Handling my new leo

[cindym]

I have had my new adult female leo, Silke, for a few weeks now, and she seems to be used to me (she doesn't mind when I am replacing food and water and removing droppings from her terrarium). I would like someday to be able to hold her and let her sit on me, but am unsure how to begin. This morning, I felt really bad as I think I startled her/woke her up when I refilled her food dish; she scuttled over behind her big driftwood tree.

Any recommendations on how to begin this process without stressing her out? Can I try to "pet" her back or anything? Or just keep doing what I'm doing for a few more months and let her get used to my hands?

Thanks in advance!

 

[KiKi]

put your hand in her cage and leave it there for about 1minute and let her investigate your hand she may just smell it or she may climb across or onto it do this once a day and she will get used to you

 

[Stitch]

Most reptiles are protective of their spine (at least in my experience) so I would not sugest rubbing or touching the back. Place your hand in the cage like KiKi said. Once the gecko is used to you doing that, gently slide your hand under the gecko. The gecko will probably try to run. Use your other hand by placing it infront of the gecko, this should prevent the gecko from jumping out of your hand. Remember to move slowly.

 

[MichaelJ]

I've only had one Leo allow to gently stroke her back and even then it was only occasionally and for a few moments.

It takes time. She needs to learn your taste/scent and some just generally don't like being handled. I have a male chance that loves it. When I go by his cage and make chirping noises like the ones they make when their frustrated he comes right out and wants to be held. We watch tv together and he sleeps in the lip of my shirt.

I also have a younger albino that will not let us come near her. We walk in the room and she's gone. She only eats in the dark when were not there and when we handle her she freaks.

I've found that cupping my hand when I hold any of them and cover their eyes it seems to calm them down. I think it gives the feeling of hiding and the warmth of my hands help them feel secure and comfy. Of course I have rather large hands so this doesn't work as well for my wife.

Take your time and let her get used to you and get to trust you and she should come around. Just take it slow. It won't happen over night.

good luck and be very gentle.

 

[OSUgecko]

I would handle your gecko for short periods on a regular basis (i.e., a few minutes every day/every other day), depending on her levels of stress, and take it really slow. My gecko was somewhat nervous about being handled at first, too, but I made sure that anytime I touched her it was a positive experience for her. Eventually she learned to trust me. Now, half the time she's more interested in being held than in being fed! (guess I'm feeding her enough, lol!)

 

[geckofreak570]

i started handleing my gecko about 3 day after i got her and she is getting better and not as jumpy. I hold her for about 10 mins every day

 

[Traci]

I started holding my leopard gecko when I got him in December he was just a little guy, now I think I spoiled him he loves being out of his cage. I also have a Albino female when I first hold her she is a little jumpy then she calms down.