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Handling New Dragons

Give your dragon time to become comfortable in its new surroundings before handling regularly, a slow "familiarizing" approach is best and necessary with most dragons. We recommend that juveniles be handled as little as possible for the first week after entering their new home to allow time to adjust and "de-stress". After this time, short periods of handling are recommended if the dragon remains calm and does not display excessive signs of threat. Use slow movements when placing your hand in the enclosure or approaching your dragon. If your dragon "gapes" when approached, this is often an expression of perceived threat and it may be a good idea to leave it and try to approach it another time. Occasional hand feeding of live prey, veg/greens and especially treats will teach your dragon to associate you with food instead of a threat and may help to speed the familiarizing period. Always keep in mind when handling your dragon that they are proficient jumpers and despite their size, are very fast. Be cautious with having them around other pets or young children.

**Bearded dragons can harbor the bacteria Salmonella . Be sure to wash your hands after handling the dragon or its enclosure.**