Why is my 12 year old Leo scared of me?

[thesleepysloth]

I have had my 12 year old leo for 6 years. She has never had any health problems, but for the last 2 weeks she hasnt been eating. When I came in to pick her up today, she got absolutely terrified, lurched backwards and went into her hide. Since then whenever I go to pick her up, she does the same thing and starts to breath extremely quickly. Does anyone know why this could be happening?

 

[gothra]

She might not be feeling well. I find that if a friendly gecko suddenly changes behaviour to become defensive; its usually that it is feeling vulnerable. In the wild, they become easy prey if they're not feeling 100%.

 

[Ozy]

Good answer Gothra! My leo just doesn't like to be handled... She's a spoiled, diva brat. She LOVES to have her picture taken and be hand fed though.