Handling a new leopard gecko can be a troublesome task, especially for people who don’t have much previous experience dealing with reptiles, or if you’re someone whose experience with larger ones is universal. However, it is actually not that complicated.
When handling any animal, you’ll want to take things slow, and that goes for geckos as much as any other. When you first get the gecko, hold it only for short periods of time, or not at all, depending on how calm or nervous it is. An animal that is extremely nervous should probably be left alone for a while to get used to things.
Your lizard should be able to adjust to its new surroundings before having to deal with additional stress. Remember, it’s hard for such a small animal to realize you’re not a predator, given the size difference between you. Take things slowly to help you gain your gecko’s trust.
When you think the gecko is used to its surroundings, you can proceed to touch it. However, don’t just grab your gecko. After all, leopard geckos are prey animals for many other species, and a shadow from above tells them they’re in danger!
Instead, slowly place your hand inside the crate, like a piece of scenery, and let your pet get used to it and climb into it. The gecko must be willing to walk on your hand inside the cage. Once he gets a little more used to you, it will be easier to gently close your hand and hold it.
Remember to never move too fast or handle your animal roughly. He could be stressed and injured. Avoid touching the head or tail, as this can cause your leopard gecko to startle and bolt. Touching only the body will allow you to prevent your pet from feeling threatened.
Threatened leopard geckos will drop their tails, causing injury and the site of possible infection. To avoid this, never grab your gecko by the tail and only handle it as gently as possible. Take your lizard into your hand instead of holding it, and when you pick it up, cradle the body, applying as little pressure as possible.
Leopard geckos are hardy and durable animals, but they are still very small and can be injured by too much pressure, especially when they are babies. The more accustomed your gecko is to you, the easier it will be to handle it without fear of it escaping.
New or young geckos will be quite nervous and skittish at first, but will calm down as they get used to your presence. Handle your animal regularly to prevent it from losing the habit of your presence. Daily handling isn’t too much if you want to make sure your lizard stays friendly and sociable with humans.
Reptiles can “forget” their tameness and require socialization again if allowed too long without human contact. Delicacy is always paramount, don’t forget that just because your gecko is getting old. It’s still much smaller than you and quite easy to damage.