by Glynis Smy

Created on: September 16, 2010

Bearded Dragon Lizards (Pogona Vitticeps) are placid pets. If startled they can present with an open mouth in order to look more fierce than they really are. Rarely will they bite.

If you have never held a 'Beardie' before, then you will need to know the correct procedure. However, some people are nervous about skin texture of certain reptiles. A Bearded Dragon is rough scaled skinned and not slimy. They will feel cold if they have not sat under their heat lamps, but it is not ice cold.

Prior to handling the lizard it is important to wash your hands thoroughly. This is especially important if you have handled others beforehand. Parasites and diseases can be passed along from the oils of your skin. After handling ensure you wash them again and apply  anti bacterial alcohol gel for extra cleanliness.

Place your hand into the vivarium (cage) slowly but with confidence. Should your dragon start head bobbing, don't panic and pull your hand out. This is just his way of acknowledging you are on his territory. Putting your hand in and out is not going to instill confidence. You could encourage a young one to become skittish and run.

Should the Bearded Dragon run around the vivarium, just keep your hand still but do not remove it. Allow the lizard chance to realize you are going nowhere and are not a threat. Do not 'chase' it around and grab it by the tail. Damage to genitalia and rear limbs is possible. Most definitely do not grab a gravid (pregnant) one in this way. Always remember young reptiles are fragile, grabbing them around the middle of the body could cause internal damage. Be patient and wait for your pet to settle.

You can approach the Bearded Dragon from front or rear. Preference is from the front. Slide your fingers under the lizard's head with your palm face upwards. If your pet is calm you might find it will walk onto the palm by itself. Should it remain statue like, then place your other hand over its back to give it security. IF YOUR BEARDED DRAGON MOVES DO NOT GRIP TIGHT.

Another way of handling one is to approach from the rear and place your fingers around the wide part of the tail and gently lift the rear. Then place your other hand palm up under the belly. Then with the hand underneath the belly, gently curl your fingers to give feeling of security. Remove your hand from the tail area and gently stroke the head in the groove area between the eyes, on the top part. This soothes the animal and some will go to sleep. Move your hand slowly to lift your pet out of the cage area.

To place it back into the vivarium, again move your hand slowly down to onto the floor or a branch. Uncurl your fingers or open your palm and the 'Beardie' should just climb off. If it is content to sit there, then gently nudge the front legs against the branch, or lift them off of your palm.

Regular ( x 3 daily) sensible handling will lead to a confident, happy pet.

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