My bearded dragon is really mean! What do I do?

Question

Ok, so I bought a bearded dragon off craigslist. He's (or she's?) about 2 years old now I guess. He's big. Anyway. He is really mean, and always scratching at the side of his tank. (He has a big tank though) I know I should handle him everyday, but I'm scared to! Even just stroking his back makes him puff up and beard and hiss. How can I get him to be friendly if I'm scared to handle him?? I don't know what to do. So I just feed him and thats it. I don't ever handle him, and I know it's just making the problem work. Help!

Answer 1

All bearded dragons scratch at the side of the tank.  That's not a sign of aggression.  He really needs to get to know you.  Keep stroking him and see if he will calm down in a week or so.  After that, start handling him.  If you're scared of being bitten, get some like heavy duty gloves to hold him with.  Put a glove on one hand, and pet him w/the other so he gets used to the feel of your skin.  Hopefully he'll calm down.  Good luck!

Answer 2

I had to do this with a friends beardy.  I slowly would put my hand near him until he would puff up or hiss. stop my hand where it was and leave him alone for a little bit and keep doing it until I could touch him.  I would do this more and more until I could pick him up.  (he freaked out of course) but I just kept letting him walk from hand to hand until he chilled out.  I ran some lukewarm water in the sink (make sure there is no soap residue etc.  make sure it is clean before putting beardy near it)  and let a small amount of water stream on his back to relax him.  You can lightly rub his crown (the 2 small bumps on their heads) and if all this works you can handle him more and more each day,  offer fresh fruits and vegetables to him to see if you can hand feed him later on, it will build alot of trust.  

The more you work with it and show that you care it will slowly loose that aggression, if you can't work it out then you will have just a nice little piece of live art.

Oh, and no, not all herps scratch at the glass.  That means there is something they don't like (something in the cage, they are hungry, its too hot, its to cold etc.  if they act abnormal there is a reason.  Especially with a beardy being so laid back and chill all the time!

best of luck ; )

Answer 3

My bearded dragon is friendly and happy and he scratches at the tank often. It seems like he does it when he has extra energy stored up that he needs to burn, or when he's digesting food and likes to be upright. When he does this I let him out of the tank and he runs around all over the place. To get him more acquainted with you I would suggest getting a piece of lettuce that is small enough for him to eat but long enough for you to hold in your hand and offer it to him without fear of him biting your fingers. My dragon loves being hand fed and I think hand feeding helps to establish a bond between dragon and owner. He needs to learn that you're there to nurture and care for him because who knows how the previous owners were to him. Another thing he may learn to appreciate you for is to pick him up carefully and quickly move him to a nice sunny windowsill where he can bask and enjoy the view. My dragon loves when I put him next to a window so he's learned to get excited whenever I open his tank and reach inside for him. For now, hand feeding is probably the best first step I can think of to help your dragon get used to you. Good luck, be patient, and know that it's worth it because bearded dragons can be really sweet, friendly pets when given some time.

Answer 4

id handle him anyway, use gloves, leather gloves, if he bites dont move, just let him learn he cant hurt u. also offer food every time you put your hand in. if you deside to get rid of him let me know if your in san diego by chance id take him