Introduction

Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pets among reptile owners. These cute little creatures are easy to take care of and they have unique personalities that make them fun to be around. However, as with any pet, you need to know how to handle them properly to ensure their health and happiness. If you are a beginner and want to learn how to handle a baby bearded dragon, you have come to the right place. In this blog post, we will guide you through 10 easy steps on how to handle a baby bearded dragon.

Step 1: Make Sure Your Baby Bearded Dragon is Healthy

Before you start handling your baby bearded dragon, you must make sure he or she is healthy. A sick bearded dragon will not enjoy being handled and may even become aggressive. Here are a few signs that your baby bearded dragon is healthy:

• Active and alert
• Eats regularly
• Drinks water
• Has good body weight
• No signs of respiratory infection or other illnesses

Step 2: Wash Your Hands

Before handling your baby bearded dragon, it is essential to wash your hands thoroughly. This will prevent any harmful bacteria or substances from getting on your pet. Make sure to use unscented soap and warm water to wash your hands properly.

Step 3: Approach Your Baby Bearded Dragon Slowly

Approaching your baby bearded dragon slowly is crucial. Sudden movements may scare or stress them out, causing them to become aggressive. Move slowly and calmly, reaching out to your baby bearded dragon with an open palm. This will allow them to sniff and investigate your hand without feeling threatened.

Step 4: Pick up Your Baby Bearded Dragon Gently

When picking up your baby bearded dragon, take care to be gentle and steady. Use both hands to support their body, with one hand supporting their belly, and the other supporting their upper body. Never grab them by their tail, limbs, or head, as this can cause them discomfort or even injury.

Step 5: Let Your Baby Bearded Dragon Get Used to You

Once you have picked up your baby bearded dragon, let him or her get used to you before moving around too much. Hold them steady and talk to them gently, so they become familiar with your voice and scent. This way, they will feel more comfortable and less likely to become agitated.

Step 6: Hold Your Baby Bearded Dragon Close to Your Body

To provide your baby bearded dragon with a sense of security, hold them close to your body while supporting their body with your hands. This will help them feel safe and secure, especially if they are still getting used to being handled.

Step 7: Allow Your Baby Bearded Dragon to Move Around

Once your baby bearded dragon has become comfortable in your hands, let them move around a little. You can place them on your lap or another safe surface, such as a blanket. This will allow them to explore and become more familiar with their surroundings. Make sure to keep a close eye on them and ensure they don’t fall or get into anything dangerous.

Step 8: Watch for Signs of Aggression or Stress

While handling your baby bearded dragon, it is essential to watch for signs of aggression or stress. If they become agitated, they may try to bite, scratch, or squirm out of your hands. Some signs of aggression and stress include hissing, puffing up their body, and turning their head to face you. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to put them back in their enclosure and try again later.

Step 9: End the Handling Session on a Positive Note

Always end the handling session on a positive note. Offer them a treat or place them back in their enclosure gently. This will create positive associations with being handled, and they will become more comfortable with it over time.

Step 10: Keep Handling Your Baby Bearded Dragon Regularly

The more you handle your baby bearded dragon, the more they will become familiar with you and the handling process. Make sure to handle them regularly, at least once a day, for short periods to prevent them from becoming stressed or agitated. Remember always to wash your hands before and after handling them and to provide them with plenty of care and attention.

Conclusion

Handling a baby bearded dragon may seem intimidating at first, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience for you and your pet. By following these ten easy steps, you can establish a positive relationship with your baby bearded dragon and ensure their health and happiness for years to come. Remember to always provide them with plenty of love and care, and they will thrive as a happy and healthy pet.