Reptile & Amphibian Forums

As you all know I have and 8 month old beardie, I was wondering what i should do to get him use to me and my sister to get himg to relax and allow us to handle him out of h is cage... Thanks a lot.

it really all depends on how long you've had your beardie. If he is a recent purchase and was recently introduced to his new home, you might wanna give him time to accept the new changes and adapt to his surroundings. Once you feel he's comfortable, you might try putting a couple of staple foods in your hand and have him eat out of your hand, that technique seems to work. Good Luck!!

I have had him for 3 days now...should I maybe wait another 4 days?

Thanks.
Dane.

personally, I would just leave him alone till he is eating well and completely comfortable in his new home. After a couple weeks you can take him out and hold him for short periods of time. Remember to support their body and legs, so he feels secure. Best to wear long sleeve shirts to avoid being accidentally scratched.

Till then talking to your dragon and offering a few treats (silkworms, hornworms and butterworms are great for this) to get him used to you and the family being something enjoyable can work to get him used to you being close. Keep movements slow and non threatening (ie reaching in from above would be considered threatening, best to bring your hand from the side at his level or lower).

It can take only a few weeks to gain the trust of your dragon so he allows gentle handling, others can take months, maybe even a year...it all depends on the dragon really. They are not normally animals that like handling but they do tolerate it to varying decrees. Some do become so relaxed they have no problem being out for long periods of time. But do keep in mind, unless outdoors, having them out too long can result in them getting too cool...as our typical indoor room temperatures are too cool for dragons to be out in for long. Its why they tend to fall asleep after awhile.
-----
PHLdyPayne

thanks a l ot. He seems to be eating pretty good.. I noticed today he got nervous as he had a few people looking at him.

I really appreciate the advice. Also how often do they poop and a re they like lepoard geckos and go in one spot?

And do they ever barrie the poop?

After being introduced to their new habitat, beardies may not "poop" for the first 3-4 days but placing your beardie in warm water will usually get them to release their bowels. Make sure the water is not too hot and not too deep. The water should be at a level that their feet are able to touch the bottom and have no stress factor on them whatsoever as far as drowning capabilities. Beardies usually "poop" about 2-3 times a day depending on the diet of the beardie and they don't usually "poop" in the same spot and may bury poop if their living quarters aren't clean to their liking. What substrate is being used?

This is just my experience, but in the six dragon cages I have set-up, they all go in generally the same spot. They also usually go once a day, before noon.

Can't add much to the handling advice that was already given. Patience and consistency seems to work well.

Im thinkin thats a lot of poop for a dragon, lol.

thanks for all the advice. and he is in crused walnut...

That is the worst and highest impaction risk of any substrate out there. here's a link to one that died from it.

http://mrskingsbioweb.com/beardeddragngrossanatomy.htm

Interesting how on 4/15 you asked how many inches of sand you should put over your hot rock. Now out of the blue you say you are using crushed walnut.

I always had crushed wal nut...I just accidently wrote sand I guess.

Why does it matter??

Crushed walnut is very dangerous and a high impaction risk. It can perforate the bowels, cause blockage and is about the worse substrate you can use for any reptile.

Walnut shell is very sharp edged when crushed, it is completely non digestible, and being rather coarse when compared to typical children's playsand, it can easily cause obstruction.

I suggest you get rid of it completely and just use paper towel for now, or children's playsand if you feel you want the 'natural' look

As to your earlier comment about pooping...dragons tend to poop on their own schedule. Typically once a day is often enough for a 8 month old dragon or older. Some dragons just like to hold it in..but at least once a week is ok. Ensuring proper hydration and temperatures as well as feeding a good diet. Avoiding substrates with a high impaction causing risk, is also a good idea.
-----
PHLdyPayne

Definitely ditch the walnut shells. I know they sell it in pet stores and sell it under reptile brands, but it's bad news. Go with newspaper or washed playsand from Home Depot or Lowe's. Don't use the Repti-Sand stuff that clumps, either. You don't want sharp, clumping, strange objects in their bellies. You know how beardies lick everything and have sticky tongues? It's so easy for an accidental impaction to occur...easier than you may think.

LOL!, I apologize. I meant a week, 3-4 times a week, LOL. I owe you a guaranteed purchase at the san diego breeders convention chris, LOL! Thanks for calling me out on that!

I was wondering what you were feeding them, lol!