Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have 2 of them that I keep in the same cage. They are both about 15 inches long now. It's rather spacious in their cage and it's pretty easy to move one to one side of the cage so I can deal with the other.

The other day I was doing cage maintenance with the beadeds. Right from the beginning of my Beaded Lizard keeping days, I decided that I was going to use Kevlar gloves anytime I opened the Beaded's cage.

I was adding some substrate to their cage and I was going to feed them afterwards. All the movement with the cage work aggitated both of the beadeds, who normally don't care at all if I'm in their sight.

After adding substrate, I went to take one of them out of the cage to separate them for feeding. My usual practice is to hold the Beadeds head down with a hook, then quickly grab behind the front legs. Well this time I grabbed too far back and the lizard actually turned to bite. It bit onto the leather of the glove, not even getting any finger in the bite. I grabbed him behind the head and he let go. He held on for maybe 2 seconds.
He scratched the gloves, but would have given a pretty good bite if there had been flesh.

So I figure I get bonus points for using kevlar gloves, but lose points for missing the mark and grabbing by the hips... even.

Anyway, I'm open to your thoughts and criticism on the topic.

Doug T

Hi Doug,
I never use gloves and handle my animals on a daily basis. I have been bitten by a juvinile once in the second year of my keeping them. Now ten yrs later have over 40 Beaded Lizards. I know that most people who use gloves tend to either grab the animals behind the head or in your case pin the head down. In my opinion this action will make your Beadeds afraid when you go to touch them as well as agressive. I know this for the fact that all of the animals that I have raised from neonates, at a year to 2yrs old become quite docile I use salad tongs to handle them as babies then as they get larger I pick them up by the tail never restraining them, if they turn to bite i just release them into whatever enclosure I have them in. I think gloves are a safe practice how ever I do think it tends to make people restrian their animals more therefore making them more aggressive.
Thanks,
HorridumAngeli
HorridumAngeli

HorridumAngeli's Beaded Lizard Web Site

I too have handled my animals since they were recieved, I use gloves on youngsters (lightwieght leather) and have gotten them quite used to my presence and to handling. As with Steve, I have never pinned them, or grabbed them by the neck, if they are in a sour mood I leave them alone. I personally believe that pinning and grabbing at the neck/head region throws them into flight or fight mode and they dont "forget".
Youngsters seem flighty until they get about 18" and then they mellow out. My 24" animals are very easy going and have little to no problem with being picked up. They still bluff alot but generally they quiet down quickly.
I am also of the belief that tails make an excellent rudder,as well as a convenient handle to use when sliding the hand up from underneath. That said, they have bad days and good days, regardless of which it is I heartily recommend wearing a glove(s). They'll soak up alot of the venom released in a bite.

Cheers
B

I figured I'd learn some helpful tips.

Mine actually have mellowed a lot and I figure that will continue.

Lat, your comment on leaving them alone if they are aggitated was probably the biggest factor. Mine were aggitated and I should have let them mellow out a few hours instead of just jumping in to give them a meal.

Steve, I think I'm gonna have to make a trip to Sacto and watch you work the magic with these guys.

Thanks again,

Doug Taylor

No worries Doug, you should definitely see Steve if you get the opportunity, he can tune you into these guys and impart some very useful information.
Ciao
Brett

I heard that Steve provides hands on training with every sale! LOL
-----
Tim Cole
www.Designeratrox.com/
www.AustinReptileService.net
www.AustinReptileExpo.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<
Conservation through Education

Yeah you think he would warn a fella
Lat

Hey Doug,
Give me a call and you can come down and visit my place I think you will be impressed with my animals.
Steve