How can I stop my little Charlie from being afraid of me?

[Dana92]

Whenever I put my hand in his enclosure or reach in to try and pet/ hold him, he darts away from me! I pet him every day and almost every day I take him out and hold him. He's still fairly young, he's not a baby anymore but he's also not quite an adult yet. I got him a little over a week ago and I know he needs time to adjust, but, how can I make it easier on him?

 

[Noella]

If you have an old t-shirt of yours, place it into his house/ tank and he'll get used to your scent. Keep trying and don't give up. He'll get used to you.

 

[Elemental Dragon Lord]

Cover your hand in dubia and let him take them off

 

[Canicke]

It can be frustrating but take your time. Go slowly – like the tortoise and the hare. It just takes time

 

[PatsyB]

Luci was very difficult for me in the beginning and I got him when he was very young. Things that worked for me were petting and holding him inside his tank just before lights go out. He was very sleepy and had his guard down at that time which made it easy. I did the t-shirt in the tank, covering the sides of the tank, just sitting with my hands in his tank so he gets used to them. It took a LONG time and I almost gave up a few times, but now he is more comfortable with me. He will still flinch and back away a bit when I open the tank and fight a little when I try to take him out but once he's out he is fine.

 

[dhall79]

Ours was the same way. We noticed he was too wound up to even try when the basking light was on. We started holding him after the lights shut off and he slowed down enough to be tolerable. Only got better from there.

 

[Josh]

Be patient with him and make slow deliberate movements around him so you don't alarm him. Just keep trying and keep working with him. Things will improve over time

 

[swanmom05]

Keep trying as well as talking to your dragon. I have had some that were skittish as well. He's still young and in new environment. But dragons can recognize your voice & see colors so eventually he will learn not to be afraid of you & you are his caregiver.

 

[SpikeDragon714]

I had the same problem with Bella, plus she was a biter when I got her! PatsyB gave me the same advice she gave you above and it worked great! Bella is very easy to handle now and never bites. In fact, she's turned into quite a snuggler! It is a slow process, so give it time!