Bearded dragon gone crazy! =(?

Question

I went to feed my 1 month old bearded dragon. He was chasing his crickets and almost got stuck between 2 of his rocks, but he wriggled his way out (I was reaching in to help, but he already got himself loose). When I thought he was about eating I reached in to get his veggie dish and he totally puffed up HUGE and gaped at me and started chasing my hand. He's never acted like that towards me before (he's usually quite dosile and loves to be held). After he chased my hand he landed in the corner and sat there (crouched up against the glass) for about 20 minutes...just staring up and looking all limp. He moved back down to lay on his tummy but he still hasn't moved around in his tank. Do you think he got hurt or did I seriously scare the c**p out of him and he's calming down? He's sitting in the corner eating the crickets that stroll by him, but he won't chase any. If he doesn't move in another half hour I'm calling the vet, but what do you guys think happened? =(

Answer 1

Many kuddos for being a good 'mommy' and a responsible Beardie owner (yes, if unusual behavior persists, and you get no real reassuring answer to a query - the vet is right next choice).  But, your first responder has the situation well in hand, and has given you a sound answer.

You most likely just startled him, after his little heart was already racing from the rock wedging incident, so he got a 'bit of tude.'  

Since he immediately returned to eating; I wouldn't be too concerned about it.  If he was really upset - he wouldn't eat.

I've post a few additional sites below you might want to check out when you find time.  You can also join any of several "beardie owner forums," to read about the other crazy things beardies do and put their owners through.  lol  These lizards have a LOT of personality!

I do make one disclaimer about some of the sites, though: Please do not keep your lizard(s) of any age on play/repti sand or loose substrate.  Impaction and bacteria issues are real and serious – and can result in death.  Consult your reptile veterinarian for their opinion.

Always resolve information dilemmas with you vet.

I hope this has been helpful.

Answer 2

I got one also and when I feed him crickets I take everything out of his way. This makes it easy for them to get them. They can get hurt. Then this is a good time to clean and redo there living area.  Live them alone when eating after there done eating you can do what ever.

Answer 3

he might be to afraid to chase them b/c he got hurt

Answer 4

He's just being a baby dragon...they do weird stuff like that!  He's trying to bluff you into thinking he is big and mean so you don't eat him!  If he's eating, I wouldn't worry.  

http://www.bio.miami.edu/ktosney/file/BD...