Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Could someone give me some good tips on handling an adult leopard gecko that hasn't been handled at all before ? I bought her recently and I've had her for a couple weeks now and when I walk into the room she runs around (does not hide) and she watches me doing my homework and stuff, so I know she's not afraid of me. But when I go to pick her up she kind of avoids my hand ... and when I do pick her up she doesn't want to stay still. Is this normal ? Any suggestions ?

Thanks for your help.
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Corn Snake
0.0.1 (Apollo)
Leopard Gecko
0.1.0 (Lily)
Mice
1.0.0 (Hannibal, he ate his cagemate)

Just give it sometime to get use to your handling. If it doesnt run to hide when you are around, thats a merit! To get him use to you, handle it a few mins everyday and place him gently back into the cage everytime.
Good luck
Sheri

im a new gecko owner. my gecko is the same way. i read in books that you should not handle geckos often because they can easily drop their tails. im so scard to hold her because i dont want this to happen. is it true that if you just touch the tail they may get scard and drop it? i have held her a few times and she wiggles around so i just put her back down. but she also is not afraid as long i dont touch her. -brandy
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brandy

i dont think that if you just touch the tails, they´ll let go... i think its when you grab, though i wouldnt try anything, because a new grown tail isnt as pretty as the original...in other words, dont mess with the TAIL lol

Even leos who are handled often ( like mine ) aren't real happy about the being picked up part. A good technique for picking them up is to put both hands in the enclosure, and use one hand to sortof herd the gecko onto your other hand. Then you can carefully lift out that hand and they will stay on it. They're much happier about it if they think it was THEIR idea to climb on your hand, lol! Leopard Gecko psychology. And when I say "handle" I mean let them walk around on you and wherever it is safe to explore, and you just keep a SHARP EYE on them, and guide them out of trouble, you aren't really "holding" them most of the time they're out.
And Brandy, it sounds like your leo will be fine to handle as long as you follow the above guidelines. Leos aren't that quick to drop their tails. Of course, never EVER grab them by the tail, hold on to their tail, or pick them up by the tail! Have fun, guys!

n/p
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brandy

At a distance you are not much of a threat to your leo..... BUT when you hover over it and reach in to try an grab it, its INSTINCTS kick in and tells it you are a predator..... Thats why it takes off like it does..... It will take some time but your leo will get used to you and if you are careful and try to pick it up like leaftail said, she will be handlable soon enough..... Just take your time because your leo will only get used to you at its own pace, not yours.....

n/p
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brandy