Do you treat your gecko the same as you do other pets?

[flyingmouse77]

Hi all,

I grew up with a distaste for reptiles, which gradually grew into acceptance, and now I find myself loving my gecko child as much as the cats and dog. I know what science says about the "reptile brain," and I'm very conscious of not anthropomorphizing Soleil. But I also feel that you get what you give, and that seems to be true with any animal. I knew people had rabbits as pets, but it was always one of those outdoor hutch situations. Then I had a house rabbit, and learned that rabbits have very interesting personalities that make interacting with them very satisfying.

Soleil spends time with me outside her terrarium every day. If my shirt has a pocket, she'll sit in there and doze. If I'm at my desk she likes to sleep in the heated mouse pad cover I got for my block of ice mouse hand. She gets the left side, and I use the mouse on the right. We go outside and sit on my porch swing, and she alternates between sitting on my hand or shoulder, alert and taking in the breeze and sunshine, or hiding either in my clothes, or under the towel I bring out for her. Sometimes she "cuddles" with me while I watch tv. And I talk to her like I talk to all my animals. Maybe she can't love, and maybe she only likes spending time with me because I'm warm. But I watch her very carefully for signs she's not happy, or not enjoying being out, and usually I don't see any. She honestly seems to be enjoying herself. Does anyone else feel like there's more to their gecko than science says is possible?

 

[Music City Geckos]

I generally do think that they are rather simple minded creatures. But that doesn't mean that they don't have personalities whether it be for better or worse. I think that everyone and everything has a personality which almost gives them the ability to be free thinkers to a point. Now, to what extent are they free thinkers I don't know but I do know that when a gecko bites me I can assume they aren't happy. Or when I pet a gecko on the head and they kinda close their eyes that he/she is content and happy with what I am doing.

 

[A2kLunerGecko]

I kissed my geckos before ._. never once cuddled with a doggy

 

[indyana]

Science is still learning how to really assess intelligence in different types of animals. Reptiles certainly have a level of personality and understanding of their environment and even their keepers. I do not, for example, try to train my geckos to do tricks, but I do talk to them, keep a steady routine so they can learn when to expect feeding or handling, and generally be a bit social with them if I see them watching me. They need some stimulation too!

Here's a great article that I read explaining how scientists are discovering new aspects to reptile behavior and intelligence:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/19/science/coldblooded-does-not-mean-stupid.html

 

[INDRAJM]

I don't love my Gecko as much as I love my dogs and cats. My warm blooded pets give me so much more affection and love.
i do love my Gecko and take the time to make sure she is comfortable and happy. She is a very simple lizard with very simple needs. She is not the brightest bulb. She doesn't really like to hang out with me and I respect that. She does, however recognize me and allows me to handle her without fussing. She is also, very gentle and I love that about her!!

 

[stager]

I have quite a few animals and reptiles and I love them all. But my American Pitbull Terrier is more than a pet he is a close friend. He kept my family safe when we lived in a not so nice neighborhood while I wasn't home. He breaks up family arguments when the get carried away, and even climbed the ladder and slid down the slide with my older one when he had no kids to play with. I'm great full to have him in the family.