First Time BTS Owner questions

[TimMih]

Hi everyone,
So, this past Thursday, I just got my first bts, a male merauke about six months old! He is extremely handsome and I would love to show you a picture of him but he has hidden himself in a tube in his tank and refuses to come out! Is this normal? He ate some food the first day I got him but then curled up in his tube and refuses to come out even when bribing him with different foods. He huffs/hisses at me when I put my hand in the tank to feed him and won't let me anywhere near him. Do they usually hide like this when you first bring them home and if so, how long is a normal amount of time to do so? Is there a way I can start getting him used to me so that he isn't so scared/grumpy at me? He hasn't eaten since Thursday evening.

Thanks a bunch!

P.S. Sorry if this is the wrong spot to post this, I'm new to using forums too

[kingofnobbys]

relocation stress is quite a normal response , he'll likely be out and exploring his new digs and studying you in a few days or so (but can last about a week). Some are friendly and into snuggles from the getgo ,others who haven't been interacted with / handled much take longer to come around.

Keep offering food , refill his water dish daily , it'll coax him out and give him space for now.

Getting him used to you....
... What I do is hang out where the lizard can see / hear and smell me and let him study me while doing other things (great if they see you handling / feeding other pet lizards - I believe they can learn from observation)
... handfeeding some food treats daily helps create a bond
... let him progress with interaction at his own pace .... very important not to force this , he has to learn he can trust you and you don't want to eat / harm him.

[TimMih]

Great, thank you for putting my mind at ease lol. He still hasn't eaten since the first day I brought him home but Sunday he did poop for the first time and it looked exactly how a healthy normal poop should look so I'm happy about that. Though right after, he buried himself in his substrate and I haven't seen him since. Should I look for him or just leave him buried in there somewhere until he feels like it is time to come out? I know he's probably ok but not knowing where he is makes me nervous lol.