Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hia

Ive had this bearded dragon for about 3 months now.. hes alwas been the sweetest thing, ive handled him quite abit, but only about 3 times a week.. I have however hand fed him and done stuff in his viv everyday.

About 2 weeks ago, seemingly overnight, he started getting very agressive.. if I go any where near him (unless im feeding him) he starts with his mouth open and gets all agressive, he has started going mental if I try to pick him up, including biting. I left him alone, I thought it might just be a stage he was going through... but as nothing changed I thought I would start trying to handle him everyday.. but he is definately not any better.. I just handled him now, and he was just as bad (worse).. bit me like 5 times and spent the hole time with his mouth open.

Ive always understood beardies to me very docile, and tame even without regular handling and very rarely bite.. what could be wrong with this lil fella ? will he grow out of this ??

Every thing to do with viv set up and feeding is fine... its just his behaviour :/

I look forward to the feedback!

You have had this beardie 3 mon's but how old was it when you got it so we Know it's present age. also what sex? What is your set up like? Any history of health problems? Any other info that could help that you can think of?

I took this piece from Melissa Kaplan's website.

Behavioral Changes
Changes in behavior can be a sign of an underlying physical problem. We tend to think of health problems as causing lethargy and loss of appetite, but animals may also become snappy, cranky, and may react abnormally to accustomed interaction and stimuli. Some reptiles may get aggressive. Abnormal aggression may be caused by bladder stones, tumors, abscessed organs, and other as yet undefined, pain, disorders and pathologies. When investigating the possible causes of abnormally aggressive behavior, do not discount a primary physiological cause until you and your vet have thoroughly checked it out.

I hope this helps some. Sometimes our beardies try to tell us something and it can be easily overlooked. A fecal test and vet exam may help figure out if your beardie is healthy and just acting like a crazy loon - or it will help determine if something else is causing the aggressive bahavior.

Good luck!
Veronica
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Beautiful Dragons

Thanks..

Yeah, I guess I should get a stool sample checked, he seems healthy though, eating well, firm regular stools etc etc.. seems weird.
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Reptiles: Royal Pythons and Bearded Dragons.