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A leopard gecko is a very special pet. It is one of the few reptiles that enjoys being handled, but only if you do it right. If you mishandle your gecko, you could end up with a cranky or even vicious pet.
Steps
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Move your hand slowly towards the gecko so it can see your hand. Make sure it knows that it is just your hand. Gently slide your fingers under the belly with your hand on top of the gecko. [1] X Research source
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Move gently. Your hands always have to be open and loose. The gecko needs to feel safe. Don't squeeze the gecko as this can injure, anger, or scare it. [2] X Research source
- If you try to constrain the gecko, it may think that you are a predator and trying to eat them. That's really scary!
- A scared gecko that cannot get away may turn around and bite you.
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Pick it up slowly and take it out of its cage. When handling it, just let it crawl around or sit on your arm or hand. Enjoy your new friend. [3] X Research source
- It is safest to sit on the floor when you are handling the gecko. This way, if the gecko jumps and lands on the floor, it won't have too far to fall, and you won't step on it.
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How Do You Feed a Leopard Gecko?
Community Q&A
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QuestionHow can I get my gecko used to my hand when she is afraid of it?Community AnswerLeave 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.
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QuestionCan I still hold my gecko if he is shedding?CourtneyLaurenCommunity AnswerYes, but it would be best if you did not.
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QuestionIf my leopard gecko doesn't trust me, will he ever trust me?Community AnswerYes, he will trust you if you handle him properly, feed him right, and spend a lot of time with him.
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Tips
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- Stay calm when handling your gecko, make sure you aren't tense and/or shaky.Thanks
- Make sure you wash your hands before and after handling your gecko.Thanks
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Warnings
- If your gecko hisses or opens his mouth as though it will bite, don't touch it.Thanks
- Geckos can be stubborn. Sometimes, getting your gecko used to you can take a while.Thanks
- Wash your hands after handling. Reptiles can spread diseases such as Salmonella. [5] X Research sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.wagstowiskers.com/pupdates/2018/10/10/6-tips-to-get-your-leopard-gecko-to-trust-you
- ↑ https://www.reptifiles.com/leopard-gecko-care/leopard-gecko-handling-body-language/
- ↑ https://www.wagstowiskers.com/pupdates/2018/10/10/6-tips-to-get-your-leopard-gecko-to-trust-you
- ↑ http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Leopard-Gecko/
- ↑ https://m.petmd.com/reptile/care/caring-baby-gecko
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 105,104 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "Before, my two leopard geckos were very skittish. I searched how to handle leopard geckos, and this wikiHow article popped up. I read it, I made a little hole in my time to try this, and it worked. After a while, they let me (as well as my mom and dad) hold them." ..." more
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"Before, my two leopard geckos were very skittish. I searched how to handle leopard geckos, and this wikiHow article popped up. I read it, I made a little hole in my time to try this, and it worked. After a while, they let me (as well as my mom and dad) hold them."
..."
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"Well yesterday my dad got me a Gecko and like it was really fun and my dad showed me this article and it told me how to take care of it."
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"I just got a leopard gecko, and I didn't know how get it out of its cage. This really helps, now Lizzy will come out."
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"The tips had a lot of stuff that I learned from them so I could do what I wanted to do better."
"It helped me to understand how to hold a leopard gecko and not scare it."
