Can't get BTS to be my friend

[pixelatr]

For some context, I acquired my bluey off of craigslist, the previous owner said he was around 3 years old I believe when we got him. The previous owner didn't have a great enclosure for him, no hides, no basking spot, no real water dish, wasn't really feeding him any veggies, just dog food and the occasional blueberry. We've had him for almost four months now, and in that time we've given him a big rock cave to hide in, as well as a basking spot that he occasionally digs under, and a proper water dish that's big enough for most of him to fit in. during the first month or so he was apprehensive to anyone interacting with him, often starting to breathe heavily and display his tongue and mouth a lot, with the occasional hiss. Once we upgraded his enclosure with more stuff for him to interact with, he started coming out more often, but would still run away pretty often whenever we walked near. More recently, he's hardly been leaving his cave, and pretty much only does so to get food, and even then only comes out to get his food if he's sure nobody is around, and will stop eating and run back inside his cave as soon as somebody shows up. Occasionally I'll get home from work and see him out and about, but he'll run back in as soon as I get anywhere near the enclosure. For a while I tried taking him out almost every day and just spending some time with him, but it didn't seem to really help the situation. I'd set him on my lap or nearby (He tends to either crawl under my legs to hide or up on to my lap to start huffing and puffing to show his aggression). I try to give him a treat when I take him out to try to give it a good association, though he usually doesn't like to eat when I'm around unless it's live prey like superworms. Every time I try to interact with him he gets angry, and I wish that weren't the case.

I guess what I'm wondering is, is it too late to try to get him to enjoy, or even tolerate my presence? Since we got him at 3 years old, and he wasn't in the best situation, will he be able to adapt to liking being handled? If so, what's the best way to go about doing this?

I'd really appreciate any advice anyone could give, as it's a shame to have a pet that I hardly ever see.

Thanks!

[splashy07]

Some reptiles just want to be left alone, and others will tolerate us. For the most part, they prefer to be left alone. With uncertain beginnings it may take some time, as his previous experience with humans was not very good. With time and patience, he may learn you are not a threat to him. Offer his favorite treats, do not force unwanted handling and just let him be when that's what he wants. As much as people try and make them so, reptiles are not at all in the realm of cats and dogs.