Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just recently got a baby BD, it is about 5 inches right now.
I got it 3 days ago, and at first i could hold it and everything without problems, and it ate great.
Now, it tries to jump out of my hands when i hold it, and it still eats, but once a day instead of 3 times a day. I have everything set up exactly how they said to, 90 on one side 80 on other, 70 or so at night. Does anyone know what the problem may be ?
Why is he acting so different ?

Bearded Dragons have a complex language of signals. They can bob their heads or wave their arms in circles to establish dominance. You may have inadvertantly established dominance by moving around and having it watch you. I tried this out with one of mine and the response I got was a little bite- Don't worry we are pals now again. After more time and handling he trusted me again.

Or... All that could have been totally wrong and its really just that he is feeling sick and skiddish. Offer some new types of food.

Goodluck. I hope someone else posts here with more ideas. Let us know what happens.

A 5" baby is really small ... it may just be stressed out from too much handling atm. Also 90 degree hot temps for this size baby is too low...you need to raise it to about 110 for the basking spot.

I'm sure someone with more knowledge about the small beardies will be able to help more.

-Bonnie
1.0 husband
1.3 2-legged kids
1.1 maltese & husky
1.0 tabby cat
1.0 pionus parrot
1.0 bearded dragon (0.1 waiting on
0.0.1 crested gecko

Basking temp for young bearded dragons should be around 100-115F, 90F is too low even for adult dragons. In general basking temps should range between 95-115F.

giving the young age and size of this dragon I would recommend not handling him at all for a few weeks till he is eating regularly and completely comfortable in his new home. Dragons do take several days to a couple weeks to acclimate in their new home. Even though your dragon was calm in your hand, holding still is a natural defense against predators. The fact he runs from you now just shows the dragon knows he can run without getting eaten, but still doesn't trust you. Give it time and he will trust you and stay still in your hands or on your lap willingly.
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PHLdyPayne