Introducing Walter! Plus some questions...

[J.Bosley]

Hello!
I am relatively new here... and have owned an adult Leopard Gecko in the past.

This past weekend I purchased a young Leopard Gecko from a Reptile Expo. I wasn't planning to get one, but had everything I needed at home (I acquire a lot or reptile gear, haha) He stole my heart, so I had to get him!

How do I get him used to be handled? The breeder said to handle him 15 minutes a day. Which makes sense, except he is ALWAYS in his warm hide... :? The past two days I have removed the hide and handled him (just let him sit in my hands), but he definitely tries to evade me in his cage... poor guy. I feel like I'm stressing him out! :sad:

Help?! How should I go about getting him used to being handled? :?:?:?

Meet Walter!

 

[Geckologist.tj]

Here is a link to a thread where this question has recently been covered. http://www.geckosunlimited.com/comm...d-geckos-how-often-feed.html?highlight=handle
Unfortunately, the best way to handle a leopard gecko can vary from one to the next. Some may learn to tollerate you within a few days while it may take others months. IMO, you should give a leopard gecko at least 2 weeks to adjust to its new surroundings and the sound of your voice and the way you smell etc before you begin trying to handle it. It stresses them out very badly to remove their hide when they are in it, so only do it if there is an emergency situation. If they are particularly skitish, they may detach their tail if you attempt to handle them against their will. As they age, they typically become more and more tollerant of interaction.

 

[J.Bosley]

Thanks so much!

I am definitely going to leave him be for another week, just feed him daily! Hopefully he will come out of his shell a bit... I am also going to be moving him to our "reptile room" which is quieter.