Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm interested in a small day gecko, but from reading care guides I've learned that thier skin can be torn when handled. So just how careful do you have to be when handling them? I know they move pretty fast so to cath one gently sounds really difficult.

Day geckos really shouldn't be handled much if at all. Handling them can cause them stress, ripped skin, and they will even bite if being restrained. If your interested in handling a gecko a leopard gecko would make a great pet. They aren't as fast as day geckos nor can they cling to walls. Pick up a few at the pet store and find one that is calm, but healthy.

I recently purchased my first gecko, an African Fat Tailed gecko. I did a lot of research on the internet and in books, and I chose the fat tail over the leopard gecko because they have a reputation for being even calmer than leos, not as fast, and they very rarely bite, even as juveniles. However, if you want to have several, make sure you get females, as males shouldn't be housed together. My AFT likes to be handled and isn't squirmy at all. The only thing with AFT's is that sometimes they can be more stubborn than leos and it takes them a little longer to adjust to a new home. Whatever gecko you get, captive bred is best. Look for one that is alert (as much as possible, they are nocturnal) with clear eyes, no gunk around it's mouth, and has a big "meaty" tail. AFT's are also very easy to care for, here's link that gives some more info:
AFT caresheet and information

I don't handle my lizards so much. I keep them as display. But I wanted to know because I read that they are delicate yet fast. When I had anoles. It was kind of a trick to catch them to clean the enclosure. And was wondering if a Day Gecko would behave the same.

I bought one today and the guy at the store had a little bit of trouble getting him. But it's skin seemed to be just fine after being grasped and put into the carry container.