handling

[popcikle]

my gecko wont let me pick it up. are there any tips on picking up leopard geckos?

 

[fallen_angel]

Never grab from above, only scoop gently from underneath. Do not grab their tail, as they can drop it if they feel threatened. Try offering your hand very slowly at first, maybe even a few times to let him smell you, and let him get used to you. When he's comfortable, start picking him up and handling him for a few minutes every other day or so. The younger he is, the quicker they get used to handling.

Also, when you are holding him, be sure to keep your hands close to a surface (like a bed, or the floor), just in case your leo decides to take a leap of faith (they do this a lot when you first begin handling them). If he/she does, it'll land safely on the bed (or wherever).

 

[wings2fly]

What age is your gecko? I have one that is still pretty young and she hisses and yelps at me. So I put my had in her encloser and just let her calm down. Then I scoop her up. She is already getting better (more tame) in the few weeks that I have had her.

Best of luck.
Carin

 

[popcikle]

im not really sure how old it is bacause i didnt buy it from a breeder. im trying to pick it up to find its gender. (i hope is female so i can get another!)

its 4 or 5 inches long. i try a tecnique where i slowly moved my hand under it and it then walked onto my hand but when i lift it up he jumps back into the cage.

 

[wings2fly]

Sounds like a good start. I would keep it up.
I sometime pick up mine with cupped hand and put them on my shirt where they can clime to my neck where they like to stay. I would however reccomend that you do that on the floor or bed, that way they don't fall very far.

Carin

 

[popcikle]

ok, thanks!

 

[popcikle]

ok, the tecnique worked! she lets me pick her up now, but only once or twice a day.
btw i just found out she is female and she has a Y inbetween her eyes so i named her yoshi.

 

[wings2fly]

Congrats!!! Very cute name.

Carin

 

[bubblez825]

Sounds like a cutie! Can we have a picture?

 

[fallen_angel]

Yes, we must see pics of Yoshi!! Love the name, glad that she is getting better with handling :sweetheart:

 

[Shadowygnome]

How long did you leave your hand in the enclosure before you tried to scoop her? im trying to handle my 5 or 6 week old leo and i can with a lot of chasing but id rather not chase him in his enclosure and cause more stress on him.