Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I haven't got a leo yet, but I'll get it soon. So far, I've done a lot of researching. How often are you supposed to spray them? I looked up in many caresheets, and none of them so far mentioned watering by spray. All they say was keep the soil in the shelter moist. Is that all I need to do with watering (with water dish, of course)? Or am I supposed to spray them like once a week? I heard that leos will develop skin blisters or some kind of injuries if they're kept too moist.

Also, what's the restriction of handling them? Grabbing them by tails is no-no, but when I do get to handle them, am I not supposed to do it for more than 5 minutes, or can they tolerate more than that? I heard that they'll get quite stressful if they're being handled excessively. One more question: is it possible for them to bite? or am I supposed to tame them so that they wont' get nippy?

Tim

Spray the humid hide just enough to keep the inside moist but don't spray anything else they come from a very dry place. Wait at least a month before handling your new gecko and don't handle it very much even then. Once the gecko has reached adult size you can handle it a little more. Some geckos are much more comfortable than others so watch for signs of stress and you should be alright.

Thay can bight but I have never heard of an adult doing this, just babies. Don't worry about it, it won't hurt at all.

np

Also, for an example, if I have a leo that is at least 6 in. long, and I'm using the substrate as sand, but in the shelter, should I have a moist soil like bed-a-beast, or just moist sand is ok?

Tim

Hi there
Your Leo won't bite if you handle it with care. They are hardy little reptiles but do require alot of common sence. Don't just pick it up like you would a hamster or other small animal,instead let the leo walk into your hand.
A shallow water is enough for 'watering' and get a misting bottle that you can use to spray paper towel, bed a beast, or moss inside the humid hide. Don't spray your gecko directly, he won't like it.
Leos can get stressed from over handling. If the leo is a baby you may want to ask someone specifically about handling babies. I have only had adults and I let my adults out for a crawl around about 3 days a week. They seem to like exploring and are happy alot of the time just riding on shoulder or if Im wearing a hooded sweat shirt they will climb in the hood and sleep.
Good luck!!!!

Thanks for all the helpful info! I'll do my best.

Tim

Looks like you're doing fine. Leos are really tame. So tame that I've never had to deal with any feisty ones. From what I hear, it takes a lot of intentional aggravation to get one of them to bite you.
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