Reptile & Amphibian Forums

when handling my baby leo how careful do I have to be. Mind you I don't plan on handling him much at this stage anyhow concidering he is new to his home and I want him to get nice and comfy.

Also he has a little bit of unshedded skin on the tip on his nose that seems pretty stuck on there. I have made sure the humidity is good and tried a little rub but I figure if I just leave it it should come off in time no?

Baby leos do have to be handled with care. This doesn't mean they will break apart like fine spun glass. Holding them in your hand (basically let them sit in the palm of your hand) is fine, just be careful they don't run off and fall. Probably best to cup your hands around them then sit somewhere so if he does run, he can't fall. Gentle restraining can be used, but do this sparingly, being enclosed by big fingers probably will seem like being eating by a very long toothed critter.

Avoid holding or crabbing the leo by the tail. It could break off fairly easily. Though it will grow back, the tail is used to store fat etc and a growing baby needs to have access to that.

For the piece of unshed skin on the nose, you can try to gently rub it off with a damp face cloth. Providing a moist hide will benefit as well. As long as it isn't blocking the nostales it shouldn't be a problem. Make sure the humidity is good when he next sheds so the old shed will come off with the new shed.