Q&A for How to Hold a Leopard Gecko

Leave your hand, palm up, flat on the bottom on the tank for about 5 to 10 minutes each day. Be sure to move your hand slowly while putting it into (and out of) the tank. Don't pick your gecko up right away when she crawls onto your palm. Instead, let her crawl around for a bit before moving your fingers. If you can perk up your fingers without scaring your gecko, you can try lifting your hand.

Yes, but it would be best if you did not.

Yes, he will trust you if you handle him properly, feed him right, and spend a lot of time with him.

A leopard gecko usually will not sit still unless is is very tame and relaxed.

Yes, but it may take longer, depending on whether or not the gecko is accustomed to seeing you or your hand.

The fatter tail, the healthier gecko. That is fat reserves for brumation, a kind of hibernating, and also for egg laying to keep from losing weight.

Don't be worried; they are easy to tame. Follow these steps, and you will be fine.

A leo is smarter, but a corn snake is more active. A leo can be trained, but a corn snake always tries to escape.

Just be more careful.

Put your other hand in front and repeat this process until he stops or you can put him down.

No, that's the case of giant day geckos. With giant day geckos, you have to let them willingly crawl onto your hand. If you pick them up like a leopard gecko, they're skin is very sensitive and you can rip their skin, pulling the tail off.

Yes, but it takes time. First, they must be used to your hand being around.

Yes, put your hand in front of it and let it inspect it. Don't move your hand until he seems relaxed.

No, crested geckos need a humid environment while leopard geckos need a dry environment and they will attack each other.

Not necessarily. Just try feeding him/her different food. They might not like what you are giving them. If you've tried feeding it many different things and it still won't eat, consult a vet.

If your gecko is female, she is probably ovulating and may lay infertile eggs. Otherwise, they sometimes dig for enjoyment.

If she's a new gecko, give her some time; she'll come around. If you've had her for a while, consider spending more time with her so she can get used to your hand.

Take your time and be patient. Let her come to you before you try to hold her.

It depends on how active your gecko is. If he/she tends to move around a lot, it's probably not safe. Try it while sitting on the floor first so that if your gecko falls or jumps off your shoulder it's less likely to be injured.

He likes looking around at you, other people, and everything else around him! Geckos are naturally curious.

Yeah, he will. It just takes time and effort. It may be a month or two, but he will eventually trust you. Just be patient and put your hand in the cage for a few seconds at a time every day until he starts to come near you.

Most likely he feels like he is on unstable ground. Generally geckos will jump to a different location if they feel like they're about to fall. Make sure you have both hands under the entirety of your gecko to ensure he feels safe.

The leopard gecko in the picture is perfectly healthy. It’s a juvenile, and they are usually thin.

Maybe the tank is too small because that can make the leo stressed, but handling him cautiously outside the tank should give it some of the freedom he wants.

Yes, as long as you are really careful. You could easily cut off their air supply by pressing too hard. Give it a soft, gentle stroke, and your gecko will be happy.

It is normal for younger geckos to have smaller tails. It will get fatter as the gecko ages.

It depends on the gecko. Try with one finger and see how they react before touching them again. Usually, once they get used to you, they are more tolerant to affection.

Geckos are very calm animals, so if you are scared of them, just take it slow. Start off gently petting one.

Just put him back in his terrarium and leave him alone.

No, mine never gets bored of crickets and has fun chasing them around.