Handling question

[monkeystyle]

I am a new leopard gecko owner and I had questions concerning handling. My leos are quite young and were purchased at Pet Smart on 4/6/14. They have both recently shed and one has just now started showing vague signs of spots underneath her/his bands.

My question is how much handling is recommended for young leopard geckos, if any? Currently we have taken them out for several minutes each day to marvel at them. They are usually fairly calm, but inquisitive.

In addition, we always try to stay seated on the couch so if they jump they are not in danger of getting injured. When they start getting more active or jumpy we put them back in their vivarium so not to stress them out or get them over stimulated. So far we have not had any incidents, but I am also still learning so any suggestions or recommendations are welcomed.

I included a couple of reference photos to show how young they appear to be.

 

[CorgiNole]

Great pictures. You will get a variety of answers. I am of the mind that it is important that they are comfortable being handled so that you can track weight and provide medical care. Fortunately the gecko that is on her third month of eye drops is the one who is okay with being handled

 

[monkeystyle]

I do love taking photos of my geckos! The first few times I handled Valor, the darker gecko, he would make a hissing squeak and snap at me. After two weeks of gentle care Valor willingly walks up to my hand and even climbed on to it twice today!

 

[cadiann731]

The first day I brought my leo home and put him in his viv, he let me hold him. All I did was put my hand in and he climbed right on and wouldn't get off. Now all he does is sit in his viv and stare at me until I come to take him out for cuddles.