How Do You Start to Handle a Gecko

[scharles]

I bought a Gecko...and it has now been almost 4 weeks. He seems de-stressed....gaining weight...tail getting fat and eating well.

He does NOT care to be handled at all..and it is challenge just to catch him at take him out of the cage for cleaning.

He is the fastest Gecko I have seen...and I am a little scared of picking him up...I am afraid of hurting him as he struggles.

I was just wondering if there are any suggestion on dealing with a nervous Gecko..or as I like to call him...Gecko with an Attitude.

Thanks!

Steve

 

[Jaiden23]

A good way to start with a gecko that's a little shy is by simply laying your hand in the tank for a few minutes everyday. Leos are very curious by nature, and once he realizes that you aren't trying to hurt him by having your hand there, he will come over to investigate it. Eventually, he should walk up onto your hand on his own.

Another, perhaps quicker, way to help the little guy to not be afraid of you is by either dipping your fingertips in water or by having the feeder in the palm of your hand. This allows him to associate something good, such as a drink or food, with you, making him much more eager to approach you.

Above all else, it just takes time and patience. Good luck with your Gecko with an Attitude :main_thumbsup:

 

[nats]

A good way to start with a gecko that's a little shy is by simply laying your hand in the tank for a few minutes everyday. Leos are very curious by nature, and once he realizes that you aren't trying to hurt him by having your hand there, he will come over to investigate it. Eventually, he should walk up onto your hand on his own.

Another, perhaps quicker, way to help the little guy to not be afraid of you is by either dipping your fingertips in water or by having the feeder in the palm of your hand. This allows him to associate something good, such as a drink or food, with you, making him much more eager to approach you.

Above all else, it just takes time and patience. Good luck with your Gecko with an Attitude :main_thumbsup:

Good advise! :main_yes:

Dont try to pick him up yet. Just let him get used to your hand being in there.
Move slowly, and lay your hand close to him but dont move to him. Keep doing that and soon he will come to you, and lick your hand.
Also, it's important to make sure he is eating okay before trying to handle him.
Give him time.

 

[nats]

I almost forgot to ask.
Did you buy him from a pet store or a breeder?

 

[packs_fan]

I just recently purchased one from a breeder who acts the same way as yours does. Like jaiden said I usually lay my hand in there and usually he climbs on my hand. Although when I start to bring my hand up he freaks out and hops off but hes slowly getting better at it. He will now sometimes let me pet him depending on his mood. :main_laugh:

 

[scharles]

My Gecko is from...blushing in shame...a pet store.

He looked very heathy, active (tail would even twitter before pouncing on a cricket), as had been there for 2 weeks, alone, in the cage with no other Geckos. He was the colors I was looking for.

So he has not been handled like he would have been by a breeder...so I know that it is going to take a little longer and need more patience than if it was from a breeder and accustomed to being handled daily.

So far the suggestions are very good...and I will try just putting my hand in a few times day and see what happens.

He is eating VERY well...a little too well I think

Steve

 

[nats]

It just takes time a patience.
You can try hand feeding too (or did somebody mention that already?)
Just put a nice yummy waxie (or other yummy bug) in your palm and lay your hand down in the bottom of the tank. Works sometimes.

 

[godzillizard]

if your afraid of hurting him--let him handle you--just let him walk from hand to hand, and eventually he'll relax. Another thing would be to use a spent toilet paper roll--just put it in front of the little guy and let him walk up into it. then let him walk out onto your hands from the safety of the tube. I do this with babies until they're big enough that I'm comfortable handling them normally. And congrats on the new little one