Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've had my leopard gecko for about a month. He is a baby and up until last week, he has been very docile but ten days ago I tried to pick him up and he screeched at me! This startled me quite a bit so I just left him alone. It wasn’t until last Saturday that I tried to pick him up again but he screeched and snapped at me. I called the pet store ad they said that geckos go through a faze where they are going from adolescence to adulthood and they get aggressive during this period. Is this true and if so how long will it last and should I try to handle him during this period? Also, I have noticed he has become milky white meaning he is shedding, does this have anything to do with his aggression?

To me this is one of the best parts of owning leos. They are small and fragile, but they have the hearts of lions. I have seen some posts on here, where older, hormonal males can get a good nip on you sometimes.. however, most of the time they are harmless. Just because he squeaks, pees, or snaps at you, don't let yourself be deterred. Leos are not generally like snakes, shedding makes no difference to them whether they are agressive or not, because they can still see you. Once they are used to you being around, the snapping and squeaking will subside. Do not confuse this with not trying to run away, or squirming because they don't particularly like to be held. I have maybe 1 out of 15 that will walk onto my hand on her own, the rest run for their lives, even if they're staring at me through the glass.
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Jeff, "The Gecko Guy"

It seems like my younger boy is shier than usual right before he sheds. Its like he hates me EXTRA more that day and then the next i find that he's about to shed.

Anyone else experience this?