Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hey, I have had this gecko for a while and find it very hard to handle. He always tries to run away or hide. I would like to be able to take him out like i can with my other leo. Thanks for the help.

If the leo isn't used to being handled, it can take awhile to get him used to it. Instead of trying to pick him up all the time, offer him treats instead. This way he doesn't always associate your hands with something unpleasant. Once he is used to taking food from your hands, you can get him to come on your hand by putting the food in teh palm of your hand. Once he is comfortable with that then you can carefully lift him up while he is on your hand. Knowing the adult leos don't always fit in the palm of your hand, you may have to gently work your fingers more under his body to properly support him before lifting him up.

It also could be how you are approaching him. Most small lizards instinctively fear anything that comes down towards them from above as a predator, thus they run under shelter as fast as they can. Try approaching from the side, near as possible to the ground level of the cage.

Also keep in mind that not all lizards like being handled, some tolerate it better than others in their species. It is possible this particular leo just doesn't like being handled and never will. But be patient and persistant and he may develope a tolerance for short periods of being handled. It may take months to get him used to it.

If he was somebody else's pet, handling may have been done roughly or wasn't done at all, hence why he isn't too keen on letting you pick him up.