Handling my gecko question

[dolfun55]

I would like to get everyones thoughts on handling my leopard gecko.

My question is do you all present your hand to your gecko every time and give them the option of being handled or do you just pick them up or both and why?

My little Lucy loves to come out of her house most of the time but I am wondering if I should pick her up on occasion so that she is used to that as well or if I should present my hand to her each time and let her decide if she wants to climb up.

I would also be interested in what methods you all use to pick them up so that they arent scared etc.

Lastly, I am thinking of taking her out and letting her run around the bathroom for a bit. With me in there of course to watch over her.
I just thought she might like to get out and really be able to run. Thoughts?

Any input is greatly appreciated!

 

[Phoenix1115]

For my babies I kind of cup them up into my hands, one coming from in front and one from behind. This is for two reasons. One is that if I come from in front they can see my hand before the feel it and won't get AS spooked. The second is so that when they do spook they run forward into my hand lol.

My older ones I just kind of grab haha. I pick them up by the torso, wrapping my fingers under their bellies.

I think it'd be a great idea to start handling Lucy, as well as letting her run around in a "gecko proof" space. Gives her exercise and a change of scenery. Mine tend to be lazy lumps in their tanks but as soon as I put them on the floor of my room then motor around like they own the place

 

[j&k lemmy]

If you make feeding time fallow handling you can eventually get your gecko to come when called.
Call your gecko pick it up handle for awhile put it in a tub full of food.
Soon you can call it and it will come running up your arm.

I did this with one of mine when had her housed with 2 more geckos, since she was smaller I'd feed her separately.

 

[dolfun55]

Thanks so much!! I picked her up a few times over the weekend and she was a little jumpy at first because she is used to being able to crawl onto my hand and up my arm on her own but after a couple of times of picking her up she seems to be ok with it.

This week I will let her out in the bathroom for some running time.

Thanks again!!