After searching for one for a while, I finally brought home my beardie this morning
For one who was raised in captivity, though, he's being unexpectedly aggressive (flattening out and starting to puff out his beard when I try to pick him up, etc). Apparently his previous owner handled him, so this seems odd. Could it just be the stress of being in a new place?
For what it's worth, he is about 8'' long nose to hind legs (in other words, excluding tail), and I have him in a 3' x 1.5' enclosure with a uvb light on top, a hide, water bowl, and a bowl of collard greens. As far as temps go, not quite sure yet - I put a digital thermometer in about 45 minutes ago and I think it's still adjusting.
Planning on leaving him along for the next day or so to let him adjust but I really would like to be able to handle him at some point :]
Personally I've had a couple honery beardies. Each has their own personality. He's more than likely stressed. I'm a firm believer though that good acclimation periods result in less stressed animals. I'd leave him alone for at least a week. Preferably two. They need that down time to get used to their new homes and new schedules. I had one little girl that I hatched out and while she was ok with other dragons she hated me for whatever reason. She'd actually jump to try and bite me when I'd be feeding or cleaning. I learned with her that it was either just me or she was just a little brat.
If he has a previous history of good behavior then I would say its stress from new surroundings. Most beardies are not aggressive, I had one that was aggressive when it was young than it became a sweetheart as an adult. Once he gets used to the new digs he should be fine
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