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When niles came out of hibernation he acted like I was trying to kill him when i picked him up. He was the sweetest, calmest thing when i first got him, so huge difference. I just kept putting my hand slowly near him when basking. Then eventually stroking his back. If picking up I scoop from under, never grab from above. And I use a handtowel to place him on because I can flap part of it over him if he seems stressed. He likes to nuzzle down into it sometimes. Anyway, the first few times getting used to being held I almost lost him onto the floor twice! I had to grab him almost mid air and just put him back in cage. But each time i think if you just keep going really slow and low to ground so non threatening to him it should help. Also i tong feed in enclosure right now, and this also seems to build trust (if not just curiosity and feeding response haha) because i call to him and lure him out of hide with food sometimes. Then after he eats he is full and happy and will sleep on my lap a bit hope i helped some and wasn't rambling too much

<blockquote data-quote="BatGirl1" data-source="post: 136309" data-attributes="member: 3733"><p>When niles came out of hibernation he acted like I was trying to kill him when i picked him up. He was the sweetest, calmest thing when i first got him, so huge difference. I just kept putting my hand slowly near him when basking. Then eventually stroking his back. If picking up I scoop from under, never grab from above. And I use a handtowel to place him on because I can flap part of it over him if he seems stressed. He likes to nuzzle down into it sometimes. Anyway, the first few times getting used to being held I almost lost him onto the floor twice! I had to grab him almost mid air and just put him back in cage. But each time i think if you just keep going really slow and low to ground so non threatening to him it should help. Also i tong feed in enclosure right now, and this also seems to build trust (if not just curiosity and feeding response haha) because i call to him and lure him out of hide with food sometimes. Then after he eats he is full and happy and will sleep on my lap a bit <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile&nbsp; &nbsp; :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> hope i helped some and wasn't rambling too much <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile&nbsp; &nbsp; :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p></blockquote><p></p>

[QUOTE="BatGirl1, post: 136309, member: 3733"] When niles came out of hibernation he acted like I was trying to kill him when i picked him up. He was the sweetest, calmest thing when i first got him, so huge difference. I just kept putting my hand slowly near him when basking. Then eventually stroking his back. If picking up I scoop from under, never grab from above. And I use a handtowel to place him on because I can flap part of it over him if he seems stressed. He likes to nuzzle down into it sometimes. Anyway, the first few times getting used to being held I almost lost him onto the floor twice! I had to grab him almost mid air and just put him back in cage. But each time i think if you just keep going really slow and low to ground so non threatening to him it should help. Also i tong feed in enclosure right now, and this also seems to build trust (if not just curiosity and feeding response haha) because i call to him and lure him out of hide with food sometimes. Then after he eats he is full and happy and will sleep on my lap a bit :) hope i helped some and wasn't rambling too much :) [/QUOTE]

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