So I have a bearded dragon and need some help from anyone expierenced in the field. I recently aquired it (about 3 weeks ago). They tell me it’s about 3 months old. Anyways my question is, why is he/she so damn anti-social. One of the reasons I chose a bearded dragon was because I was told they are very social. But this one does nothing but eats and basks. If you try to pick him up, he’s usually somewhat resistent (like a baby that doens’t want to be picked up), and sometimes just plain runs away from your hand. On the 20% chance that he does let you pick him up, he usually runs right back towards the cage and claws at the glass trying to get back in. I understand that he’s been through traumatic times being moved around and all, but how long should it take to adjust to a new enviroment? I’m considering finding someone to take him off my hands and finding something new. A water dragon perhaps? Any ideas, suggestions??? I’m I just being impatient?
That last line should say “Am I just being impatient?” not “I’m I…”
I’ve not even a clue on this. However, you might try asking over at The Bearded Dragon Forum. It looks pretty active today.
Try sticking with it a little longer. It’s very gratifying to socialize an animal and make it happier. I once took in an injured feral kitten. He was ferocious and bit my hands horribly. It took months for him to learn to trust me, but eventually he did. Now he is a sweetie, and I’m glad I did it.
One thing you may have to accept, he may never enjoy being picked up. My mom has a cuddly cat she raised from a kitten. The cat hates being picked up. Some animals just don’t enjoy this, no matter what.
Try giving the bearded dragon treats to eat. Find out their favorite kinds of food. A lot of socializing is trial and error. Does he like having his tummy stroked? Does he like when you talk to him in a high pitched voice?
I also second the idea of going to specialized message boards. They can probably give you all kinds of ideas. But stick with it a little longer, it’s really fun with an animal starts to like you!
I thought this was another one of those “man in the row boat” questions, otherwise I wouldn’t have clicked.
I was thinking bearded clam myself.