Although in the movie "Holes" the bearded dragon is considered a strange and creepy animal that often attacks humans, this lizard species is generally quite docile and can tolerate human touch better than other lizard species. Bearded dragons are quite curious, gentle, friendly, and quite easy to touch. In addition, holding a bearded dragon can make him more accustomed to human existence. Holding a bearded dragon can also minimize stress when bathing, cleaning the cage, and taking it to the veterinary clinic.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Getting Ready
Step 1. Wash your hands
Washing your hands before handling a bearded dragon can reduce the risk of spreading disease and bacteria. You can also wear gloves. Gloves can also protect your hands from the rough skin of the bearded dragon.
Step 2. Approach the bearded dragon slowly
Make sure your movement and attitude around the bearded dragon remains calm. If the bearded dragon is stressed, it will not feel comfortable to hold. If the bearded dragon is in the cage, you need to slowly enter your hand into the cage. However, do not approach the bearded dragon from above. Bearded dragons have sensory nerves on the top of their heads that may perceive your hand as a threat.
- Do not disturb the bearded dragon that is eating.
- Don't corner the bearded dragon because it can make him feel threatened.
- Don't disturb the bearded dragon with your finger. He may bite your finger.
Step 3. Gently stroke the bearded dragon
This will allow the bearded dragon to get used to your hand, as well as make it more comfortable. When the bearded dragon blinks or closes its eyes, it is comfortable and ready to be held. The bearded dragon shows feelings of anger and irritation by darkening its chin. When the bearded dragon is very angry, its chin will turn black and bulge. If this happens, do not hold the bearded dragon because it may not be in a good mood.
Do not approach the bearded dragon from above. Bringing your hands above your head or your bearded dragon's eyes will activate its predatory instincts
Part 2 of 2: Holding the Bearded Dragon
Step 1. Raise the bearded dragon
Place your hands (face up) under the body of the bearded dragon, then lift it. Use your thumb and forefinger to support the bearded dragon's forelegs, and allow its body to rest on your hands. Make sure you support the bearded dragon's entire leg. You can also place your other hand under the tail.
- If it is difficult to place your hands under its body, grasp the bearded dragon's front shoulder from behind using your index finger and thumb to lift it up. After that, place your other hand under his body.
- Don't squeeze, just support him. Let it rest in your hand.
- Remember, if the lower body is not supported properly, the bearded dragon will twist its tail. If this happens, immediately support the hind legs and tail to make it more secure. Otherwise, the bearded dragon might injure its own back.
Step 2. Stay comfortable and calm
Place the bearded dragon on your arm, chest, or lap. It may stay in your arms if it is gently stroked. Your gentle touch can make it more comfortable. An adult bearded dragon can grow up to 60 cm, so it will be more comfortable if you hold it while sitting. Young bearded dragons are quite agile, so you should hold them loose.
Be aware that bearded dragon scales and spines grow in one direction. Therefore, stroke the bearded dragon in the direction of its scales. If you go against the scales, your finger may be pricked and he may get angry
Step 3. Understand the bearded dragon's body language
Bearded dragons will communicate their comfort to you. If you can understand his body language, you will be able to hold the bearded dragon better. If the bearded dragon is stressed or angry, immediately place it back in its cage. Observe the body language below:
- A black, puffy beard: When a bearded dragon wants to show its power, or feels threatened (this usually happens during breeding season), it will puff out its throat. The bearded dragon's beard will also turn black when it is angry.
- Mouth wide open: Like a bulging beard, this gesture shows that the bearded dragon wants to look scary. This gesture is also used to show strength or repel predators.
- Mouth is open, but not wide. He was probably cooling off.
- Head moves up and down: Male bearded dragons use this gesture to show their power.
- Swinging legs: Bearded dragon raises one front paw and swings it to show submission.
- Lifting tail: This generally occurs during mate season. This gesture shows a sense of alert and active. The juvenile bearded dragon raises its tail while hunting.
Step 4. Return the bearded dragon to its habitat
When finished holding it or the bearded dragon wants to be lowered, place the bearded dragon back into its cage in the above manner. You can hold the bearded dragon as long as he wants. Start holding it for 15 minutes every day. When he gets used to it, you can hold the bearded dragon longer. Some bearded dragons like to be held for several hours each day. When he starts to feel uncomfortable, you have to put him down.
How long the bearded dragon can be removed from the vivarium depends on the room temperature. Reptiles are cold-blooded animals, so if the room is too cold, it will freeze and its digestive system will stop. If the bearded dragon's stomach feels cold, return him to the vivarium to warm his body again
Step 5. Wash your hands
Bearded dragons can have salmonella. This is normal for him, but salmonella can cause disease in humans. Always wash your hands after handling a bearded dragon
Tips
- If you are calm, the animals will also calm down.
- Bearded dragons may get caught in your clothes.
- Always supervise minors.
- Be patient when handling baby bearded dragons. Let him bring himself closer to you! Don't force him to hold you. Don't be sad if the baby bearded dragon isn't friendly to you right away.
- Bearded dragons that are still babies are more fragile than adult bearded dragons. Therefore, be prepared when he wants to jump. You might accidentally drop it.
- Young bearded dragons, or those who are not used to human touch, may become stressed or lose their appetite if they are handled too often.
- Bearded dragons that are still very small may be frightened at first when held. Therefore, bring the bearded dragon close to the floor to be safe when he jumps.
- If the bearded dragon's nails get stuck in your clothes, simply lift them up and move their fingers gently until the claws are no longer stuck. After that, let the bearded dragon feel comfortable again so he doesn't get stressed.
- Bearded dragons should not eat crickets or worms from your yard. These crickets and worms may contain diseases that can harm the bearded dragon.
- Don't give him too many crickets at once. Bearded dragons may be stressed.
Warning
- If this happens, place the object between the bearded dragon and another animal or lizard. This is done to prevent fights.
- If the bearded dragon is moving its head up and down or its beard is bulging, don't pick it up. He is communicating with you or another lizard. He may also bite you.
