I recently got a 6-8 month old male green water dragon and he is quite aggressive. My last green water dragon I owned, I received as an adult so he was already good with handling. I know it's going to take time but does anyone have any tips on how to get him more comfortable with being handled. Now when I try to handle him he turns towards me and tries to bite me. I've read that it is probably better just to leave him be until he reaches sexual maturity, but I figured the earlier the better to start getting him used to handling. I will grateful for any replies.
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Juvenile water dragon
beckkers
Jul 22, 2005 06:41 PM
Replies (4)
dianedfisher
Jul 23, 2005 11:34 AM
I would start handling him immediately. A small room such as the bathroom is best. Bathtub is great. Introduce an offering of food and let it jump from hand to hand until it settles down. pet down nuchal crest and under the chin. May not accept food the first few times, but always offer it. 5-10 minutes is plenty of time. Do it every day or so. You can also put an inch or tewo of warm water in the tub and let him soak either before or after.
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dianedfisher@yahoo.com
My 3 CWD-Avanyu, Tripod and Drago
beckkers
Jul 23, 2005 04:40 PM
What would be the best way to get ahold of him? Everytime I go to get him from his enclosure he turns to bite me. I've tried going very slow and he still turns to bite. Should I just let him bite or should I use gloves? Thanks for the info!
dianedfisher
Jul 24, 2005 06:20 PM
They don't bite very hard, but wearing gloves won't hurt. Once he realizes that you aren't going to eat him, he should be more easily captured. My dragons greet me in the morning because they know I have the food! LOL That's why I suggest that you always provide a food offering. Also, when he runs, just pet him lightly and move him back where you can see him, but don't immediately put him back in the cage.
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dianedfisher@yahoo.com
My 3 CWD-Avanyu, Tripod and Drago
rick gordon
Jul 26, 2005 12:34 PM
I've never heard of a waterdragon that agressive!, there is an old trick for getting lizards to stop biting. Take a slice of tomato and stick it in his mouth when he tries to bite. The tomato won't cause him any harm and I have yet to meet a lizard that likes getting a mouthful of it!
