Agitated Leo... Help!

[ohlalaliz]

I was given a Leo because his previous family couldn't provide him with the care and attention he needed. Due to this, he wasn't handled very often.

Right after he was given to me, he became very agitated. I assume it was from the stress of the move and being in a new home. I cleaned his cage 2 days after I got him, and he became so angry that he bit me. Ever since then he refuses to let me touch him. He arches his back, and thrashes his head and tail. Today he even hissed at me.

He let's everyone but me touch him it seems. Although after awhile he still becomes agitates. Can he recognize the difference between me and someone else? Is he really holding a grudge? If so, how can I fix this? I desperatley want him to be the calm, loveable Leo he was before the move. Now he just seems to completely dislike my being.

Can anyone give me advice on how to make him trust me again? It's really upsetting as to how much his personality changed.

 

[Riyo]

I would give him a week or two to settle in. I'm sure he's extremely stressed from the move and probably just wants to be left alone. Minimize contact with him as much as possible and after he's acclimated I would then start to try to handle him. It takes some time, but it's worth it .

Also, how is he set up? Does he have proper heat? Does he have enough places to hide?

 

[ohlalaliz]

Well sadly, it's been a week or two since the move already.. which I'm beginning to believe is a bad thing. He is still extremely mad at me. It makes me fear for the worst, that he's always going to have some grudge against me. Before the move he was extremely calm.

His current set up is simple, and sadly wrong. The previous owners were given the wrong information. He has a heat lamp on one side, with a "tree" for shade on the same side I'm assuming. On the opposite side he has a ceramic log which he can hide under (the only thing for him to hide under), and his heat pad is on the side (which I now know is wrong! )

But luckily just a few days ago I was given a new larger tank, with a new under tank heater for him. I'm setting it up this weekend when I have plenty of time. I fear this will only agitate him more though.

 

[Samantha]

I would try the new tank and see how he does it might in the long run make him happyer the tank could be the root of the problem just be pashent and give him time also what and how much is he eating

 

[ohlalaliz]

He eats mealworms, but doesn't seem to be eating too much lately. At his previous house when they first got him, he was hand fed. They told me it stopped, but I don't know how much I believe that. Although the worms seem to be disappearing! Either that, or they're hiding. Hopefully with the new tank, will bring a happier gecko!

 

[camie31]

My female was like that after a week of leaving her alone after getting bit the day I brought her home I started really slow first just having my hand in her cange and eventually she would get curious and come over and see after about 10more days she was ok to pick up with out getting really upset I hope that helps

 

[ohlalaliz]

Really? I'm beginning to think my Gecko is a female ... I've done some research and I think I'm right! I'm assuming whoever got him (or her) first was wrong!

 

[shadowdragon619]

once he (or she) is in a proper set up, i would give him/her time again to settle down. i had a gecko who took more than a month to get used to me. He would bite and attack my hand every time i entered his cage. but he's gotten over that and has realized i bring him food, lol, dont bite the hand that feeds

 

[Rosalie Spot]

dont bite the hand that feeds

heh...good one.