Bearded Dragon - Jumpy

Question
QUESTION: We have a bearded dragon that is approaching 3 months of age. We have had him since he was about a month old.  He has always been very jumpy when we try to hold him and even when we try to hand feed him greens or small phoenix worms, he backs up.  If we are very patient, he sometimes will get the greens, but it is a waiting game.  When we get him to hold him, he tries to get away. When my son gets him and lets him sit on his hand/arm (after trapping him so he climbs on his hand), he seems to calm down.  But from what I have heard (and seen in some pet stores), other young ones are much calmer. Do we just have a nervous beardie, or is this somewhat normal for many young ones.  Thank you.

ANSWER: Hello Ken,

Well, normally, the younger dragons are very energetic so it is quite normal.  When you approach him, go down to his level & try not to go over him too much.  They tend to become anxious or afraid with objects or people going overhead since predators in the wild get them from overhead.  Go from the side so he can see you better.
Also, unfortunately, the ones in the pet stores may be more docile because they are not warm enough so they wont be as active either.
It is good that he is active.  If he wasn't that is when you should worry.

Tracie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you. His energetic demeanor is one of the things that attracted us to him. We had lost one in a few days at the beginning of the year that was very docile.  But he is so jumpy and he was the last one at this new pet store so we could not compare him to any cage mates.

When you say go from the side and not over him, I am confused. He is a 40 gallon tank that has 16 inch sides, so it is hard to do get to him except by being over him.  Would you explain? Thank you.

Answer
Hello Ken,

Oh that is too bad you lost one like that so quickly!  If he was that docile, he most likely did not feel well.  
Well, simply, make sure that your hand goes towards him from the side to make sure that he sees your hand instead of a hand blindly going over him to pick him up.  Does that make sense?  :-))  
Until he gets more comfortable, just go slowly when you pick him up so he begins to trust you more readily.
Also, maybe someone in the store did not care for him very well when picking him up possibly.
Is he eating well?
Good to hear you have him in a 40 gallon, that is pretty good for his size.

Tracie