I NEED ADVICE

[Melodytheequestrienne]

Hi! I am a new Beardie owner! I know absolutely next to nothing, I have been reading a lot. So, I bought a baby Bearded Dragon from a pet store. I am fairly sure it is a male after doing the flashlight at the base of the tail check. The thing is, as I am learning more, I think they sold me a veeery young baby! He is only just now 5-6 inches long, if that! By the size charts I am seeing, he was probably too young to sell! I have been handling him reguarly and he has been very sweet and even loves to fall asleep on my chest while I stroke his head, Suddenly today, when I put my hand in his aquarium, he was VERY aggressive! Blowing his body and beard up and open his mouth all the way at me. He even lunged at me and then ran from me. Up til today he has been the most chilled out lil creature. I am not sure what to do. All eating, drinking, poos normal. A small bit of shedding. Any help is appreciated! Thanks in advance! Mel

 

[Eavlynn]

Congratulations on your new baby, and welcome to the forum.

Lets start with the basics of husbandry and go from there. What are your temps (basking, hot side and cool side)? What type of UVB are you offering? Can you post a photo of his enclosure? What are you feeding your little dude, and how often?

Baby beardies are easily spooked. My little guy is pushing 11 inches and is still jumpy at times, especially when shedding. They need time to acclimate to new environments and to trust their giant humans. Good husbandry is also very important.

You came to the right place for information and assistance. If you can answer our questions, we can help you work out all the kinks and have a happy, healthy and long lived dragon.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[PatsyB]

Make sure that you pick him up you never put your hand over his head. They have a gland on top of their head that helps them sense danger and your hand will cast a shadow over him and he will think you are trying to eat him. When you pick him up come from in front of him and scoop him up.

Also, they do go through some moving sickness. Even if they are very calm and sweet for a few days they kinda realize "what a minute, i'm not leaving this place" and they then start to have to learn their new home and can get a little upset. Try not to force him to do something he doesn't want to, just let him be in his tank. Let your hands linger in their when you are cleaning so he gets used to your hands and your smell. He should be back to your sweet boy in no time.

At the bottom of my post, there is a link to general care information, it's great to read to make sure you have everything set up properly.