Pros and Cons of handling your leo during the day

[Dog Shrink]

OK I have read on a couple threads to handle your leo 2-3 times a day, well this kinda confused me as knowing they are nocturnal they shouldn't really be disturbed until evening hours right. Well my evenings are just packed with family stuff and I'm only afforded 1 good handling session in the evenings after the kids are in bed and the zoo fed, so I was wondering what could possibly happen to my leo by handling him during day light hours when he should be sleeping? I have nothing but time after hubby leaves for work and the kids get home from school, I have a good 2 hours I'd like to play with him but I don't want to stress him or pi$$ him off so I'd like to hear from the pros... Handle during the day or not?

 

[fl_orchidslave]

I think it depends on the individual leo. Some are easier to handle when they're in their sleepy mode, like one of my girls that had a severe eye infection when I got her. At night when she's ready to zip around, she doesn't tolerate even eye drops very well. During the day it's a snap. Some are indifferent as to day or night, they are happy to be interacted with. Some run and hide if bothered day or night. Even though they are primarily nocturnal animals, they may accept some flexibility

 

[Dog Shrink]

Thanks Laney for the in depth answer

 

[Jordan]

i find most of my leos are fine in the day, ive noticed there isnt much difference in personality. though i reckon if they could speak then they would probably say 'hey i was sleeping' lol.
though obviously their eyesight isnt as good in the day, and young albinos are sensitive to the light.

 

[Dog Shrink]

Well my house is never really bright. If I could put 15 watt bulbs in all the lamps I would. Heck I don't even turn on a light until you can't see a dog laying in front of you but good to know, point taken and my guy thankfully is not red eyed albino. He's mack snow.

 

[gothra]

To me, its not about day or night; its whether they're awake or not. I will only pick up my geckos if they're fully awake by themselves.

 

[Dog Shrink]

Well he always wakes up when I check on him during the day, I don't think I've ever caught him actually sleeping, I just assume he's sleeping if he's in his hide, know what I mean, He's not exactly the great explorer.

 

[Reborn]

Definatly differs from gecko to gecko. My Bell super now male does NOT like coming out during the day as its so bright. Neither does my jungle RAPTOR. But thats not to say all albinos are like that, my tremper, tremper engima, and bell girls all come out just fine. I always have a leo here or there wanting out, night or day. Most times if they see me they either want food or out(which they scratch at the doors to let me know). I've never had a leo get all moody where they'd bite or thrash about. Mine figure eh handling aint so bad. Plus who can ya show them off to at night? lol

 

[tlbowling]

My rule is: If their eyes are open they are holdable If their eyes are shut...do not disturb. Day or night....thats my rule for myself and my little guys

 

[Dog Shrink]

My rule is: If their eyes are open they are holdable If their eyes are shut...do not disturb. Day or night....thats my rule for myself and my little guys

I like your rule :main_yes:

 

[tlbowling]

me too

 

[Daedric1]

My rule is: If their eyes are open they are holdable If their eyes are shut...do not disturb. Day or night....thats my rule for myself and my little guys

I would think this to be the best answer. However, my leos usually notice when people walk by or are standing outside their tanks and then wake up, so it's hard to catch them in a deep slumber, unless you're really quiet.

I've never heard that you "should" hold your reptile two or three times per day. Maybe more like once per day or several times per week so that they will continue to tolerate handling. More handling and interruptions likely positively correlate with more stress.

Unless you're really worried about the stress levels of your pet, I wouldn't really go by any rule. Handle it when you want or when it's convenient for you - it's your pet. Just be reasonable.

 

[Dog Shrink]

Handle several times a day was something I had seen on a couple posts, no real rule of thumb, hence my query. I jsut don't want to stress him and break whatever bond or trust we've build thus far but I do like holding him when no ones around which generally falls during daylight hours unfortunately. Thanks for all your replies guys (and gals)

 

[GothicGurrrl]

I'm not an expert on leopard geckos.. but I always hold my leo during the day. I like to feed her in the evening and leave her to it for the rest of the night so she can be active and hunt without being disturbed.

 

[rubym]

I have have quite a few that get up a few times during the day and if I am in the room , I will get them out for a little mom time, lol. This has been our routine for quite a few years and noone seems to suffer from it. I wouldnt drag them from their hides if they r asleep but I see no harm in daytime holding if they are awake.

 

[Reptarissorad]

Every gecko is different. If he is friendly, I would say it is fine but if he isn't maybe wait till night so he will be more relaxed.

 

[PaladinGirl]

My rule is: If their eyes are open they are holdable If their eyes are shut...do not disturb. Day or night....thats my rule for myself and my little guys

Amen. I never handle mine during the day if I don't have to because they are sleeping. If they did come out during the day hours, I'd definitely be giving them some daytime cuddles! I just wait until they come out on their own, usually between 6 and 8. They poke their little emoticon faces out of their hides to look around. I love them!

The one thing that does suck is not being able to take them out and show them to people very often. But I still do it now and then anyways.

 

[ElapidSVT]

i never gave it any thought. i handle them when i need/want to. they deal with it. ymmv!


good luck!

 

[Adinar]

Depends on the animal really. If they are sleeping during the day, I will let them go. It's their time to sleep and I wouldn't want someone waking me up. Only time I would disturb them is if I have to. (stuck shed, medication, something of that nature) If they are awake or at least have their eyes open, sure why not.

 

[GeckoNub]

Apart from Yoshi mine dont seem to mind when they are handled or fed. Daisy and Bubba will sometimes be wide awake during the day and sleep at night or vice versa.

Yoshi on the other hand is NOT a day time kinda guy...anything between about 3am and 7pm is a no no and he will let you know it Then again he can be a Mr Grumpypants any time...hes just a drama queen overall I think thats why it feels 10x as nice when hes in friendly mode