Handling Problems

[FallOutFighter]

I have had my crested gecko for around a month. He is still a baby. No matter what I do I can't pick him up. I've tried putting my hand near him and just holding it there. He will just do nothing and ignore my hand or he will walk away. If he is moving and I lay my hand in front of him he will go in a different direction every time. I've been trying the hand in terrarium strategy for about a week now and have had no luck. I attempted to just pick him up a few times but he just runs of my hand and or fingers and goes somewhere else and the cycle repeats. If I try to pet him he walks away and goes somewhere else. I have also tried the food on hand trick but that didn't work. Should I just wait tell he gets older to attempt handling him? Once he gets older will he stop running away whenever I touch him?

 

[vintagereptiles]

Hi there

First let me just say. Yes he will keep running away, if you want a pet, a reptile should not be your first choice. For the most part reptiles does not like to be picked up or touched.

However Crested geckos are a little easier to handle than some other species of geckos, which makes cleaning the tank and other things like that easier.
They can "learn" or figure out that when running up an arm there might be food.
If you have your hand in front of him and then gently tries to pick him up with the other, you should be fine.

But in my opinion handling should always be kept to a minimum.
Be patient, it sounds like you have been spending a lot of time doing this. Give the little guy some peace so he does not stress out.

Good luck with him.

 

[FallOutFighter]

Ive heard from most people that crested geckos dont "like" being handled but get used to it over time and can be held for as long as 20 minutes a day. Maybe I was misinformed.

 

[vintagereptiles]

Maybe you could take it out for 20 min a day....
But why would you handle an animal for 20 min a day that does not like it.
Misinformed or not, you are responsible for your animals.
You have to think about the welfare of them and their needs over your need for handling it.
Im not saying that you cant handle you gecko, but let it be on the his terms.

Crested geckos are a joy to keep and watch.
Good luck with him