New Baby Leopard Gecko

[Blakethomas]

This is my new baby leopard gecko! i had a bearded dragon but he got too big for me to handle so i gave him to my aquatics teacher! his name is Leo. I picked him up from the pet store three days ago . He was the whitest looking one they had. hes in a ten gallon tank with the perfect temperature on the hot/cool side. iIve been giving him a lot of space but every time i pick him up he hisses and bites me. will this change over time if i keep at it? i don't know how easy it is for them to lose their tail so i don't like to try a lot. also he eats a TON.

 

[Matt_pole]

First off, welcome to the forum! [emoji4]

You shouldn't handle a leopard gecko until he/she has had two weeks to adjust to everything. If you continue the attempts too early, you will probably make no progress and might start making it worse.

What exactly do you mean by "pick him up"? I may be wrong, but until your leo recognizes you as a non predatory food giver, he will not like to encounter you. When you have left him for 2 weeks you should lay your hand flat in the tank and wait for him to get curious. Let the leo decide when you can pick it up.

 

[Blakethomas]

By picking him up I mean I want to let him run around so I can play with him. And thanks for the info!!

 

[cornsnakegirl]

As he is so young, it may take awhile and you should be prepared for that if you want his full trust. They don't "play" per se. Remember they can be fast when they want to, so keep that in mind as to where you take him in your house to roam.

 

[RUBYsoho]

Welcome to the forum! I'd say just as a rule of thumb, it's not a good idea to "pick up" a baby leo (or any new leo, for that matter), until you are certain they are comfortable & well-adjusted to their new homes. Like Matt_pole said, after a few weeks, you can try to handle him, but I'd suggest putting your hand out in front of him & letting him walk up to you on his own. I've had my girl for years now, & because she's comfortable, she seeks me out when I open the lid of her enclosure. If you pick him up too soon, he'll most likely feel threatened & by natural instinct try to scurry away. Let us know how it goes!

 

[lisa127]

They are all individuals. But as babies none are going to seek out your company. Don't pick him up right now unless absolutely necessary. Do routine maintenance and as the time goes by just leave your hand in there for him to investigate. Eventually he will get more used to you. As he grows up and gets bigger he will become more calm. I don't believe in ever thinking of a leo as a pet to take out and play with. I have two leo's right now. A large calm male that will hang out with me while I'm on the computer or whatever. And a somewhat less calm one that I can handle but he doesn't like to hang out so much. He gets spooked easier than the other. Neither would I say I take out to play with though. Enjoy them for what they are. Retpiles, not a cat or dog.