Handling new gecko

[MelissaDiane]

On Tuesday I got a 2nd gecko. She was shipped. She is very defensive. When she is out & she sees me she goes into attack mode. She screams & attacks the glass cage & then darts to the nearest hide. I am sure the breeder had her in a plastic tub so maybe she's not used to the glass tank? Honestly, I am afraid to put my hand in there....I am no where near ready to pick her up. I am sure her tail will drop off for sure. What should I do? She is eating just fine.

 

[thekooliest]

Welcome to the forums, I am sure you will get so much better information here than from me ...
But I know they get scared after shipping so give her a couple days.
Glad she is eating well.
-Sam
PS I am in York!

 

[lepgeckosrock]

The best thing to do is let her/him adjust to everything it could take up to a month depending on its age.You have to think of it like this someone 20 times your size puts you in a container not much bigger than you puts you in the dark then you get jostled around in a truck and a plane then end up someplace with all new smells and sounds you would be scared for a while to.

 

[scottprice]

yeah just give it some time... I had similar issues, remember they're also nocturnal ... I found that the less light I have around the tank area the happier they tend to be... if I'm in the room I tend to throw a towel or something over the front of the tank that way very little light actually seeps into the tank... my girls can be a little skitsy at times but they're eating, and just love love love their hides ; ) When it comes to handling I wouldn't worry about the tail dropping off if you're not grabbing them by the tail, try sticking your hand in the tank move slowly, allow them to be introduced slowly and grab them gently by the torso without touching the tail and when you pick them up just be gentle, i find mine are more at ease if I hold my hands over their faces while i handle them until they settle down. I'm sure yours will be fine!

 

[nats]

On Tuesday I got a 2nd gecko. She was shipped. She is very defensive. When she is out & she sees me she goes into attack mode. She screams & attacks the glass cage & then darts to the nearest hide. I am sure the breeder had her in a plastic tub so maybe she's not used to the glass tank? Honestly, I am afraid to put my hand in there....I am no where near ready to pick her up. I am sure her tail will drop off for sure. What should I do? She is eating just fine.

I wouldnt attemp to touch her for another few days if she's like that.
Yes, you are right, glass is a new concept for her. Try covering all the walls
with cut pieces of cardboard or something she cant see through. Leave it there for a few days and take it off one panel at a time per day.
Like the other's said, move slowly when you go to feed, water, etc.
They can be really feisty when they are young (dont worry, her bite cant hurt you!!), but they tame down in time. Once they know you are not a threat, they calm down. Continue to let her see your hand every day, just dont move it to her, let her come to you (in time)!! :main_yes:

 

[MelissaDiane]

Thanks for the advice. I will take it slow & cover the sides of her class cage. I am sure it seems very open to her. Thanks again!

 

[nats]

Thanks for the advice. I will take it slow & cover the sides of her class cage. I am sure it seems very open to her. Thanks again!

Your welcome

Some just take a little extra time to tame.
Your patience will be rewarded though because you will have a wonderful
pet for a long time :main_yes: