Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I don`t know how to remedy this...

He`s not very old, only about half a year old, if that, and I`ve only had him for about 2 months.

He seems to me to be foul tempered & a bit jittery. He`s gotten sued to me walking by and looking in at him, but even when someone new comes in, he`ll climb down from his perch, open his mouth wide and stare at them. Even when they justw alk by, I might notice him doing this behaviour.

He dislikes me reaching in to give him his veggies, watering, cleaning something, etc. He won`t necessarily become aggresive, but he will usually run off to hide, or open his mouth and become a little bit threatening in his acting. He also refuses to allow me to handle him.

if I reach in and just lay my hand down in front of him, he`ll stare at it for a good hour, and if i dare to move my hand away he`ll run off.

Now, I don`t know if this is usual for his age, or because I`ve only had him about 2 and 1/2 months, or what. I`d appreciate it if anyone could help me with this, as I really don`t want him to be afraid or anything like that.

Well, the first thing is just get him used to new people walking by. Once he is used to that, reach in with some sort of food (mealworm, silkworm, waxworm, veggies if he eats them) and don't attempt to grab him. Once he comes up to you, give him the food item in your hand. Once he runs up to you,reach your hand underneath his belly, sliding your hand carefully underneath him. Make sure you support him completely. Drip some warm water onto him. He will soon love to be held if you are persistent and patient.

Well, I just answered someone farther up on the forum who kinda has this problem too. I think I could write a thesis on this behavior now!!! Well, you said he is approx. 6 mo. if I remember correctly. When one of my dragons was about this age she got kind of aggressive like this as well. First of all, at this age they seem to be establishing territory and they are very aware of what is going on around them and if their territory is changed in anyway, they notice. Movement is much more meaningful then simply food at this age and their natural instinct against things coming at them from above is heightened. Beardies have a natural reaction to things coming at them from above. To them, this usually means a predator like a bird. Also, this age could also be considered a beardies "teenage" years and they can develop a bit of an attitude. I would suggest making your movements around your beardie slow and talk to him in a soothing tone. Now that might sound a little crazy to you, but beardies actually will begin to respond to your voice. Mine look at me when I talk to them and I usually get the "Were you talking to me, Mom?" look. I wouldn't worry too much about this at the age your beardie is. My beardie grew out of her "aggressive" behavior and now she is the biggest momma's dragon in the world. I am pretty sure this is just a stage your dragon is going through. If I were you, i would go about life as usual wih your dragon.