Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My baby dragon is about 5 and a half inches from head to tail. He doesn't bite me, but runs like hell when i try to pick him up. He is somewhat calm when i hold him, but i get the occasional escape attempt where he jumps onto the floor from my hands.

Is there a certain amount of time you should handle him a day so that he will become used to me, without stressing him out.

Also at what size do they stop running from you. Does it usually take a couple months of handling? Is there an age where they will try to bite me just because, or since mine doesn't bite now, i will always have a calm dragon?

Thanks.

I would try to handle him at least 10-15 minutes. You should maybe sit down in a closed room w/carpet, that way if he does jump, he won't fall that far, and will have a nice soft place to land, and in an enclosed room he may be easier to catch if he tries to run. Remember though, baby beardies can get underneath the door. If he does try to jump off your hand, you can try to block him by putting your other hand over his head, until he calms. Just don't squeeze him, or grab him by the tail.

im just a begginer,but have 3 about 6 inches..mine were all like yours...now 2 off them jump onto my hand when i open viv..they actually follow me like a dog...my 3 year old kid actually holds one(nemo)and it dont jump or nothing.if my son puts NEMO down it climbs back onto him.....i have had them maybe 4 weeks..and hold them every day for atleast 15 mins..my friend got 2 from same eggs but he only holds maybe every second day and his are in his room(mine living room)his arent like mine his are like the same as yours...so maybe you could take something from our experience..but i have to say my big one hates being handled..hes not scared..as when i open viv he comes right up to my hand and eats salad from it..if he sees ive no food on hand hes off...