Q&A for How to Have Fun With Your Leopard Gecko

Yes! They are a terrestrial gecko. A lot of people think that they don't like to climb, but they'll climb anything. Just be sure that anything they're climbing is secure so it doesn't fall over while they're on it.

The hide spots can really be anything—they can be wall grounds, they can be boxes, they can be flowerpots. They can be virtually anything, but the more variety of stuff you give them and the more often you switch it up, the better

Yes, they do. They are the few types of reptiles who like to be handled, but make sure to give it time before you can handle it, as it may be stressed out. Only bring it out of its terrarium 10 - 20 minutes at a time, as it may get cold (you can check by feeling its belly).

Honestly, I am a middle schooler and I've had my leopard gecko for quite a while. If your middle schooler is a calm and patient person, leopard geckos will be a good first pet.

This means that it doesn't want to be bothered right now. It could be shedding, sleeping, digesting, or just unfamiliar with new surroundings so it hides. If it stays in the hide for awhile and doesn't eat, then take it to the vet, for it might be sick.

It takes time for a leopard gecko to get used to you. When holding it, move slowly as it might be scared. Also if you talk to your gecko, make sure your voice isn't too loud!!

You should problably do the method where you make a gecko proof table and have him walk around on that. It is safe, and fun for him.

You could wake him up once in a while, but don't make it a habit or he will not like you. Remember that geckos are most active at twilight, so if you want to handle your gecko regularly you should do it in the evening.

During nighttime hours, yes.

The gecko could be shedding. This happens once a month and the gecko usually doesn't eat. If it doesn't look like it's shedding, maybe the gecko doesn't feel comfortable eating in that part of the enclose. Move the food bowl to a more sheltered area.

This depends on the size and age. If your gecko is less than six months, then feed it every day. If it is from 6 months to a year, then every other day. If it is over a year, feed it every two to three days.

Remove the hide temporarily so that it gets used to not being in that hide. If that doesn't work, it may be because you don't handle it enough, so you can try moving the hide and picking it up if it is a young gecko. This process will be easier if it is older -- it may try biting you but it does not hurt. Don't put it back in the terrarium if it bites you -- it will think it can do that if it wants to be put back in it has to bite your hand.

It can take a while for a gecko to settle, it often likes to look around and be sure of its surroundings first. Also, as geckos are nocturnal, they won't be out for the day, hence why yours probably stays in its hide. Lift up the hide to check that the gecko is okay and on occasion, if you lift out your gecko, you may find it's interested in exploring.

Repetition. Never give up. He will most likely never like being handled, but over time he will learn to tolerate it. It will be a long process, but if that's what you want then I think you can commit to 5-15 minutes a day. To get him to associate you with better things, when you're done playing with him reward him with a waxworm, but only once every 1-2 weeks. Waxworms can be very addicting to geckos so don't feed them too often, or he might begin to refuse other food.

It depends on the source of heat you're using. You may want to switch to an under tank heater. If that's what you're using, make sure it's the proper size for the tank.

I say it's okay as long as the water doesn't go up past its stomach and the water is fairly warm (but not hot).

It is because she got scared or spooked. To get her to stop doing this, leave her in the tank and place your hand in front of her. When she is comfortable with that, pick her up and pet her and handle her.

Have a bit of food in your hand, preferably a mealworm. It's not guaranteed since you can't really "train" a leopard gecko, but it might work.

It's definitely not safe, as they are not only different species, but bearded dragons are typically larger than leopard geckos. It can be fun to watch them "play," but it stresses both of the animals out, and stress can lead to health problems.

Slow tail sways are the best indicator that your leopard gecko is very happy. This usually happens when a young leopard gecko is hunting or eating, although adults will do it from time to time.

Most gecko bites will not harm you, but they may be surprising. If you are feeding it from your hand, try not to move your fingers or your gecko may think your finger is food. See your doctor if your gecko's bite causes an injury.

Your gecko is most likely alarmed by the movement. If possible, take your leopard gecko's tank to the floor and take them out. Get yourself comfortable, and let it explore you on its own. It's likely it isn't comfortable with you yet, and is just scared. Do this at least twice a week to build its comfort level.

Yes, but it won't exactly do flips. One trick is getting it onto your hand whenever you want without forcefully picking it up. First, get your gecko used to you, then get it to walk onto your hand by introducing yourself. Then, pick it up and give it some food. After a few repetitions, the gecko will naturally learn to go onto your hand whenever you put your hand in its tank. Another way is to say its name, then give it food. In short, just give it food when it does something you like, and it'll learn to do it without getting food.

Leave out a small heat mat with paper towels over it, the gecko's water dish, and a dish of mealworms -maybe even a waxworm - to coax it out. Set this in the middle of your room. After setting that up, look under furniture and behind things to find him. DO NOT move anything around, or you may squish your gecko.

You can leave the room light on, but don't keep the gecko out for too long, as it will become cold. Bring it out for only 10 - 20 minutes at a time. You can check if it's cold by feeling its belly.

Yes, as long as it is used to you and it is done shedding and you don't scare it.

That is a lot like what you would do most of the time. They are not energetic and they can't really play with a ball, but they do like to climb around, so you could just put them on your shoulder while you watch TV or something like that.

They are very friendly animals, but make sure not to make a lot of noise near them as they can be scared easily.

That's up to you! I typically in throw 12-18 crickets once or twice a week but your best bet is to pick him/her up, look at his/her belly, and if the whole stomach is filled with black, then wait 2 days. If it's not completely full, then put some food in. Remember not to throw away your gecko's skin because they need to eat it for nutrients.

An appropriately-sized heating pad. Never use heating rocks, as they can burn your pet. You can use an overhead lamp, but geckos can get stressed if they have a constant lamp on overhead, and it would be an unnecessary expense, as they do not need UVB light when you can warm up a cage just fine with a less-expensive heating pad.