Bitey Beardie

[Bedlam]

Hey....this one's for all you people with Bearded Dragons!

The little one I got has recently become pretty defensive. It'll open its mouth at me a lot...I'm assuming this is a threat posture? I try to handle it at least once a day to tame it but it just gets worse and worse and actually started biting me recently. They're little nips, but I want to avoid this behavior if possible.

Any suggestions would be amazing. Thanks!

 

[LeilaNami]

All I can say is to just keep up the handling.

 

[Mushroom Spore]

How often do you handle it, and what does handling time consist of? How do you approach it when you want to pick it up--ie, are you reaching from above or the side or what? How long do you handle it each time?

 

[secular]

you're getting some good advice. don't get discouraged and keep working with your beardie. i've had mine for years and most people are amazed by how mellow he is.

your beardie is gaping at you, but it's probably much less of a threat and more of a response out of fear. when beardies get scared they will tend to gape and freeze in place. on the occasion when my beardie does decide he's staking his claim on some territory he'll puff up, stand strong, and give me the black beard.. but most of the time not with the mouth wide open (of course he's all bark and still easily picked up).

so think about how you are approaching the dragon when it comes time to handle it... be conscious not to swoop in from above like a predator. let your pet know you're coming, be as calm and relaxed as you can as you pick them up. seems to me if you are nervous they can definitely tell. i won't lie, i talk to mine.

the only other thing i'm thinking is that perhaps he wants to chill out for the winter and doesn't like to be disturbed. i don't bother mine much at this time of year, he slows down quite a bit. eats less, sleeps, etc.. he can be ornery if he doesn't want to wake up and i try to rouse him..

anyways that's just my $.02. have fun with the dragon!

 

[Choobaine]

I agree with the above post. He could be feeling the effects of winter. Was he agressive when you got him?

 

[moose35]

easy way to stop a beardie from biting...wear latex gloves... they will bite the latex gloves once or twice. they hate the taste of latex. that will make them not bite you.



moose

 

[Bedlam]

I agree with the above post. He could be feeling the effects of winter. Was he agressive when you got him?

It wasn't very aggressive when I got it but now seems to understand that he owns his tank and seems to be pretty possessive of his home. Even when I'm putting food in the tank it'll stop and gape at me. Also started huffing at me.

From what I've read the most I can do is just keep with the handling and it'll eventually understand I'm no harm. Just gets frustrating sometimes. I'll try wearing a latex glove and see if that teaches it and I'll also make sure to approach it slowly and let it see my hand coming.

Thanks so much for all the advise!!