BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

Hi all. So as some of you know, my boy Stryker is.. kinda moody. I provide everything I can for him, waited 2 weeks after getting him to start handling. Just yesterday is when I started to handle him more... But I have no clue what to do. I started off petting him a week prior and he was super sweet, but now that we've jumped to handling he's become very moody and huffy with me. He squirms despite me trying to hold him close to my chest like I've read to do, as well as cradling him in one arm. He wasn't handled at all by his previous family so I understand this is very new for him, but how can I make him more comfortable? He huffs and whistles at me when I enter the room now when beforehand he was always excited to see me. I'm scared I've damaged my trust with him. I've tried giving him his favorite treat but he doesn't seem to want anything to do with me now. Not only that but he really has quite a peeing habit when being held... Which I get is normal, but is there a way to prevent him from doing this, or will it stop on its own? Thanks

With urination/defecation, don't put it back in its enclosure right away... it will only encourage it to keep doing so while you hold him.

Otherwise, I think Stryker needs more time before he stops huffing.

Hi there, bonding can take time. Also with some skinks it can just be their personality. Not all skinks like to be handled. I would give him a break for about 4 days or so. During the 4 days or so, I would talk to him, I would offer the treats and every time you go by the enclosure just say a hi or talk softly. Then, try to handle it again. Go slow and remember to make it feel secure.

Thank you guys! He bit me for the first time today so uhh.. tips on how to prevent that in the future would be great! He's learned huffing doesn't work on me so he latched on instead.. ohh boy
I did startled him on accident though so I get why he did it. He's been cuddly lately, so this was a shock.

Bites happen when they feel threatened and scared. It is their defense mechanism. I would recommend what I suggested above and go slow...