How Long Before Handling?

[moefv]

Hey guys I just got my new Leopard Gecko yesterday at ReptiCon. He is about 6 or 7 inches and he is a Hypo Tangerine. He is very tame and docile and when I took him out of his little plastic box he immediately walked on my hand. What I was wondering is how long I should wait before taking him out and handling him? I would love some feedback! God Bless - Moefv

 

[ImNotYogi]

I'm pretty new to reptiles but I let my leo walk along my hands while they're still in his tank. Just to get him used to being handled. He has started to try to crawl on me while I'm grabbing a dish or checking temps recently. I take him out of his viv about once or twice every few days but never for very long as he starts wandering and seems to get freaked out after a few minutes. Or maybe it's just me worrying about him falling.

 

[Jaiden23]

I typically refrain from handling our leos until they have fully settled into their new tank. Once they've been eating and pooping regularly for a few days then I'll start gradually handling them. For some, it seems to take a few weeks before they really settle in, while others seem to be comfortable after just a day or two.

From personal experience, older leos seem a bit slower to start eating, but handle more easily alot faster than hatchlings and juvis.

Just take it slow, it should be pretty obvious if your leo doesn't want to be handled or has had enough for one day. For us, about 5 minutes per day with each leo is what we usually try. Sometimes less, sometimes more depending on their moods.

 

[katie_]

I agree with Jaiden. Every gecko is different. As long as they are eating on a regular basis, you may start.

 

[Crewdog00]

5 mins is the rule I use. Days when mine wants to handled she will be good for longer but once she's jumpy I put her back.

 

[Gtwo305]

the young ones are usually faster and a bit jumpy, so i didnt handle them at all until they got a little bit bigger, ive only had eko for 2 months and issac for a few weeks, and i just take them out once in a while to get them use to my hands i guess lol

 

[panthergecko]

My adult leo doesnt mind being held but hates getting petted as when I do so she trys to get away.
My baby leo actually comes out when Im near and if put my hand in he'll climb it even from a distance