Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm planning on getting a Leachianus and my only worry is, I hear they can deliver a pretty painful bite. So I'm wondering if I handle a young one often enough will it reduce the chances of it biting me when it becomes an adult?

Thanks

With just about any herp the earlier you start handling them the tamer or more used to you they get. Of course in some species even with the early handling can turn out to be biters, depends allot on species and individuals, I dont think leachies are aggressive though but I dont really have one, just what Ive read.

Jack
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Hi,

None of my leachies have bitten me (yet). I have four pairs and many juvies. Some of my females will hiss and "strike" at me during breeding season or egg laying. But as long as I make sure they are awake and know I'm grabbing them they have always been puppy dogs. Remember leachies sleep with open eyes (no eyelids) so you can startle them and that's a good way to get bit. They are strong and a bite can hurt, but no terrible damage. Also, I wouldn't be grabbing a female off of freshly laid eggs. I've done it but you better know which femaels will let you. Even my gargoyles lunge if I open the tank just after they laid eggs and are still "watching over" them. All in all I love my leachies. They are big, soft and very cool and will let you know when they are done being handled by hissing a little. They don't want to bite you as much as you don't want them to bite you. Most of their agreesive display is bluff, but that one time it's real can hurt, lol.

Heck, I've been bitten more by my terrier playing with her than anything else I have (and she's a good dog). In answer to your question, yes leachies learn to tolerate handling and starting younger is always better. But don't start until 6 or 8 months old or you will stress the leachie and it will probably grow at a slower rate than normal. I only handle the babies to clean the tank weekly. they are OK with a little handling.

Regards,
John

My yearling Gran Terre is exactly the same. i've never been bitten, and it's easy to tell when he wants back in his cage-- he'll start to get a little squirmy and jumpy, and sometimes he even "sqeaks" a bit.
They sometimes 'explore' a bit, crawling up your arm and whatnot, but mostly just sit there like a bump on a log, just make sure not to startle your leachie...handling at night is better as they are awake and aware, plus they should be used to you at that time from feeding, misting, ect.

best of luck!

Brandon

So am I better off in getting a male as opposed to a female? It seems to me that females are the more aggresive than the males.

Thanks Again

I would say that my males are a little more mellow than females. It will also be easier and cheaper to get males (although unsexed hatchlings are still seem to be the cheapest). They're sexable by knowledgeable breeders at 3.5 to 4 inches snout to vent.

John