Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This is my first post, and my first beardie! When I first got jessie she was about 2-3 weeks old. From the beginning she was very friendly and would even let my friend hold her. Within the last 2 weeks she has become very angry. It happened right before she shed for the 3 time and has been afraid and angry at me ever since. She began to hiss at my hand through the glass and when I reach in to pick her up. I have been feeding her crickets regularly, and she acts like I am starving her (overly excited, jumps up to and bites the bag). Just a couple of questions: Is this normal? Should I change her diet? I have been feeding her gutloaded crix and bananas, kiwi, and peaches. She doesn't like any leafy greens. I tried leaving her alone for a day (I did feed her) and that helped a little and now she is back to hissing. Any help is greatly appriciated!!!!! Thanks so much!

~Michelle

sounds like someone or something scared the poor thing.....

just give it some time....

be sure to approach from the front.
make some soft sounds before you get close so the kid can know you are coming by.

is it flattening out like a pancake?

open mouth?

beard?
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Sounds like my male at that age. Have patience w/her, and continue picking her up. Be sure to keep you hand low and come at her from the front. Not the top or back. They get scared when some huge hand comes down from above to scoop them up, like a bird getting dinner. he,he. You really should try giving veggies. Beardies don't get the daily "doses"/vitamins and nutrients from fruit. She is young and won't eat them right away, but eventually she will learn to love them! Someone here has a great list of veggies that are good for them. If she is acting like you are starving her, maybe trying feeding her twice all the crickets she will/can eat and see if this helps that problem. Good luck w/her.

She just opens her mouth now, but is still afriad to come out of the cage or even be held. Thanks for the help! I will definitly try feeding her all she can eat 2x day for a couple of days and will leave out greenies for her to eat, if you guys have a recipies for me that might help i have one that includes green beans, orange squash, parsnips, alfalfa and vitamin supp. but all will be appriciated!!! Thanks again, i'm trying to get my camera to work so i can get a pic up! my next post will be her picture!

~Michelle

Veggies - There is a huge selection of 'leafy' greens which are high in calcium to feed your Dragon, some of which are... kale, arugula, collard & mustard greens, parsley, dandelion greens & flowers, endives, radish, carrot & turnip tops, escarole and chicory endive. For more of a variety, mixed into the greens may be many other veggies such as squash, corn, peas, carrots (shredded), sweet potato, cucumber, zucchini, green peppers, chard... also chopped fruit such as cantaloupe, apple, blueberries, peaches, pears, grapes, plums, raspberries... all chopped finely to avoid choking. The main idea in their diet is variety. **Do not feed your dragons iceburg lettuce as is has very little nutritional value and may give the dragon the 'runs' - prompting dehydration. Dragons will also munch on other greens. If you take your dragon outside or allow it to roam about the house - please be sure to check that the possible munchies are not poisonous.

This is DIRECTLY off of
http://www.dachiu.com/care/abeard.html
anyone who has a dragon should read this whole site. it is great information, and nicely written.

Feed you dragon mostly greens... mix a little bit of other stuff in, but make it 80% greens. Collard, mustard, and turnip are great
Dachiu Site....Not MINE