Reptile & Amphibian Forums

whenever i try to hold my bearded dragon he scrachtes me why

I can't see a bearded dragon intentionaly trying to scratch someone. The only time mine make a scrathing motion is when she's digging. Sometimes I get scratches while holding her, but their nails are sharp, I don't think she's trying to be mean.

your dragon is NOT being mean unless it's trying to bite you for which case it's only being afraid of you.

Mine sometimes likes to climb on my face and very lightly and rapidly lightly scratch my face in response of me tickling her tummy lightly. She's actually very cute when she does that very rapid scratching motion, but she's being affectionate.

My bearded dragon thrives on attention. If she doesn't get picked up and held and loved, she pouts badly and will turn dark greyish black. If I pick her up and talk to her, she becomes an iridescent bright orange and yellow. It's the only time she's happy when I'm holding her and giving her lots of love.

I *NEVER* get scratched, despite all the climbing and scratching she does. Here what I do: I keep her claws very nicely trimmed by using an EMORY board--it only takes a minute, a few times a week. She's used to it so she does not struggle at all and at times will hold up her legs or arms until her nails are done. Her nails are *always* a very nice smooth texture so I never receive any kind of scratches or marks.

JadeFox

DO NOT HOLD HIM! let him hold you. The tighter you squeeze the more he will fight. Support him, do not try to restrain him, just let him hold onto you, make sure he has a firm footing, best on the front of your shirt/on your shoulder.

BTW how old is he? small BDs are usually wilder than sub adults or adults. when they are small, let them hold onto your fingers.

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Bennett

www.beardiedragon.com

but when i hold him he swings his head and tries to get away

>>but when i hold him he swings his head and tries to get away

go someplace wwher you can feel safe if he jups off of you like the shower. Then just put him on your shirt and let him roam and you will be amazed when not restrained, how calm he will be. When you feel comfortable you can move to a more open area.

If by chance you have a psyco BD that wont hold still even when not restrained, it is usually something they grow out of rather quickly. How old is your BD?
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Bennett

www.beardiedragon.com

I agree-you should NEVER restrain a beardie. And the fact that she tries to get away from you sheds a whole new light on the matter.

Try handfeeding your dragon everyday. That's one of the quickest ways for your beardie to bond to you.

My beardie is just the opposite--she can't get enough of being held! In fact, she will LEAP on me and is willing to risk life and limb just to get on me. There were a few incidences she jumped on me so high she lost her footing but I caught her in time. And I only put her on the bed or floor for less than a minute. Then JUMP right on me.

JadeFox