Leo behavior

[e_cupcake26]

I have a quick question about gecko behavior. Do you think one week is too short a time frame try to handle your leo? My little guy is normally happy to see me, and tonight I offered him my hand, but I think he didn't want be bothered because he opened his mouth and displayed his teeth to me. It reminded me of a crocodile when they warn intruders not to come any closer or a hippo when they so call "yawn" at each other. He also likes to dig in one particular corner of his viv. What does that mean? He's my first reptile so I'm curious about about his behavior. Any suggestions or insight would be greatly appreciated!:main_laugh:

 

[Haligren]

From what I know of reptiles, which probably isn't as much as many others on here, but the open mouth is a warning sign. And the digging is a natural behavior for leos, so don't worry. I have a few small leos at the store where I work that like to dig a little.

To get your leo used to your hand and eventually your touch just put your hand in the tank while he's out and about for a few minutes everyday. Eventually he'll get curious and come over to investigate. He might even take a bit of a lick to see what you are. When he starts climbing over your hand, then you can try to gently lift him up. If your leo is very young he's going to be a bit more skiddish than an older one, and you could try training him to be a bit more handleable when he's a little older and bit calmer.

 

[fallen_angel]

I honestly don't know why he would have opened his mouth at you, I have never seen him do that.. I know he was coming to you the other day, and was responding to your voice as well. So I am not sure, I suppose it could be an "off" day for him. He has always been pretty good with handling and settles down quickly once he's been sitting on your hand or arm for a little bit. I do think that one week is a pretty good amount of time to start handling, or at least start trying to get him used to you by placing your hand in the cage and letting him "smell" you. He should come around in no time

 

[e_cupcake26]

From what I know of reptiles, which probably isn't as much as many others on here, but the open mouth is a warning sign. And the digging is a natural behavior for leos, so don't worry. I have a few small leos at the store where I work that like to dig a little.

To get your leo used to your hand and eventually your touch just put your hand in the tank while he's out and about for a few minutes everyday. Eventually he'll get curious and come over to investigate. He might even take a bit of a lick to see what you are. When he starts climbing over your hand, then you can try to gently lift him up. If your leo is very young he's going to be a bit more skiddish than an older one, and you could try training him to be a bit more handleable when he's a little older and bit calmer.

I figured the mouth thing was some sort of warning. ( Good thing I watch nature programs) It kind of hurt my feelings, but I'm never one to hold a grudge. I"ll give him some space tonight and try to place my hand in there again tomorrow night.

 

[e_cupcake26]

I honestly don't know why he would have opened his mouth at you, I have never seen him do that.. I know he was coming to you the other day, and was responding to your voice as well. So I am not sure, I suppose it could be an "off" day for him. He has always been pretty good with handling and settles down quickly once he's been sitting on your hand or arm for a little bit. I do think that one week is a pretty good amount of time to start handling, or at least start trying to get him used to you by placing your hand in the cage and letting him "smell" you. He should come around in no time

I think he needs to lick my hand first. He has yet to lick me, so I'm going to give him his space tonight and try again tomorrow night.

 

[kathleen]

Remember this is a new enviroment for him and things just don't smell the same for the little guy.

 

[Geck-O]

I don't mean to hijack this thread but I have a question. You see my leo only comes out at night as do most leos but the thing is, I think he is trying to avoid as much attention as possible. He only comes out when the lights are off and it's time to come out (around 8PM) He used to do this every day. But when I got curious to see what he does, I turn on the light and he slowly watches me and afer a while goes back into his cave. Now he comes out to walk around much later than 8PM. I feel like I'm interuppting him. So, from what I hear on this forum, your leo's want to be handled but I'm not sure about mine. He always goes in when I'm there looking at him. How do I get him used to being watched and acting normally? I also had another thought. To get him used to light, should I turn on the light when he normally comes out or will that make him come out even later?

Thanks in advance,
Collin.

 

[fallen_angel]

It's not that leos want or need to be handled, but they can become very used to and tolerant of it. Although I suppose it could be said that some leos "ask" to be handled based on their behaviors.

Most leos simply do not like the light and won't want to wander about when it's on. But if you want him to be more active and at least not hide when you come in and turn the light on, there's a few things you can do.

But first.. How long have you had your leo? Is he albino? Have you gotten him used to you in any way? For example, putting your hand in the tank and letting him get used to that, then letting him lick you (it's their way of smelling). And have you handled him much? The best way to get them used to handling is to actually handle them Then once they're used to you, they won't be as inclined to go into hiding when you are in the room.

Also, how do you feed him? If you just leave worms in a dish in his cage at all times, he probably has no idea that you have anything to do with giving him food. Also, another thing about leaving a dish of food in the cage constantly, is that it decreases the gecko's feeding response. We actually don't use food dishes at all, and just throw in what the gecko will eat at feeding time (and we make sure they eat what we put in there, or we take it out). This will get your leo used to associating food with you, and they will begin to approach you any time they're hungry, or at least be happy/eager to see you when you come around to feed them. We actually have one female that sometimes literally stalks me as I walk back and forth in front of her cage.

Hope this helps

 

[Geck-O]

It's not that leos want or need to be handled, but they can become very used to and tolerant of it. Although I suppose it could be said that some leos "ask" to be handled based on their behaviors.

Most leos simply do not like the light and won't want to wander about when it's on. But if you want him to be more active and at least not hide when you come in and turn the light on, there's a few things you can do.

But first.. How long have you had your leo? Is he albino? Have you gotten him used to you in any way? For example, putting your hand in the tank and letting him get used to that, then letting him lick you (it's their way of smelling). And have you handled him much? The best way to get them used to handling is to actually handle them Then once they're used to you, they won't be as inclined to go into hiding when you are in the room.

Also, how do you feed him? If you just leave worms in a dish in his cage at all times, he probably has no idea that you have anything to do with giving him food. Also, another thing about leaving a dish of food in the cage constantly, is that it decreases the gecko's feeding response. We actually don't use food dishes at all, and just throw in what the gecko will eat at feeding time (and we make sure they eat what we put in there, or we take it out). This will get your leo used to associating food with you, and they will begin to approach you any time they're hungry, or at least be happy/eager to see you when you come around to feed them. We actually have one female that sometimes literally stalks me as I walk back and forth in front of her cage.

Hope this helps

Is does help. Thanks very much.

I have had my leo for about 3 months. I used to put my hand inside the cage every day but now I handle him about every day for a few minutes. My gecko isn't an albino. I started to leave a bowl of mealies inside for him about a week ago.