Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A friend just sent me this email about her 8 to 10 week old dragon. "Quick questions Samantha is not being very friendly. Every time you stick your hand in there she wants to bite you. I am worried we waited too long to handle her. Not to mention I can’t catch her she is really fast. She will even jump at you to try to bite you. What do you think I should do???"

I am a snake person and just a novice with lizards.

Any suggestions would be great. She want a Beardie she can handle. I told her not to hold much at first, but she took that to be a month.
This forum looks really active. I think I will visit more often.
Clint
Texas Snakes & More

I am by no means a bearded dragon expert. There's a considerable amount more people who know much more than me. I'm not sure when the aggression towards other males begin, but is this the only bearded dragon around? I know I'm having to get rid of a male, because I have another and he's extremely aggressive towards anything that moves, or is capable of moving.
I have no room left in the house so I'm trading him for 2 babies Is your friend positive it's a female?

I am by no means a bearded dragon expert. There's a considerable amount more people who know much more than me. I'm not sure when the aggression towards other males begin, but is this the only bearded dragon around? I know I'm having to get rid of a male, because I have another and he's extremely aggressive towards anything that moves, or is capable of moving.
I have no room left in the house so I'm trading him for 2 babies Is your friend positive it's a female?

it may just be a 'phase' its going thruogh...mine went through the biting and hissing phase....just keep handling it, lay your hand down in front....dont come from above(it may feel threatened).....be patient and it should tame dowm in a couple/few weeks........

hope this helps
Brad

It's not too late to tame this beardie. I bought mine at about three months old and he is only now starting to calm down, four months later. It just takes time with some dragons. Your friend could ease the 'hand in cage' symdrome by holding a tasty bit of food (silkworm, fruit, even a cricket) near his head and hold still. Usually in a few seconds he will realize the hand isn't there to grab him and concentrate on the food being offered. Just be careful to hold the food far enough from your fingers so he won't accidently chomp on it.