Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i have a question for you, the grey banded forum isn't exactly a high traffic area...

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what's the right way to handle one? I know when you handle a bearded dragon, it's better to come from the front, so he doesnt feel like he's being picked up by a bird or something, at the pet shop, the guy who picked him up, kind of pinched it from it's back (it's a baby) so, i want to know, hows a good way to do it and not freak them out? Especially when they're older and can BITE

Just so you know, the little babies can bite too, not as bad, but it still feels like a nasty pinch. As for picking them up, you sort of have to watch their reaction. One of my dragons, you have to be careful, as soon as you go near her, she starts puffing out her beard and flattening her stomach and opens her mouth. I assume this makes her feel (and makes her think she looks) reeeeeaaaaaalllll big. In reality she looks sort of silly. But you still have to take it seriously, she can still bite. If I come from the front she doesn't get as spooked, but in general once she knows I'm trying to pick her up (weather she wants me to or not) she's more likely to let me. OTOH my other dragon is so calm and laid back it doesn't matter how I pick her up, front, back side. I could proabably pick her up by her tail (which I don't and won't, I'm just saying...) without her really caring. Not sure if this really helps you or not, it's just my expierence. Also what do you mean pinches thier back when they pick her up. Is that like picking up a rabbit or dog by it's scruff. I really woulnd't suggest attempting that.

Which are you asking about handling? the dragon or the kingsnake????? Im confused

the kingsnake, that's why i asked about owners that also own a kingsnake, it's also why I mentioned the kingsnake forum being dead.