Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi! My husband wants me to ask about exercise. Should we allow our little girl out to run in a safe spot in the house? Something bigger than her tank? Would exercise help her calm down? His theory is she needs to burn off a few of those crickets she's been gobbling down to calm down. (He applies the same theory to the kids. If they're too wound up he takes them on a 5 mile hike.) Necessary or not?

Deb

Well these guys are always quite active (if healthy) and have fun doing their little acrobats in the tanks.

But.... I happen to be a firm believer and have experience to prove it, that the more I allowed my guys to run the more friendly and more trusting they became.
I do however have a reptile room that is lizard proofed.

But I can take a wild caught and after he has been quarentined from everybody and I know it's safe to have him mingle, I let him down to run. After a few hours he's returned to his tank.

I repeat that for a week then allow longer periods of time out a day, within 2 weeks I have a collared that will jump into my hand, knowing he's gonna be turned loose, and they seem to develope trust in me, seeing me walk around the room taking care of everyone else I do not pose a threat.

If you do not have a reptile room (lizard proof) then short runs in a bathroom work.
There is no furniture for them to get under, pretty open, and just sit in there let him crawl over you, on you, and get used to you.

Make sure toilet is closed and drain holes anything potentially dangerous.

Best wishes with your buddy. Let us know how ya do and

Happy New Year!
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PHEve / Eve

Contact PHEve

I think exercise is a good idea, when my lizards are pacing the glass I take them out and let them run around it seems to help. I let mine run around on top of the couches, but since yours is skittish, like Eve said make sure there is no furniture they can hide under.

Good luck,
Morgan