Right time for handling?

[Kazska]

I got my geckos a couple of weeks ago and I'm unsure how long I'm supposed to wait before attempting to handle them.

Some sites say you should wait untill they're 8 or 9 months old, some just say get the gecko used to you then you're good to go. I've been putting my hand in the cage to see what they do and to feed them, haven't really tried to pick them up yet. Nether have walked on to my hand willingly, but one licked and bit it.... but not hard so I didn't pull my hand out. I think she was just curious, I wasn't being aggressive so I don't think she was scared. It looks like they're happy for me to put my hand near them but I don't want to risk picking them up untill I'm sure they won't get too stressed. The LAST thing I want is for them to drop their tails.

They're about 5 months old so still kinda small, what would anyone suggest?

Thanks for any advice xxxXXX

 

[phearamedusa]

I think you're doing the right thing, by just getting them used to you. I don't think they will drop their tails just because you've picked them up, I think it has to do with them feeling like they are about to become lunch/dinner for some big predator. I held my adult the same week as I got him, but I don't think this is necessarily the norm. I moved them to a new tank recently, now he's not real big about being held. They are individuals, just like you and I, and some days I don't mind being teased by the other half and other days I just want to batter him for being a pain in the a$$:biggrin:. Hope this helps.

 

[@marko@]

i got my leo as a sub-adult and i handled her right in the store while i inspected her health. she wasnt scared, she acted more annoyed then fearful. so i doubt your leos will freak and drop their tails at handling, just go with a slow steady movement (steady is important, jerky movement is assosciated with predators). however its always best to handle as little as possible (dont handle if you can resist the urge) since reptiles arent domesticated and dont enjoy human contact.

 

[cindy]

Hi,

Your doing a good thing by letting them get used to you, in the safety of their own vivarium. Each leo has a different personality. For example; I have a male leo that is so docile, that even young kids can easily handle him. He has never attempted to bite, is very calm and steps on my hand willingly. But one of my females has a completely different character! If she only hears me opening their vivarium, she runs off in panic, and hides wherever she can. If you are ignorant enough tho ignore her panic and try to grap her, she bites without hasitating!!
My advice to you is; try to find out what kind off character your leo has, because then you know if it's the right time to pick her up!
Good luck!;-)
Greetz,
Cindy

 

[syntheticreality]

of my 13 leos, none mind being held too much. It seems to me if you get them used to being held at a young age, they will recognize the human hand as a normal thing and not a predator into adulthood.

I am not sure that its safe to say leos are happier not being handled. I think it depends on the specimen. Once they are used to it, I would say it may no longer stress them. I have a couple that come right up to me when I open their enclosure in my rack and they happily climb onto my hand. I also have a couple that arch their backs high up in the air when I pet them. It doesn't seem like its a threatening or defensive more, it almost seems like it tickles them.