help with holding jude

[scribegirl1996]

i got my little Leo Jude almost 3 months ago and he is a wonderful addition to my household zoo
my only problem is he is very defensive when i try to hold him, ive done everything i could think of to ease his qualms about handling such as...

putting a meal worm on the palm of my hand to bribe him

keep my hand still until he calms down

keep in mind i wait till BEFORE his daily feeding since he got nippy when i attempted to hold him
gecko teeth don't hurt they just feel funny

please help i have tried everything i can think of to calm him down and its starting to give me a complex

answers are welcomed

 

[DrenneRvc]

what I seen and did/do is just put my hand in the cage for 5 mins every night. My little guy is getting use to that and lets me hold him pretty well. Patience is key, just keep having patience and let him warm up to you when he is ready.

 

[scribegirl1996]

thanks so much! ill try it

 

[Mardy]

Leopard geckos are generally skittish when they are young. They eventually grow out of it with age, some get docile earlier than others, some take longer. So a lot of the times it's not what you do or don't do, it's simply they need more time to grow up & mature. Don't feel bad if you can't handle the gecko just yet, more patience will go a long way.

If you have a hatchling or juvenile, any gecko under 6 months old, they're likely skittish. They're quite daredevils when they are young, they'll take skydiving jumps off your hand if they get a chance. What I normally do is to wait until they get used to me, and they will if you are the primary person that feeds them. Once they stop running away to hide when you go to feed them, then you can start placing your hand in the tank, and let them approach you. Don't just start grabbing them as that'll freak them out.

Once they get used to walking over your hand, then you can start to lift them up. Whatever you do, slow movements, as they get really startled when you make fast, sudden movements. It's going to take time, and like I said, a lot of the times they simply need time to mature.

If you have animals, I would suggest locking them out of the room so they don't chase after the gecko if the gecko jumps off your hand.

 

[GeckoManiac91]

When I first got mine she was 2months old, I would do the same thing DrenneRvc suggested and just place my hand in there for 5mins every night. She never got really close but just sort of starred at it and eventually began to lick and then walk on my hand. After 2weeks of doing that I started to take her out when she went on my hand however I never started actually picking her up and taking her out until she was about probably 6months old (She was my first reptile and I was scared I would hurt her ). Now though I put my hand in her tank and she walks on it immediately or I can just pick her up myself

 

[Iloveice]

What would you do if they jumped?? Mine is also kinda skittish and I don't want to loose her!!! (She is 6 months)

 

[scribegirl1996]

i have had Jude jump a couple time but only from a couple inches
i suggest holding him with your hand in the cage and keeping him low to the ground so if he jumps he doesnt run of to GOD knows where

its not that easy or comfortable but its better to know she wont get hurt

 

[Iloveice]

Thank you I will do tht!!!!!!!!!