some help plz (young beardy)

[Venenum]

so i have had lizards before always wanted a beardy BC they seem so friendly, im keeping mines house perf based on all info i have found (40 gal breeder 75 degrees at one end 85-90 at the other with a high point basking spot of 102). i got him in April at about 1 - 2 months old so now its May hes prob 2-3 months. eats great loves grapes and greens. plenty of crickets. i can rub him under his neck.......BUT if i try to pick him up or go near his back or if my hand happens to cross over his head to his back side to pick him up. he try's to bite and hiss and runs from one end of the tank to the other. when i first got him he would let me at least scope him into my hand and he would fall asleep. so i was wondering is this BC hes getting older? hes starting to try to puff up already so im wondering if maybe hes going to be a very dominate male?

any help or advice would be great i want us to have a great relationship but im getting the idea that maybe he dosnt like me   . OK thanks all

[ladyknite]

He's a little young for hormonal surges.  Has he had a fecal?  Sometimes, small amounts of parasites can put them on the defensive.

put on a glove and let him have at it.  Once he sees that it does him no good, he'll start to calm some.

[Venenum]

really? OK i was worried of him seeing me as a permanent threat. i don't want him to think im always stopping by his home to mess with him ya know. i figure its like kids try to build good relations now.... so are u trying to say like just let him tap the glove some or should i try to pick him up still? just try to hold him with the glove?

not that his bites hurt its more the bacteria factor, hes only managed to nip me once. when he acts like all on the defensive i leave him be for a bit.

Thanks for an idea plz keep them coming guys, i really want him to want to be with me. like a good owner pet relationship.

[ladyknite]

Generally speaking............if children throw temper tantrums to get what they want, they learn that in the future that's all they have to do to get their way.  Dragons are much the same way.

He puffs up, tries to bite you, and you leave him alone.  So, he gets what he wanted.

use the glove to allow him to bite at you, pick him up and hold him with it on.  Keep something around that he may like to eat to offer him while you hold him.  Give and take, it builds an understanding of sorts.

[Venenum]

Thanks a ton lady i get what ur saying big time now lol... So hes more like one of the kids still not my best buddy yet! makes a ton of cents. ill see how it goes over the next week or so trying that and keep ya posted...

and oh in case there is a parasite prob any recommendation on something i could give him that i could find at a local pet store for a just in case thing?

[crypticdragons]

also, it sounds to me as if you are trying to pick him up from above.  as they are genetically encoded to fear things coming from above them (ie birds of prey) they automatically become defensive.  you have to put your hand at his side or his front and slide your hand under him.  This will make him feel more secure.  Also you can put a tshirt or something that smells like you in the tank with him to sleep on he will associate  your scent with comfort.  and the glove is a great idea cause once he figures out biting gets him no were he will stop (this way he doesnt bite when he is older cause it will hurt a lot then lol)

[puff]

also, it sounds to me as if you are trying to pick him up from above.  as they are genetically encoded to fear things coming from above them (ie birds of prey) they automatically become defensive.  you have to put your hand at his side or his front and slide your hand under him.  This will make him feel more secure.  Also you can put a tshirt or something that smells like you in the tank with him to sleep on he will associate  your scent with comfort.  and the glove is a great idea cause once he figures out biting gets him no were he will stop (this way he doesnt bite when he is older cause it will hurt a lot then lol)

that coming from above part is some great advice..thank you..its like duh so logical but i never thought about it and it makes perfect sense..ive had mine for about a year now...i handle him moderately but its like i can tell when first going to touch him if this is a holding time or a quick pet time...but im always coming from above...makes perfect sense