Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have had a male (?) Bearded Dragon for the past couple years or so. Recently, I have been taking him out to try to tame him. Does anybody have any suggestions as to how I should go about doing this? Every time I even open the lid to the cage he puffs up.
Thanks!
-Matt

spank him and shake him and scream at him ,"why dont you like me!!!"lol

Always has worked for me. lol. Really try to get his used to your hand. He looks at it an something trying to eat him. Have your hand in his tank with out trying to touch him, just let him see it isn't going to hurt him. Good luck I hope that helps

i got the perfect mate for him...lol

she is calm now but she used to get riled up all the time too. she calmed after her first clutch

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0.1 Albino Cal. King (Fokker)
1.0 Reverse Okeetee Corn (trouble)
0.1 Creamsicle Corn (Spot)
1.1 Bearded Dragons (Bob & Margret)
1.3 Dogs(George, Sandy, Cookie and Ladybird) they are rescues, Lhasa Apso, Mutt, Boxer, and Daschund mix
0.0.22 Bearded Dragon Eggs...more to come
1.0 Betta
0.1 Wife
0.1 Kid

One thing that is not working in your favour is the fact you have to come at him from above. Most creatures trying to eat dragons will come from above, instead of below or at their level. The other thing is the fact he hasn't been handled for several years.

One thing you can start is keeping the lid open for a few minutes before you appear in his line of sight. (assuming he can't easily get out). Then he won't associate the lid opening with seeing the huge hairy eyed thing looking down at him. Having your hand in the cage is a good ideal but don't bring your hand straight down from above, to him that's a swooping bird trying to snatch him up. Come in slowly at an angle, away from him, then just leave your hand on the ground. When he seems to calm down with it that way, you can move your hand closer to him, but keep it close to the bottom of the cage.

Offering tidbits of food by hand can help keep him from assuming your hand is a predator, but don't do it too often because you don't want him to associate your hand as food either. After a few weeks getting him used to your hand, you can try picking him up but don't chase him around the cage to do so. If he struggles in your hand, hold him firmly so he won't fall or jump away. DOn't put him down while he's struggling as he may feel that if he does it, he will be released. Once he stops struggling, put him down. Gradulately increase the time you hold him while he is calm till you can hold him as long as you want. It's ok if he walks off and goes exploring, but keep him in sight at all times and don't leave him unattended. You may lose him or worse, he may injure himself or get into something harmful to him.

Keep in mind taming him won't happen over night or even over a week. If he hasn't been handled for a year or more, it may take months to tame him again. The key to success is persistance, patience, and consistancy. Once you start, do it every day, and don't skip days as the more days you skip the more backward your progress will go.

I dont know of anything that hasnt been said, I just wanted to say good luck.

Um, how have you maintained his environment and health for several years without handling him in any way? Did I misread what you wrote? Just curious...

Anyway, I don't have any better ideas than have already been given. Just hang in there, go slowly and consistently and let him learn you aren't going to eat or harm him. It really is a good idea to let animals get accustomed to *some* handling, if for no other reason than to facilitate any needed medical care.

Good luck,
Michele
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4.3 Bearded Dragons (Rescues)
1.0 Corn snake (Rescue)
0.1 California King
4.5 Royal (Ball) Pythons (3 rescues)
1.1 Dogs (Rescues)
2.0 Cats (Rescues)
2.2 Humans
No, it's NOT a big house

Well I've cleaned his cage and everything...just haven't handled him a whole lot--as in actually picking him up and everything.
Thanks a lot everyone!
-Matt