Very shy.

[Lena]

I've noticed that val is extremely shy, she goes into her hide whenever I'm present and doesn't come out until she's sure I'm gone and returns to her hide promptly on my return.

Is my choice of hide part of the problem? I made a hide out of an upside-down mushroom box (cleaned, of course) with a hole cut in one side. She's completely concealed by it and I can't see her at any time while she's in there..

I brought her home last Saturday. Is there any way other than regular handling that I could help her to feel more comfortable around me? Or does she just need time? Is this just how some leos are? This is my first leo and I'd sure like to see her up and about more often, even if it's at night. Her enclosure is right on my desk next to my computer. :main_robin:

 

[blightedchemist]

-Congratulations on your first leo, may she be a hardy one.
-If you just brought her home, she is still getting used to the new surroundings and home so she will lay low as she is for a while.
-The hide seems fine. My leo stays in his hide nearly all day long except for feeding. When I enter my room(similar postioning to your setup, next to my computer) he peeks his head out to say hi(ive also had him for about ten years and he has his shy periods.
-Some leos are shy and will maintain an elusive manner.
-In time she will become less skittish.
-Every time you feed her and she sees YOU feeding her she will notice you are not a threat and warm up. All in time.
-Of course she will explore at night and it is possibly the best time to see her as she will be exploring her new home.
What mine does is keep to himself in his hide all day long peeking out every once in a while. At night he will wander out and walk around his tank, and a lot of times he will watch me, just sit and stare. Kinda cute...kinda creepy!
Good luck with your new girl!

 

[Lena]

Thank you very much! She was actually wandering around a little this morning. I put an empty paper towel roll in her tank that she seems to love, she's sleeping it it right now, and the best part is I can peek in!

 

[Bling_my_leo]

Good luck with your leo. Hope fully she will become un- shy (don't even think that's a word).

 

[Euphoric]

Yeah new geckos are always shy. I have an albino that I have had for a month and while holding has gotten better she is still a little skittish. Takes time and feeding mealworms to let her know you care

 

[fallen_angel]

You can also handle your leo a little bit each day to get them used to being handled.. The younger they are, the quicker they get accustomed to you

 

[Lena]

She's slowly getting more used to me, allowing me to stroke her head for a short amount of time and what not, actually staying still on the palm of my hand for more than a second. I'm trying not to overwhelm her with too much handling.

Waiting on phoenix worms to come in the mail, she's been hunting crickets lately and I want to hand feed her a bit.