Can someone help with some questions?

[mornningmeanie]

Hi - I'm a new "mommy" to Bob, a 4 month old leopard gecko. He actually belongs to my boyz(7&5) but, I'm his main caregiver. I was wondering if it is better to hold Bob after he eats or if we should play with him first. We usually hold him first but, lately he's been really "squirmy". Also I was wondering if there are any signs to look for before shedding happens, can we hold Bob durring shedding or should we leave him alone for those couple of days? Thanks to all who can send me any advise!

 

[acpart]

Hi - I'm a new "mommy" to Bob, a 4 month old leopard gecko. He actually belongs to my boyz(7&5) but, I'm his main caregiver. I was wondering if it is better to hold Bob after he eats or if we should play with him first. We usually hold him first but, lately he's been really "squirmy". Also I was wondering if there are any signs to look for before shedding happens, can we hold Bob durring shedding or should we leave him alone for those couple of days? Thanks to all who can send me any advise!

Young leopard geckos are squirmy in order to preserve themselves. They calm down as they get older and more comfortable (some of them stay squirmy, though). It's generally not a good idea to handle him *right* after you feed him because the excitement/stress may cause him to throw up (it happened to me once with one of my adults). I think the best bet, especially with your kids, is for you to take him out of the cage and have them hold him inside a box or a bin so if he takes off, he's in the bin. Let them start for just a few minutes either before he eats, or an hour afterwards and he should gradually become used to him. I will try to remember to send you a private message telling you how to access my handout "kids and geckos".

Bob will probably start looking a bit faded when he starts to shed and may turn white. I don't think there's a big issue about handling him as he goes into shed, but he may not want to eat around that time.

Aliza

 

[mornningmeanie]

Thanks for the info. Your website really helped too.

 

[cyndi0502]

you might not want to hold him while in shed, some people say their skin can be irritated and i'm sure shedding your skin doesn't feel too pleasent. it only takes them a couple hours, not days, so i always wait until they're done.

 

[mornningmeanie]

We usually leave him alone durring this time.