Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm very frightend to touch my geckos tail. I want to clean the tail because there appears to be a slight wound towards the end. I don't know where it came from. I noticed it a few days ago, it looks like a small scratch with a little blood. She hides most of the time so I can't get a good look at it. She is about 5 moths old and I have had her for about a week. She scared to be picked up and sways her tail from side to side when I attempt to do so. If any one has any addvice or knows why she may be displaying this type of behavior please help!
thanks everyone

It is more likely that she is not used to being handled. Like you said, you take a good look at her, and I take it you don't want to pick her up. It's ok for you to pick her up to clean the wound. Keep the cage clean so there will no infection.

Well, if it's just a small flesh wound, its probably not worth worrying about. make sure the cage stays clean, and if you can without the gecko freaking out too much, dab a bit of polysporne or some other antibacterial cream type stuff on the wound.

The tail wagging thing tends to indicate excitement/unease and tends to stop once theyre used to being handled. Mine do that when I wake them up suddenly and when theyre about to strike at a food item. If you havent had yours very long and its only 5 months old, give it a few weeks to settle in and make sure it hears your voice/sees you cleaning the cage and throwing in food and such. Once it's used to you doing that, then try gently picking it up, while supporting it's weight. I find they usually dont like being lifted off the ground, but once theyre off the ground and safely supported in your hands they tend to calm down. Do this for about 15 minutes a day and it will probably calm down in no time.

so yeah, to summarize:
-keep the cage clean
-try and get an antibacterial cream of some sort on the wound
-let the gecko get used to your presence and then begin to try handling gently

hope that helps