When and how to start handling.

[Dudemom888]

We got Greg the leopard gecko abotu 3 weeks ago and he's doing great after a rough first week and a half. He's about 6 months old now (guessing...). At first we had mealies in the tank but he wasn't eating them (not sure if it was cuz he couldn't see/reach them). Then I hand fed him 9 that he gobbled up....then didn't eat for 3-4 days...and was having digestive issues, and he was real skinny. And the tank wasn't warm enough....
So, we put in a heat light and got the temp to about 88 on average on warm side...and switched to small crickets! What a difference. He's been eating 5-8 small crickets a day and his tail is nice a thick and he is just strutting around the tank like he's king! We are loving him now.

Now, to my question. How do I start getting Greg used to being handled? I go in his tank daily to clean up his messes, change water, etc... and he doesn't freak out too much. IF someone moves quickly he darts into his hide...but then is out within seconds. He's even sleeping outside his hide sometimes so I figure he's pretty comfy. When should I start trying to pick him up? I don't want to stress him.

Thanks everyone!!

 

[iFizz]

My baby gives me similar problems. I started something with her I call "water taming". I fill my clean, plugged sink with less than half an inch of water, room temperature. She isn't bothered by the water, but will always climb on your hand when you offer it. She goes up without fuss and is calm. Try it, maybe it will work for you!