Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have this baby, about 3 months. He isn't the nicest fellow. In fact he has become quite the little bugger. When I put my hand in his tank to pick him up, he puffs up, opens his mouth and even lunges at me attacking. He is eating fine, shows no signs of illness. Anyone know a way to calm him down? Will be become calm as he gets older. Any info or advice would be great. thanks

i've never had that problem with mine and he's about 4.5 months old. but from what i've read just keep handling him and he should calm down. make sure you aren't startling him when you try to pick him up.

There seems to be a lot of people asking about this topic lately! I guess everyone's dragons are getting to the same age! Well, here is my advice.... I had the same problem with one of my dragons when she was about the same age as yours. I believe this has to do with the age they are. At this age they seem to be more aware of their surroundings and they are also more aware of movements around them. A beardie has a natural defense reaction to objects coming at it from the air. To a beardie, something coming from the sky equals a predator such as a bird. YOu may notice later on that they become entranced by ceiling fans (if you have them!)Try to make your hand movements a little slower when you are reaching into the cage. Don't just reach in and snatch up the little guy b/c that will scary the bejeezes out of him. Also try to leave your hand around him inside the cage for awhile BEFORE you try to pick him up. He probably has a but of an attitude problem now as well. This is the "teenage" time for him so he thinks he is "el jefe", the boss! I don't have any problems with my dragon now. She is about 1 year old and she is just the biggest Momma's dragon there is. I am pretty sure that your little guy will eventually grow out of it. Until he does, try making your movements a little slower around him and speak soothingly to him when you are messing around with his cage, it is HIS terrotory after all and dragons will actually start to react to your voice as they get older. Mine react to my voice when they hear it. They will look at me when I talk to them. If only kids could do that!!!! Good luck with your little bugger!!!!

Once you can actually get the baby out of the cage, sit on the floor with it. Get a dropper or something and fil it with baby food. My babies love baby food. So your beardie will see that it's good to be handled and that (s)he will get something good out of it. Do this for a little while, offer it worms and stuff too sometimes. Soon it will not be nervous, just stay calm and move slowly.
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Julie

0.2 Bearded Dragons
0.0.1 Panther Chameleon
1.0 Jackson Chameleon
0.2 Leopard Geckos
1.0 Crested Gecko
1.0 Blue Water Dragon
1.2 Japanese Fire Belly Newts
1.1 Aquatic Frogs
0.1 Collared Lizard
1.1 Seahorses
0.1 Chinchilla
0.1 Dog

awsome guys! thanks! i'll keep ya posted on he does. are super worms ok for him at this age? I could even chop them in half or into 1/3 if necsessary. I heard they love those. you have all been a ton of help. i thank you once again =) take care.