New Leopard Gecko Behavior

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Abigail1

New member
Hi guys! I bought a brand-new leo Thursday (after about a month of research and buying stuff for it) and little Rowan is doing well, although I do have a few questions.
First, Rowan is still pretty young, but does anyone know at what age their stripes break up into spots? I was told by the Petsmart associates that Rowan was only a month old, but he (or she) already has very visible spots on top of faded bands. I'm curious, because I need to know whether to feed him as if he were a 0-6 month old or 6-12 month old. Right now, I'm treating him like a 0-6 month old. I'm guessing he's around 3 or 4 months.
Second, Rowan is spending all his time in the hides, and won't even come out to hunt- he waits till the crickets stray into his hide. I've gotten to watch him eat, but I definitely make him nervous by watching. I'd like to know, should I wait till he's start coming out more before I try to start taming him? Or is it acceptable to start the taming process when he's still brand-spanking new? And, while I'm waiting to tame him, should I just stay away as much as possible, or is it ok to check in on him and talk to him a little, and watch him eat? I'm trying to be super respectful to his needs and attentive to his response to me. Right now he's still very wary. Thanks for any tips! Especially detailed ones.
 
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acpart

Well-known member
Welcome to GU! I find that the spotting changes take about 3 months or so, though it can continue. I recommend feeding as much as your new gecko will eat every night until it doesn't seem hungry that often, and then switch to every other night. Most juveniles hide most of the time. I recommend giving your gecko a week or so to get comfortable and then gently pick it up for a few minutes each night. Enjoy him.

Aliza
 
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Keeboard

New member
When you start to tame him, I recommend you don't force him out. Let him climb onto your hand on his own terms. Be patient; don't be discouraged if he doesn't right away. You can try handfeeding him as well. When putting your hand in there, at that age you can expect screaming and biting. If this happens, don't let it deter you; it doesn't hurt whatsoever. He'll eventually realize you won't hurt him and probably be curious enough to climb onto your hand.
 
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Abigail1

New member
Last night at like 2:00 am, Rowan actually came out of his hide for like 5 minutes to stare at me. Then he went back in. I feel like we've made some progress, since it's the first time he's come out of his hide while I'm in the room since I bought him! He's pretty shy and super stubborn, it makes me laugh. I'm doing my best to be patient.
Another question: I have a light on a timer in his cage, it's on from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm and it's pretty bright. I got it because the UTH gets way too hot (107 F) and I've ordered a thermostat but I can't use the UTH till it gets here. Should be Wednesday hopefully. Anyway, when the thermostat comes, should I just stop using the day light? I'm wondering if it's stressing Rowan out. I mean, he doesn't seem too upset, just wary, but I'm wondering if the bright light makes him even more unwilling to leave the safety of the hide. If I stop using the light, though, I'm worried about sleep cycles. Will the ambient light in the room be enough to tell him when it's night and day?
 
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Abigail1

New member
Alright so, happy update for anyone who's interested! Last night, Rowan actually came out of his hide while my sister and I were watching. He did it several times: came out, stared at us curiously, went back in his hide, repeat. Finally got some good pictures, although they're on my extremely low-tech phone, so I'm not sure if I can get them on here. Also, the thermostat came today, so I'll be installing that tonight when I'm feeding him.
 
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Abigail1

New member
New question: The guy at my little local pet store said that I needed to start holding Rowan even against his will, because once he starts hissing at me, I probably won't be able to tame him. I told him that I was waiting for a few days before trying to put my hand in the tank and was going to take it real slow, but he insisted that I needed to start holding it before it gets too old to train. Anyone have any experience with older juveniles who might not be that easy to tame? Should I do what I've been doing or start holding Rowan?
 
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acpart

Well-known member
I don't find geckos to be that sensitive. It's not the end of the world if you wait awhile, and being hissed at isn't so bad either. Give the gecko time to settle, talk to it while you're feeding it so it associates your hands and sound of your voice with food and then when you feel ready, try picking it up. If you're uncomfortable, even because you feel that the gecko may be uncomfortable, just put it back down and try another time. Some geckos tolerate or enjoy handling and some never do; it's not always related to how much they're handled. Some people have gotten adult leopard geckos that have been neglected or mistreated and been able to socialize them. Good luck with it!

Aliza
 
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Keeboard

New member
Pet stores usually give horrible advice. Leopard geckos don't really hiss unless they're babies anyway, and even if they do, they'll stop one they realize that you won't hurt them and that it won't deter you. I wouldn't force him out
 
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