Help with handling

[Matt_pole]

Hello, I've had my leo for about 2 weeks. He is healthy(eating, pooping, active, etc.), and he is comfortable with my hand. I often let him climb up onto my hand and walk hand to hand over his tank. He tries to climb up to my shoulder, I worry that if I let him then he will jump off. I would also like to hold him on my bed and let him explore. I am just worried that he will try and run for it, how do I stop him? Do you have any hints, tips, or tricks to help me handle him without worrying so much?
Thank you.

 

[Kiara1125]

Just put your hand in front of him. Leos tend to just stop and turn rather than back up or keep going. I would hold him over the bed if you're worried about him jumping off your shoulder. At least he'd have a soft landing.

 

[Matt_pole]

Thank you! If only he wasn't sleeping.

 

[DrCarrotTail]

Baby leos tend to run for it and often fall lots until about 30g or so when they calm down considerably. I would just make sure you handle him for short periods (like a minute or two) and only 2-3 times a week until he gets over 30g and can handle the stress better. Seeing as you've just gotten him I would leave him alone and give him a couple weeks to adjust before you start regular handling. Moving is mighty stressful!

 

[Matt_pole]

Baby leos tend to run for it and often fall lots until about 30g or so when they calm down considerably. I would just make sure you handle him for short periods (like a minute or two) and only 2-3 times a week until he gets over 30g and can handle the stress better. Seeing as you've just gotten him I would leave him alone and give him a couple weeks to adjust before you start regular handling. Moving is mighty stressful!

I can't get an exact measurement, but he's well over 30 g's and is almost an adult. I don't know his age either, so he could be an adullt even. He just doesn't appear to have the "wide" look of an adult.

 

[DrCarrotTail]

That's good! Most male leos should not look wide or fat like females. Their tails tend to stay slimmer and they don't gain as much weight around the middle. Of course there's a difference between unhealthy skinny and just male slim. Posting a picture would help folks give you some feedback about his condition if you're worried but I bet he's just fine from your description.

I'd still recommend giving him a couple weeks to settle in. Moving is stressful at any age. Some of my leos are more skittish than others but with gentle and kind handling most calm down considerably with only a few minutes of contact every other day or so. Once they seem comfortable taking them out for longer would be okay but as they are gaining confidence it's best to keep sessions short and positive. I've found with a couple of mine that they calm down a lot once they can't see their cage anymore. I have one big male in particular that aims for his cage running when ever he can see it but is a total doll when I take him into the living room! Until they calm down holding them over a bed or sitting on the floor (where they can't run under any heavy furniture if they decide to dart away!) would be best so they don't fall a long way.

Good luck!