone.

In most cases, they feel threatened and get defensive. You've got to teach it that you're not a threat. It coul take weeks or it could take months. Patience is the key. Trying to handle it too soon will set it back, undoing several weeks worth of patience.

Take care!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American