Worried about my bearded dragon

[gemma]

Hi all just need some advice my bearded dragon is really black under his chin and his sides I'm not sure why tho also my partner put his hand in his tank before to put some salad in for him and he puffed his beard out at my partner has anybody got any advice as to why thank you

 

[Luvthemanimal]

Most likely being territorial. It's normal in males. Generally more so when shedding.

 

[gemma]

Just lately he's constantly black under his chin and his sides whether he's in his tank or not would that indicate that theres something wrong with him? And he's not long since shed I just don't understand why he's all of a sudden puffing his beard out when you open his tank :/

 

[Luvthemanimal]

Just the beard is black?

Means pissed off stay away stress etc.

Snap a pic most it up so can see.....

 

[atochats]

Luvthemanimal is right...though sometimes their beards remain slightly darkened at all times even. Depends on the dragon. Could mean territorial..nervous.. angry.. try talking to him as you approach and moving more slowly. A pic would be nice too I think

 

[gemma]

I'll take a picture in the morning as he's asleep now and ye it's just his beard and sides but his beard is the darkest

 

[Luvthemanimal]

Than its a territorial thing. He's basically saying back off leave me the hell alone. Good chance he's about to shedd also.

What's setup like?
Basking temps?
Cool side temps?
Substrate?

I do anything different when u go in tank to get him?

Mine will get pissed puff up open mouth etc when I use hand sanitizer before getting him. If I don't use the sanitizer he's usually fine.

 

[gemma]

 

[atochats]

How old is he and what season is it where you are?

 

[gemma]

 

[gemma]

I'll try and get some better pictures later as my camera is rubbish

 

[atochats]

How old is he? Where are you located?

 

[gemma]

He's between 4-6 years old and I'm in England uk

 

[atochats]

Has he recently come out of brumation? I'm thinking maybe his color change is due to sexual frustration

 

[atochats]

Is he being nippy or changes in behavior?

 

[gemma]

No not that I've noticed as he's still been eating and chasing his food around his tank like he normally does

 

[gemma]

He's not being nippy and the only change is him puffing his beard up when my partner put his hand in his tank

 

[atochats]

Mmm...well it was just an idea. Maybe it is that he feels the need to mate (please don't think I'm suggesting that you give him the opportunity... he'll get over it) Or maybe it's territorial or just him being grumpy. Regardless it doesn't sound to me like anything to worry about as long as he's eating, hydrated, active and appears healthy Thanks for the pics by the way he's a handsome fellow!

 

[gemma]

oh he won't be getting the chance to mate haha and is there a chance he will bite one of us when i put my hand in his tank he hasn't puffed up at me and let me stroke him this morning it's just my partner he puffed up at but normally prefers my partner to me haha

 

[atochats]

I suppose anything's possible. ..he may nip at you...but I think he's maybe just going thru a bit of behavior change and I wouldn't spend too much energy worrying about it at this point