BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

got my shingleback a week and a half ago and havent handled alot as letting him settle in, but have noticed when i first go to pick him up he hisses and puffs up slightly but once he has actually been picked up he is fine and is content with being held, never gaped or bitten while ive had him but just wondering if this happens to anyone else, here he is btw, he is a rugosa rugosa

Haha yeah I'm in the same boat.

I've had my baby northern BTS for a little over a month now and he's similar. If I try and come from above him, it really scares him and he hisses a bit. So normally what I do is put my hand to his level so he won't hiss and scoop him up. Like yours, mine is completely fine when being held and has never hissed or bitten me while out. I'm sure it will improve and go away over time haha!

They all do it at times, sometimes even the ones I've had for years. It's like 'don't bother me', and then a few seconds later they're fine. Just their nature. I've got one that hisses and puffs away while she's eating from my hand. Silly lizards. Think they're going to scare me when I've got 6 foot snakes...

yeah i think it was because the only way i could get him from his old viv was from above as it had a hinged mesh lid, should be good now as i just moved him into his large outdoor enclosure yesterday, so no more coming down from above to hold him anymore which is good, ill try get some pics of the outdoor enclosure this arfternoon

try petting him for a little while and talking to him before slipping your hand under him .... he wont be surprised by the pickup then.