Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello...
Just a couple of questions... I just recently inherited an 9 month old Female bearded dragon from a friend that is moving and could not keep her... Well, I know that she does'nt know me, and everytime I try and handle her to pick her up so she can get used to me, but when I do, she flares her beard, and her body, and I have fed her twice so far in the couple of days that I've had her, and she does'nt eat right away, when she used to at her previous owner's house... is this normal, or is she going to not trust me forever and I'll never be able to pick her up?????... What are some things I could do to get her used to me??... and when I approach the tank she flares her beard when she sees me... I thank whoever will be able to answer my questions...

Kinda depends on how long you've already had her but I think most of the time it's best to leave repitiles alone when they are in a new environment. It helps them to become acclimated without the added stress of a giant stranger messing whith them.

Good luck!
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Rob Talkington

If the dragon is that stressed out in it's new cage, I would recommend putting up paper or newspaper around the outside of the cage.. (if it's glass that is). That way she will not be able to see outside of her cage and the extra security of feeling more confined will help her adjust to her new surroundings.

Make sure you have plenty of bright light... low light will cause dragons not to eat. Sometimes they fail to realize it's eating time and will be lathargic and not responsive to food if light is too low. Also check the heat source to make sure she has a good basking spot and a cool end to get away from.

I would definitely leave her alone completely until she is eating on her own. Once she is doing that, you can try and get her to adjust to you. If she continues to be aggressive towards you.. move slow and be gently. Dragons don't like strange things coming at them and at their heads... they view it as danger.. try and get her to eat her favorite foods out of your hand.. such as wax worms or supers.. offer her a couple out of your hand.. over time she will get used to you and associate you with food which will help her calm down.

goodluck,
brandon
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Dragons by Nature