I've owned bearded dragons in the past but they all have been very docile and have lived up to the reputation of the Beared Dragon but for some reason my latest one has been very aggresive and snippy. I've had her for two years and I've never been able to hold her. I would like to be able to hold her any tips or ideas are very much appreciated.
2007-03-10 12:35:58 · 4 answers · asked by dz_usa2002 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
just like people beardies have their own distinct personalities. each one is different. when you say snippy do you mean at you or at other pets? if it's you it will probably take time she may never have been held much or possibly mistreated. I am making the assumption that she is older as most babies that I have seen are not snippy or aggressive. it will take a while but I bet if you continue to work with her and play with her try feeding her while you are around so she can relate you as a non threat. if abuse is possible it might take even longer. you will have to have a lot of hands on time and let her know you are her friend. check out her entire body paying close attention to areas not visible under arms around beard. make sure she has no wounds of any kind. any infections, bumps, discolorations etc. if so have her checked out by a vet. she could be grumpy because she is hurting. if her appetite is good and she is pooing normal I wouldn't worry too much about parasites but it's always good to have that checked out. try petting her slowly and work each day on gaining her trust. if you are concerned when you check her body out pick her up in a towel to protect you and her keep her close to the floor so that if you drop her it will be a short inch or two.
2007-03-10 14:55:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'd heard of some that will act this way, but they're not common. A friend of mine that does reptile rehab and rescue work tamed her mean iguana by pushing a lettuce leaf in it's mouth every time it would try to bite, so being picked up got associated with a "good" thing happening (although, Lizard Girl, I know if you read this, you'd disagree and say it will be more likely to bite because it associates your hand with food) - I had to get that in, cause she would have said it! But this worked for my friend.
I've also read (and had this work the time I tried it) using the bitter apple stuff they sell for teaching dogs not to bite and using it on a leather glove when handling - they take a bite, get a bad taste, and associate the biting with a "bad" thing happening, so they stop - this worked with a monitor I had.
So, just as there are different temperments of BDs, there are sometimes different solutions. You just have to keep trying till you find (hopefully) one that works with yours.
2007-03-10 16:32:58 · answer #2 · answered by copperhead 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
this will take time because of the age but try to touch it on the back whenever you can, I've been breeding them for 12 years now and only ever had one like that, It took about 3 months, try wearing a garden glove that will stop you from bleeding but still a lot of pressure they won't take you fingers of and really the only way to teach it to tolerate being held is by handling them, I hope this helps
2007-03-10 23:38:34 · answer #3 · answered by jungle_farnorth 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never had a "mean" beardie. That goes against their nature. How strange.. If you cannnot handle them by now I am not sure that you will be at this age. Have you tried feeding it by hand. Wish I could give you some good advice but this has even me stumped.... Sorry
2007-03-10 12:42:16 · answer #4 · answered by Terry R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋