Interesting Hatchling behavior...? Any ideas?..

[Steven.]

So today i was redecorating prime's enclosure and he did the weirdest thing to my hand. After i moved around some mulch, i placed my hand close to his face, so he can get my scent... he flicked couple of times and then closed his eyes. Then i washed my hand, dried it, rubbed my hands on my shoulders and then placed it infront of him. He flicked a lot faster, moved his head closer to my hand and raised himself up on all fours.. I quickly pulled my hand away cause i though he was going to bite me... Then after a couple of minutes i did the same thing again.. He allowed me to rub him but as soon as he gets to flickering... up on all fours he goes.. Is there something i'm doing wrong?...I have never kept my hand there long enough to find out the outcome..lol.. Have you noticed this behavior with your tegu before?... Good or bad?...

 

[dragonmetalhead]

Is there any posturing? Arching of the back, puffing up, or coiling of the tail? Those are the usual signs of fear/aggression you look for in lizards. Maybe it's the smell of whatever soap you use? Is there something else you're touching that may be leaving scent on you?

 

[Steven.]

He didn't show any of that.. Basiclly all he started flicking quicker than normal. He stayed in his spot. Got on all four of his legs. He didnt move his body at all.. just got of the ground....

 

[new2tegus]

Did you eat recently, maybe get some near your shoulder, could be a very small amount. I know my gu went and tongue flicked a spot in his bedding where there was a fuzzie, finally left it alone after nosing around it. So it doesn't need to be much lol.

 

[spidersandmonsters]

It was probably just the smell.. does your soap smell fruity? Gaia used to do this, I just jet her get a good bite in, and once she did she realized hands smell like food, but are not food haha

 

[Steven.]

^ well you sir is one brave person... Today he did it again.. And i left my hands there and he basically bolted... I guess that's his running pose...lol

 

[reptastic]

Its most likely the scent of the soap you used, he apparently just didn't like it

 

[slideaboot]

It's a defensive posturing. He's getting ready for "fight or flight". Hatchlings are pretty much scared of everything until they put on some size. If I were you, I'd let him come to my hand, not bring it to him. That way, it's on his terms and he'll soon realize that your hands aren't a threat. It's worked with every tegu I've had.

 

[spidersandmonsters]

Haha it's a mental thing. A bite from a baby isn't going to hurt, and they'll remember it. A bit from a big tegu that hasn't figured it out will definitely hurt.

 

[Steven.]

Hey slideaboot, can i ask you how you got your tegu's to want to be held?... I know mine is still new not even a week yet since i've had him... But he allows me to pet him and hold him almost all the time. I have no problem getting him into and out of his feeding cage. So i'm thinking i should start trying to tame him now since he's so small and hopefully nice and calm....