Reactions to touch

[Zig]

How do you read a Leos body language?

I have noticed that when I run my finger from the top of "Lizze's" head down her back, she will go from laying on her stomach to standing up on all fours. She makes no attempt to move away, but responds very quickly to this physical touch. (Reminds me of how a cat arches it's back when stroked.)

How am I to read this response? Is it a positive reaction or a sign of stress?
(I'm really concerned about stressing this animal, as I have no idea what does or doesn't cause stress)

I have noticed she seems more comfortable in my hands or my wife's as she will remain very docile and seems content to just stay put, while she gets very active in my children's hands, making me think she doesn't feel comfortable in there presence.
What's she telling us?

 

[moosassah]

We have 4 leos. 2 of them appear to love being stroked down their back. The other 2 are not comfortable with it at all.

I think, like cats, leos are very aware that children are not to be trusted. This comes from the mom of 2 boys, ages 5 & 7. To help both the kids & the leo be more comfortable have them sit with their hands, palms up on their lap. Place the leo in their hands and tell them to let her walk. If she starts to crawl up their arms be sure they are aware that her claws will tickle & feel funny, but that they will not scratch. If the kids panic, that's when it gets dangerous for the leo. Be ready to scoop her away & return her to her cage.

The kids will get used to her very quickly. It might help to read a few gecko books with them. Even basic ones about caring about your pet.

 

[Zig]

To help both the kids & the leo be more comfortable have them sit with their hands, palms up on their lap. Place the leo in their hands and tell them to let her walk.

Something like this?:

Our two are close to the same age range (9 and 6), and knew what to expect.They are both very good about handling her just as calm/collected as we(the adults) are.
What I don't know is if I am reading her signals right - I'm seeing her being calm and relaxed as feeling secure and when she "scrambles" as feeling threatened. Could this mindset be backwards?

We have 4 leos. 2 of them appear to love being stroked down their back. The other 2 are not comfortable with it at all.

What do they do/how do they react to let you believe they are not comfortable?

 

[johnnyboy4783]

running away means leave me alone, and trying to grab her can be stressfull. they may hiss or lift tail and wave it back and forth they are signs they are on the defense. and be careful how high they are being held geckos have no depth perception and will jump right out of your hand if not careful.

 

[rhino43grr]

i've never had mine take a flying leap, but he will inch his way over the edge to where he's just hanging on by his back legs from time to time or try to climb down my pant leg to get to the ground... i always "catch" him before he makes his escape though

 

[johnnyboy4783]

i have had them try and jump right out of my hand good thing i know how to catch

 

[lil_katiedan]

The smaller ones and high-strung adults are the ones that will typically run and jump off things.

 

[Leopardbreeder]

Reptiles are VERY protective of their spines, that might be why it jumps up. Also, a light touch to a gecko is like a tickle to us because they have very sensitive skin.

 

[johnnyboy4783]

only my tremper like to jump out of my hand she is still a little skittish but my high yellow she seems to love when her hed and back are rubbed. she acts like a little kitten when i rub her back.

 

[moosassah]

Handling them like you show in the picture is perfect for kids. If the leo still doesn't calm down after a few days of trying this for short periods of time you could try it with a light blanket over her like a cave. This allows her to hide & the kids to hold her at the same time. It'll take patience.

She's pretty. My boys would've named her Bonehead because of the marking on her head....ahhhh boys!

 

[T&KBrouse]

We have some reptiles that will actually "move into" a touch. Almost like a cat stretch or when a cat rubs its body against you. From my observation, it seems to mean they are comfortable and not stressed out. Then again, I don't have geckos, so I could be way off base.
Shes quite beautiful, BTW!

 

[godzillizard]

This is just a hypothesis I think that the enlarged scales on the dorsus of leos are a developed sensory organ--those scales are extra sensitive, enabling the gecko to feel tiny differences in pressure/vibration.

These geckos live in burrows, crevices, and pretty much underground in the wild--maybe these scales tell the gecko if a predator is approaching from above, or even warn them of seismic issues (landslides, collapsing burrows etc.) just a thought...

 

[Bodon]

If mine dosn't want to be taken out, and by that i mean crawls right onto my hand, then i don't bother taking her out. It is frustrating because i want to handle her sometimes when she doesn't but i feel its better all around for her. That's just me though, i've seen a lot of people just reach in and grab them whenever they want.