Once you’ve decided to get a bearded dragon as a pet, you’ll need to learn how to handle it correctly. The first thing you should keep in mind is that bearded dragons can be quite flighty and easily injured. For this reason, you should only handle them once they’re at least six inches long. At that age, your dragon will be less likely to get hurt and its behavior will be more relaxed.
To begin handling a bearded dragon, you should start with a short session each day. Make sure to use treats as a reward to make them comfortable. You can also try feeding your dragon mealworms as a treat. Start out by petting your bearded dragon gently. Once he’s comfortable, you can try extending the time. You can increase the amount of time you handle him over time, but make sure to keep your interactions short and sweet.
Don’t pick up a bearded dragon by the tail. It may feel threatened if you suddenly approach it and grab it by the tail. If your beardie gets excited, he’ll grab your finger and hold onto it. If you catch him by the tail, he’ll likely bite your finger. If this happens, gently hold it until he relaxes. If he’s too excited or nervous, you’ll need to take some action.
It’s important to understand your bearded dragon’s personality. It might enjoy being held or not, depending on the type of care you provide. Be prepared to be patient, and keep in mind that bearded dragons can be a little difficult to handle at first. Regular handling will help you spot potential health concerns early and make the proper treatment decisions. Once you get your beardie used to handling, it will become easier to handle him. You can hold it every 15 minutes or so, and you can even hold him for hours.
Remember that beardie dragons have a third eye on their heads that can detect changes in shadow. Although this eye can’t see shapes, it does recognize movement in shadow. This third eye is intended as a defense mechanism and can alert your beardie to a potential predator. You’ll need to be aware of any changes in shadow that your bearded dragon may experience when you approach it from behind or above. Remember to avoid wriggling your fingers and wrist while handling your beardie.
While handling a bearded dragon, you should avoid letting him defecate on your hands or on your lap. A bearded dragon’s stomach is a sensitive area and you shouldn’t carry it for too long. Once your beardie has defecated on you, it will probably warn you by wiggling its hips or getting restless. It’s important to stay calm and patient while handling your beardie.
If you’re handling a bearded dragon for the first time, remember to handle it gently and slowly. Never squeeze or press it. Beardie dragons should be held from their belly or head with their whole body supported. Avoid allowing the beardie to dangle as this will cause injuries and hurt their trust in you. The first few times you hold one of these pets, be sure to let it slowly get used to being handled.
