Help scared!

[BarahSell]

I wonder if any other Leo owners could give me some advice - I've had my little Leo for just a week. She has been content until now to be handled and has been playful then for the last 2 days when I go near her tank she sticks her tail right up in the air and if I reach in to pick her up as normal she makes to bite me. I absolutely love her but when the tail goes up I'm terrified. Is it normal for them to have such drastic mood swings? Any thoughts would be appreciated

 

[im faster]

pretty normal yes

 

[BarahSell]

when she bahaves like this is it best to persist or leave her? I don't want her to be scared of me.

 

[Dimidiata]

try laying your hand flat in the tank. Dont make a move toward her, let her come to you. Try offering a mealworm or such in that hand.

 

[BrightReptiles]

Back off or not will be a subject that goes back and forth with people. Personally I say don't let them see that your scared and scoop them up without hesitation, the bite doesn't hurt. Other will say it can stress them as well.

 

[GeckoDude31]

My advise would be this; hand flat, no sudden movements, and be ease into handling.

 

[reps4life]

I wonder if any other Leo owners could give me some advice - I've had my little Leo for just a week. She has been content until now to be handled and has been playful then for the last 2 days when I go near her tank she sticks her tail right up in the air and if I reach in to pick her up as normal she makes to bite me. I absolutely love her but when the tail goes up I'm terrified. Is it normal for them to have such drastic mood swings? Any thoughts would be appreciated

You have only had her a week. Give her some time to get comfortable. At least another week. I know you mentioned she was content, so it could have been triggered by a change of scent. Try washing your hands with the same soap each time before placing your hand in.

 

[fl_orchidslave]

She might be getting ready to shed, which would cause her to become defensive. Leave her alone until she feels like her sweet self again.

 

[RampantReptiles]

I go the stressed route.
Any time you get a new leo they should be left alone, little to no handling for at least a week or 2. They need some time to de-stress, get to know their new environment and get comfortable. Then do as others have said... put the hand down and let them check you out.

Many times I find that younger leos act defensive in the way you are saying. This may also be the reason for this reaction. When my babies do this to me it always scares me lol. I usually give them space until they calm down.

 

[nnoossss]

I go the stressed route.
Any time you get a new leo they should be left alone, little to no handling for at least a week or 2. They need some time to de-stress, get to know their new environment and get comfortable. Then do as others have said... put the hand down and let them check you out.

Many times I find that younger leos act defensive in the way you are saying. This may also be the reason for this reaction. When my babies do this to me it always scares me lol. I usually give them space until they calm down.

Yea i waited at least 2 too 3 weeks and the only time i handle her now is if she starts too climb on my arm during feeding.

 

[Dimidiata]

Why didnt i ever get to experience these issues with my baby leo? the feeding refusal,stuck shed,agression and so on lol. Im just lucky.

 

[BarahSell]

I bought her from a reptile specialist - they told me that with younger Leo's to handle them for a short period daily so that they can get used to you! I hear so many conflicting stories and just want to do what is best for her

 

[nnoossss]

I bought her from a reptile specialist - they told me that with younger Leo's to handle them for a short period daily so that they can get used to you! I hear so many conflicting stories and just want to do what is best for her

Well you definetly need too give them time too get comfortable in their surroundings before you go any further i always keep in mind that i might want too handle the gecko but they might not want too be, start hand feeding yours here and their maybe and just put ur hand in the cage for 10 mins since their curious theyll come check you out without showing aggression.